Dancing with
the Stars
on ABC
By
Ally Matteodo
The two-hour season finale
of ABC’s Dancing With the Stars aired at 9:00 p.m. on May 20th.
Hosted by Tom Bergeron (also known for hosting America’s Funniest Home Videos)
and Samantha Harris, every season twelve stars and their professional dance
partners face off in a dance competition. The prize is a disco-ball trophy and
the title of reigning champion. The stars are comprised of magicians, singers,
athletes, actors, and many other media personalities. In the finale, the
audience viewed flashbacks of stellar performances throughout the season, and
some stars who were voted off earlier returned to dance their most impressive
routines. The three stars competing in the finale were international film star
Cristian de la Fuente, NFL Man of the Year Jason Taylor, and Olympic champion
figure skater Kristi Yamaguchi. Special musical guest Usher performed dance
numbers to two of his smash hits, “Love in this Club” and “Yeah, Yeah.” In the
end, Kristi Yamaguchi was announced as winner of Dancing with the Stars’
sixth season.
One contestant on Dancing
With the Stars remarked that “this show makes the world a better place,” and
this comment could not be more true. The combination of electrifying music,
beautiful costumes, and magnetic dance moves provide an all-around joyous
celebration of life. The vim and vigor encapsulated in each performance is
energizing in and of itself. Watching the competition, the viewer is privy to
behind-the-scenes action in which the stars’ arduous practice sessions are
revealed. The program encourages hard work and perseverance. Christian de la
Fuente, although suffering an injury, continued to compete and refused to give
up. One of the contestants this past season was Marlee Matlin, an award-winning
deaf actress, who danced without being able to hear the music. A previous
season of Dancing With the Stars featured contestant Heather Mills, who
uses a prosthetic leg. The way these stars overcame their handicaps is
inspiration to everyone. Anything is possible if one has the drive and the
determination. In addition, an aura of friendly sportsmanship and camaraderie
is always present on the show. The contestants support and encourage each
other. The viewers witness life-long friendships in the making, and all the
contestants are affectionate toward one another. There is something magical
that happens in the ballroom under the lights when the music begins to play and
the partners begin to dance. Dancing With the Stars captures the
free-spirited and effervescent life-force of dancing, and in turn encourages us
to cast our fears away and dance.
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