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Some dance partners just have that undeniable spark that makes you forget everything else. Join us as we count down our picks for the "Dancing with the Stars" pairings who completely mesmerized us on and off the dance floor with their magnetic connection, effortless chemistry, and yes, sometimes even a little bit of romance. Which iconic duo completely stole your heart? Let us know in the comments!
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00:00My heart won't let my feet do things they should do.
00:06Welcome to Ms. Mojo.
00:08And today, we're counting down our picks for the Dancing with the Stars pairings
00:11who completely mesmerized us on and off the dance floor
00:15with their magnetic connection, effortless chemistry,
00:17and yes, sometimes even a little bit of romance.
00:21Lights will sing and wedding bells will ring.
00:28Number 20, James Hinchcliffe and Sharna Burgess, Season 23.
00:33Team Stop and Go had plenty of horsepower,
00:36but their real advantage was how naturally they clicked.
00:39We have the same sense of humor.
00:41When does the sprinkler come into it?
00:43But at the same time, I could tell how competitive he is.
00:47James brought the discipline and work ethic of an elite athlete,
00:50while Sharna knew how to turn that drive into bigger, bolder performances.
00:54She kept finding new ways to pull the character out of him,
00:57and James was game for whatever she threw his way.
01:07Off the floor, though, they were far more playful,
01:10often laughing through rehearsals and finding fun ways to tackle the challenge.
01:14That easy friendship showed up in every routine.
01:17The judges regularly praised their connection,
01:19and viewers were genuinely excited to see what they would tackle next.
01:38The show's first same-sex pairing,
01:42but their partnership quickly became about much more than a milestone.
01:56From their first quick step, the chemistry was obvious.
02:00They were playful, affectionate, and completely in sync.
02:03Siwa practically lit up when she learned Johnson would be her partner,
02:06while Johnson described her as all,
02:11Their bond also became a source of real confidence for JoJo,
02:15who credited Jenna with helping her feel more comfortable in her own skin.
02:18I made her look at herself in the mirror and repeat that she was beautiful,
02:21and I just saw a younger person, myself, and her,
02:26and it was really beautiful.
02:29That trust translated beautifully on screen.
02:32They earned the season's first perfect score on Grease Night,
02:36proving this partnership had plenty of sparkle beyond the studio.
02:51Number 18. Apollo Anton Ono and Julianne Hough.
02:55Season 4.
02:56These two instantly brought the heat,
02:58with Hough making her professional debut,
03:00and immediately showing why she would become such a Dancing with the Stars force.
03:04I like to move it, move it, I like to move it, move it, I like to move it, move
03:11it, I like to move it, move it, I like that, move it!
03:14Meanwhile, Ono already had the focus, athleticism, rhythm, and body control of an Olympic champion.
03:20Hough channeled all of that into sharp, technically demanding choreography without losing the fun.
03:26Okay, smarty, go to the party.
03:28Girls, essentially, Claire, choking by.
03:30Chick walks by, you wish you for sexo, but you're standing on the wall like you was one day.
03:33Together, they kept raising the bar, turning Ono into an impressively versatile dancer along the way.
03:39Their chemistry was just as noticeable off the dance floor,
03:43with their closeness fueling plenty of romance speculation over the years.
03:46They maintained that theirs was a close, supportive partnership,
03:49but viewers could certainly see the spark.
03:52It's far from where we've been, I know it's true.
04:00Number 17. Iman Shumpert and Daniela Karagach. Season 30.
04:05The only thing that looked mismatched about these two was the height difference,
04:08and even that became part of their charm.
04:11Can you guys see me under here?
04:12It's cool to be around somebody like Daniela that's upbeat,
04:16because it sort of forces me to come out of my shell.
04:19Daniela wasn't afraid to throw bold ideas at Iman,
04:22while he completely trusted her to attempt routines and tricks that looked especially daunting.
04:27Their partnership hit another level on Horror Night with their Us-inspired contemporary dance.
04:32When you're doing these type of things, if you don't have that trust, you might as well not do it.
04:37I just knew with my whole heart that this man will never let me touch the floor.
04:43Iman spun, lifted, and tossed Daniela around with impressive control,
04:48earning their first perfect score of that season.
04:50Their connection was unmissable.
04:52Iman credited Daniela with pushing him beyond what he thought possible,
04:56while she praised his dedication and willingness to go all-in.
04:59And that's how you win the competition.
05:10Number 16. Mel B. and Maxim Schmierkowski. Season 5.
05:14Just when it seemed impossible for Max to meet someone who could match his intensity,
05:19along came Mel B.
05:31Fueled by massive personalities and an absolute refusal to back down,
05:36the collision of pop star grit and ballroom drill sergeant created absolute magic.
05:41Their routines had real bite,
05:42with both willing to push each other and fully commit to every performance.
05:46Mel later revealed that beneath Max's tough exterior was a, quote,
05:50big, soft, cuddly teddy bear, making their dynamic even more entertaining.
05:55You could also see how much he respected a partner who could meet him head on.
05:59Together, they had the kind of fiery chemistry that practically crackled across the ballroom.
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06:40Number 15. Whitney Leavitt and Mark Ballas. Season 34.
06:45Mark Ballas is well known for his wildly creative, story-driven, and meticulous choreography.
06:50Fortunately, he found a kindred spirit in Whitney.
07:05Even though Mark initially didn't seem at all familiar with the mom talk world,
07:09they quickly proved to be a perfect match thanks to her natural showmanship.
07:13Shake your ass. Watch yourself. Shake your ass. Show me what you want.
07:18Shake your ass.
07:18You are your blazing pants right now and the place to be.
07:22Shake your ass.
07:23I thought I told you.
07:24Do's before your do's came best for me.
07:27Their routines grew fearless and deeply collaborative,
07:30making that shock elimination all the harder to swallow.
07:33Luckily, their connection didn't end in the ballroom,
07:36even giving us a glimpse of the freestyle that might have been.
07:39Added more. Much more than this. I did it my own way.
07:47The pair also reunited on Broadway in Chicago,
07:50with Leavitt starring as Roxy Hart and Ballas as Billy Flynn.
07:54That's quite an encore for this partnership.
07:56I think that's how it was meant to be,
07:57and I just think it's such a cool story that even though that journey ended,
08:02like, a new one's beginning, and I'm just really excited.
08:04Number 14. Alfonso Ribeiro and Whitney Carson. Season 19.
08:09Some of the best pairings have that sibling-like energy,
08:12and this season 19 duo had it from the start.
08:28They shared an intense work ethic,
08:30but neither seemed interested in making the competition feel overly serious.
08:34Whitney quickly figured out Alfonso's strengths
08:37and built choreography that let him stretch without losing his confidence.
08:41Sing, sing, sing, sing.
08:43Everybody's starting to sing.
08:46Now you're singing with a swing.
08:48He trusted her completely.
08:50Even when the dances demanded serious precision,
08:53their routines effortlessly won viewers over
08:55because they felt like two people genuinely having fun entertaining a room.
08:59Come on, they even brought back the Carlton.
09:01That easy rapport connected with the judges and viewers,
09:05making them an immediate frontrunner and an especially lovable pair.
09:09It's not unusual to find that I'm in love with you.
09:13Number 13. Sochi Gomez and Val Schmierkowski. Season 32.
09:22Given some of his partnerships,
09:23Val feels like Dancing with the Stars' resident big brother.
09:26I know more about this dance than Val.
09:28What I want you to focus on, Val,
09:30is not to do that.
09:31Under. No, no, no.
09:32No, no, no. You're la, la, la.
09:34No, la, la, la.
09:35Why are you laughing?
09:36Because it's great.
09:38We saw that dynamic with Zendaya
09:40and, of course, Season 32 champion Sochi Gomez.
09:44The two had a warm, playful bond,
09:46constantly joking around
09:47while still putting in the hard work
09:49and creativity their routines demanded.
10:02Sochi has spoken about how quickly Val figured out how she learned best,
10:07showing immense patience, kindness, and encouragement.
10:10Especially while navigating challenges like her dyslexia,
10:13Val, meanwhile, frequently praised her work ethic,
10:16fearlessness, and deep commitment to the craft.
10:18That chemistry was impossible to miss,
10:21with their precision, passion, and seamless connection
10:24shining through every single challenge the ballroom threw their way.
10:27To kind of let go and surrender
10:29in a moment of incredible fear and anxiety,
10:32it takes a lot of courage,
10:34and it takes a lot of, again, vulnerability.
10:37So I was really, really proud of her.
10:39Number 12, Milo Manheim and Whitney Carson, Season 27
10:43If Val is everyone's big brother,
10:46Whitney might be the resident big sister.
10:48She's so talented, she's amazing, funny, and so kind.
10:53I love every second of rehearsals.
10:55Was that right?
10:56Yep.
10:56Okay, thank you.
10:57We saw her unbelievable chemistry with Robert Irwin
11:00propel them to the mirror ball,
11:01yet her bond with Milo grew so deep,
11:04she practically became part of his family,
11:06even developing a relationship with his mother.
11:08Like, a partner like this is very rare,
11:10and so I will always cherish, you know,
11:12every dance that we did together,
11:14every rehearsal we did together,
11:15because it was just so easy and fun,
11:18and we had such a good connection.
11:19Their connection resonated with viewers
11:21and has stood the test of time,
11:23with fans calling their partnership one of the show's best.
11:26Whitney has frequently spoken fondly of their time together,
11:29calling their eventual runner-up placement a gut punch
11:32because she felt he deserved the mirror ball trophy.
11:34Their dances still circulate and gain appreciation online,
11:37with fans frequently rallying behind their partnership.
11:40She's gone.
11:46She's gone.
11:58Known by fans as hashtag Team Fish Upon a Star,
12:02this partnership had a natural chemistry from the start.
12:05I definitely feel like I lucked out with Lindsay.
12:07She's the best partner.
12:08I can't get over our matching outfits right now.
12:10I love it.
12:11I am feeling super excited about this season.
12:13Both have talked about sharing the same driven work ethic,
12:16but they balanced those long rehearsal hours
12:18with plenty of humor and silliness.
12:20They treated the studio like, quote,
12:22playtime,
12:23which helped them stay grounded through the intensity of the competition.
12:37Jordan learned choreography exceptionally quickly,
12:40giving Lindsay room to push the routines further with complex high-energy choreography.
12:45Their connection on the dance floor was magnetic,
12:47as Bruno Tonioli noted when he praised their ability to draw the audience in.
12:51Together, they created a joyful powerhouse partnership
12:55that cruised straight to a well-deserved victory.
13:15Number 10, Steven Neterozik and Riley Arnold, season 33.
13:20The Olympic gymnast and his dancing pro gave us the energy of two besties
13:24who have the most fun devising performances
13:27that they then make everyone else on the playground watch.
13:29I'm having such a good time.
13:32I'm having a ball.
13:34Stop me now.
13:35If you want to have a good time,
13:37just send me a call.
13:39Arnold shared that she had truly wished to be partnered with Neterozik,
13:43going as far as saying, quote,
13:45I was like, if he's not my partner, I'm going to cry.
13:47She also discussed how much fun she'd had getting to know him
13:50and that they'd become prone to a game night when they're not dancing.
14:04Both on and off the dance floor,
14:06you see both their deep respect and the fun they share.
14:09Perhaps they didn't win, but they gained a lifelong friendship.
14:13We saw that you guys went on a double date at Wicked.
14:15Okay, tell us, how was it double dating for the first time?
14:18Perfect.
14:18Awesome.
14:19As a group, we went so well together.
14:21We had so much fun.
14:22Number 9, Jana Kramer and Gleb Savchenko, Season 23.
14:27These two had such strong chemistry on the dance floor
14:30that it didn't take long for people to wonder
14:32if they were more than just dance partners.
14:34Come through the pool,
14:37make me feel like you're dangerous.
14:41I'm alone.
14:42Savchenko shut down the rumors,
14:44saying it was just good acting and a natural connection.
14:47But when you think about how many hours a day they spend that close,
14:51it makes sense they'd build a bond.
14:53There's a lot of acting.
14:54There's a lot of chemistry, natural chemistry.
14:57And, you know, when you dance and you train someone every day
15:01and you're up close and personal
15:03and you develop a certain connection,
15:07the viewer see it, you know,
15:09and you want to have that because you want to blast the competition.
15:12For Kramer, what made it work was how well they balanced each other out.
15:16Their steamy Argentine tango only added to the buzz.
15:19And even after the show ended, their bond stuck.
15:22I can't keep my hands to yourself.
15:25Give me your all and nothing at all.
15:30Kramer even reached out to Savchenko later for parenting advice.
15:33The partnership may have ended,
15:35but the friendship clearly didn't.
15:37It's my journey on Dancing with the Stars.
15:39All the ups and downs and the growth that I've made
15:41and that amazing friendship that I have now.
15:49Val seems like the kind of guy who could have chemistry with a coat rack.
15:53Maybe that's why his name keeps coming up
15:55when we think of the show's most iconic partnerships.
15:58From Rumor Willis in season 20 to Laurie Hernandez in season 23.
16:02We'll begin with the spin
16:07Traveling in the world of my creation
16:11But perhaps his most compelling chemistry
16:14was with his season 15 partner Kelly Monaco.
16:17Off the dance floor, they shared laughs and an easy friendship,
16:20which translated into incredibly captivating performances.
16:24I've got a lot of walls, you know,
16:28and Belle's slowly knocking them down.
16:33Val was awesome.
16:36He's teaching me how to trust again.
16:39Compared to her first round,
16:41Monaco appeared more relaxed and her score showed it.
16:44She didn't reclaim the mirror ball,
16:46but she and Val could easily claim the title
16:48of one of the most loved partnerships in the show's history.
17:02Number 7. Cheryl Burke and Gilles Marini
17:04Season 8
17:05When it comes to chemistry, as Burke said,
17:08You can't teach that.
17:09Like, you either have it with someone or you don't.
17:11Does that mean this pairing, again to borrow from Burke,
17:14quote, jumped each other's bones?
17:15They may say no, but it sure didn't look like they didn't at least want to.
17:20From week one, they delivered sensational performances,
17:23with their Argentine tango still leaving us all hot and flustered.
17:36Actually, no matter the style,
17:38they brought their own brand of heat every week.
17:40Their freestyle felt like the story of their time together on and off the floor.
17:45Fun, fiery, and unforgettable.
17:47While his all-star run with PETA was strong,
17:50his time with Cheryl showed that dance talent alone can only get a celeb so far.
17:54If the truth comes to love, you can take my truth for your life.
18:02You wanna feel it!
18:05Number 6. Trevor Donovan and Emma Slater
18:08Season 31
18:09Season 31 got a lot right with its partnerships,
18:12but one we especially couldn't get enough of was Trevor and Emma.
18:16Trevor may not have been the most technically skilled,
18:18but he and his partner danced rings around the competition when it came to chemistry.
18:22I'm a blonde, I'm a girl
18:24In a fantasy world
18:26Dress me up, make it tight
18:28I'm your dolly
18:29She helped him loosen up,
18:32while he brought a grounded energy that may have been exactly what she needed during a turbulent time.
18:37Even host Alfonso Ribeiro questioned how much of their rumbo was really acting.
18:41And luckily we've had a few weeks of getting to know each other to become friends,
18:45and break down that wall and be comfortable with it and then, and so, yeah, his question was like, huh,
18:50huh.
18:51Yeah.
18:52So I just answered as truthfully as I could and it's, and it is the truth.
18:55They weren't the strongest couple on the floor, but their connection was undeniable.
18:59The judges clearly saw that too, saving them again and again all the way to the semi-finals.
19:05Yeah, you can count on me
19:07When it all goes wrong
19:12When you need someone
19:14Yeah, you can count on me
19:16Number 5. Bindi Irwin and Derek Hough
19:20Season 21
19:21From the moment these two were paired, it felt like Derek stepped into a big brother role.
19:25Bindi just fills the room with this amazing energy and it's contagious.
19:29Woo!
19:30Dad was like that, he was like, whoa!
19:32Crikey!
19:33Bindi threw herself into the experience from day one,
19:36while he created a supportive environment, tailoring routines to her strengths.
19:41The trust between them was so unreal that Bindi seemed confident enough in her partner to attempt even the most
19:46ambitious moves.
19:48Because I hate the time of my life
19:54The day of the love is ready for me
19:59Their connection shone brightest during their heartfelt contemporary tribute to Bindi's late father.
20:04It speaks volumes that she'd trust him with such a painful memory, and you could see how important it was
20:09for him to tell her story with respect and compassion.
20:12Every move you make, every step you take, I'll be watching you
20:20Watching them was a joy, and of course, they lifted the mirror ball together.
20:25Number 4
20:26Ilona Marr and Alan Burstyn
20:28Season 33
20:29One of our season 33 highlights was watching this duo, both on and off the dance floor.
20:34As Burstyn shared, they'd found their bond quickly.
20:37I think, like, our friendship was so special. Again, it's because, you know, we were just having fun.
20:44Yeah
20:44There's a lot of platonic chemistry, and that's what people picked up on. It's like, that's so cool, you guys
20:48could build a friendship and relationship like that.
20:50In fact, from the moment he heard Marr was joining the cast, he hoped they'd be paired.
20:55Together, they brought a fun, easy energy to every routine.
21:05Their chemistry felt natural, like they genuinely enjoyed dancing together.
21:10It was refreshing to see a partnership built on trust, laughter, and real friendship.
21:14That's not to say they didn't put in the work.
21:16Who am I? I don't have what it takes. No crack, no break, no mistake, no pressure.
21:26However, they also bonded outside the studio over snack breaks, spa days, and workouts.
21:31They may have finished as runners-up, but they easily walked away as the season's fan favorites.
21:37Did you hear me play the game?
21:42No. 3 Robert Herjavec and Kim Johnson Herjavec Season 20
21:51So far, most of the bonds we've discussed have been platonic, but that's not always the case, as we're about
21:56to see.
21:57How long will I love you? As long as stars are above you.
22:03Going in, this couple may have had their sights set on lifting the mirror ball,
22:07but by their week 8 elimination, they were focused on something bigger, starting a life together.
22:13It was clear to anyone watching that there was something between them from the start,
22:17and that glimmer grew brighter each week.
22:19When they danced the waltz, it felt like the world melted away, leaving only them and the music.
22:24I'm falling in love with you.
22:30The last one should last forever.
22:36Of course, their elimination didn't mark the last dance.
22:39They tied the knot in 2016 and are now parents to twins.
22:42We know, Kim, you're going to choreograph an incredible first dance with your husband.
22:46So much pressure.
22:48And last night, the couple took to the dance floor to celebrate with a romantic first dance set to Etta
22:53James at last.
22:54A very happy ending for the dancing duo.
22:572. Meryl Davis and Maxim Schmierkowski Season 18
23:01If two couples had us glued to our screens during Season 18, it was James Maslow and Peta Murgatroyd,
23:07and Meryl Davis and Maxim Schmierkowski.
23:10And yes, we know Max and Peta are now married.
23:13Give your all to me
23:16I'll give my all to you
23:20You're my end and my beginning
23:23Rumor has it, James and Peta even went on a date before the season began.
23:28Meanwhile, Meryl and Max kept fans guessing all season.
23:32With their chemistry so intense, it was hard not to wonder what was happening off camera.
23:36I think she's a princess, you know, obviously.
23:39So she needed to be a princess and I could have been anything actually, you know, as long as this
23:46was a princess.
23:47It felt like a classic case of opposites attracting, and it worked wonders for their performances.
23:52In the end, it was clear they shared something special, mutual respect, real joy,
23:57and a spark that captured exactly what makes the show so fun to watch.
24:10Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.
24:15Jennifer Grey and Derek Hough, Season 11.
24:18Passionate, emotional connection translated into breathtaking, technically flawless and deeply memorable routines.
24:37Mario Lopez and Karina Smirnoff, Season 3.
24:41They shared high energy, sizzling intensity with fiery confidence and unstoppable competitive drive.
24:54Nile DeMarco and Peter Murgatroyd, Season 22, an inspired bond built on profound trust, extraordinary visual synchronization and heart.
25:03And in the naked light I saw, 10,000 people maybe more.
25:14Lindsey Stirling and Mark Ballas, Season 25.
25:18They shared quirky artistic synergy, creating wildly imaginative, theatrical and emotive storytelling.
25:34Neve Shulman and Jenna Johnson, Season 29.
25:38A seamless, sophisticated partnership radiating joy, remarkable fluidity, and effortless ballroom elegance.
26:04Before we continue, check out this single from Sound Mojo's Adia, Songs from Iran, reimagining Persian melodies as modern rock,
26:12metal, and pop songs.
26:13Check out the full track and album below.
26:16Where are you, my love zone here? Say the word and I'll appear.
26:20I wrote this song just for you to tell you what I always knew.
26:30Number 1. Daniel Durant and Britt Stewart, Season 31.
26:35As soon as Britt found out who her Season 31 partner would be, she began learning American Sign Language.
26:41I don't know ASL, but I want to learn.
26:44Yeah.
26:45This fit?
26:46Walk.
26:47Communicating might be a challenge, but Britt is picking up some sign and we're gonna improve.
26:51After all, he was stepping into her world.
26:54Why wouldn't she do the same for him?
26:56That genuine desire to connect with him is what made their relationship feel so authentic.
27:00She cites the now iconic 90s night jazz routine as the moment everything changed.
27:06They were no longer just dance partners.
27:26Many of us sensed their special connection from the beginning, so it wasn't surprising, just incredibly sweet, when we learned
27:33things were heating up off the floor.
27:35Britt called Durant her, quote, forever dance partner.
27:38Both of us realized that we were going to have a drastic shift of not seeing each other every day,
27:44and that's when we realized that, okay, this is a little bit more than friendship.
27:49See your forever dance partner? I love this so much.
27:53I hope so.
27:54In 2025, that title became official when they tied the knot.
27:58Which iconic duo completely stole your heart? Let us know in the comments.
28:05With the comments.
28:05So you see the host?
28:06Quorum, let us know in the comments.
28:06What are you doing?
28:06I'll see you in the comments.
28:06We're going to see you next time.
28:07The Supreme Court.
28:07Is the Supreme Court.
28:07And first of all the time you want me to be able to understand the truth.
28:08You
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