Top 10 Best Contemporary Dances on Dancing with the Stars

#10: Amanda Kloots & Alan Bersten Season 30

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There were numerous memorable contemporary routines during “Dancing with the Stars”’ 30th season. Jimmie Allen and Emma Slater’s performance was beautiful, while JoJo Siwa and Jenna Johnson took our breaths away. But we want to focus on Amanda Kloots and Alan Bersten’s dance, which was dedicated to Kloots’ late husband, Nick Cordero. As they take over the ballroom, we can’t help but get emotional. Capturing so much feeling and grief in such a short period isn’t easy, but Bersten’s angelic choreography expertly tells a story, and Kloots gracefully embodies each movement. To top it all off, the dance is set to Cordero's song, "Live Your Life," which only adds to the impact. We’re sure he would’ve been unbelievably proud.

To say the stakes are high by the time you reach the “DWTS” semi-finals would be an understatement. But if singer and actor Riker Lynch was scared or feeling the pressure, he certainly didn’t let it show! His and Allison Holker’s contemporary to Hozier’s “Work Song” is, to put it simply, not easy. It’s intricate and requires a high level of athleticism and power, but they more than pull it off, commanding the room in the process! Unsurprisingly, the duo earned a perfect score of 40/40, and made it through to the finals. They may have ultimately finished the competition as runners-up, but there’s no denying that this routine will forever be a winner.

During season 24’s “most memorable year night”, NFL running back Rashad Jennings opened up about his relationship with his father. Emma Slater took his story and turned it into a show-stopping contemporary, fittingly set to Katy Perry’s “Unconditionally.” Jennings leans into the vulnerability the routine demands, letting his emotions flow out of each gorgeously executed step, turn, and lift. He and Slater don’t hold back, letting unconditional love lead the way in mesmerizing fashion. We’d be lying if we said we don’t always tear up watching them. It wouldn’t be the last time Slater blew us away with a contemporary dance, either. She delivered another stunning routine with “Dawson’s Creek” star James Van Der Beek a few seasons later.

If you don’t already have tissues nearby, now would be the time to grab a box (or two). This season 21 “most memorable year night” contemporary was dedicated to Bindi Irwin’s late father, conservationist Steve Irwin. The choreography itself is immensely expressive, and naturally, Hough nails it. But the real star is undoubtedly Bindi. Every inch of her body is immersed in the dance, and the result is a love letter, a breathtaking tribute from a girl to her dad. It’s absolutely awe-inspiring and heart-wrenching. Alexis PenaVega and Mark Ballas’ performance to “Make It Rain” was another serious contender for this slot. In the end though, it was Bindi and Derek’s routine that stuck with us long after the season ended.

NBA shooting guard Iman Shumpert and professional dancer Daniella Karagach were crowned the champions of “Dancing with the Stars” season 30. One need only examine their week 6 contemporary to see why they ended up getting that coveted Mirrorball Trophy. Inspired by Jordan Peele’s 2019 film “Us”, the “Horror Night” performance is frighteningly remarkable. Everything from the duo’s facial expressions to their frantic yet measured dancing and extraordinary lifts gives us chills. The whole thing is honestly a little scary, which of course is the point. Daniella’s routine is incredibly inventive and on-theme, and she and Shumpert bring the vision to life like it’s their destiny. Is it any wonder they got 10s from each and every judge?

We were only three weeks into the show’s 27th season when Alexis Ren and Alan Bersten came out with a contemporary to “How to Save a Life” for the books. But as good as they were, we have to give this one to Evanna Lynch and Keo Motsepe’s showing in the semifinals. Lynch, who you probably recognize as Luna Lovegood from the “Harry Potter” film series, is an exquisite performer, and she shines bright here. She and Motsepe have a chemistry that’s undeniable, and it radiates through the strong and impassioned routine. Dedicated to the late director Simon Fitzmaurice, it’s both joyful and emotional. To put it simply, the dance is perfection – and if you don’t believe us, believe the perfect 30/30 score they got!

Every once in a while, a “DWTS” routine will make you really pause and pay close attention. This one from season 25’s “most memorable year night” was dedicated to Jordan Fisher’s parents – who officially adopted him in 2005 – and it definitely fits that description. Look, we already knew Fisher was multi-talented, but he and Lindsay take things to a completely different level while dancing to “Take Me Home.” The dance has everything you could possibly want in a contemporary, with poetic maneuvers, convincing storytelling, the exact right song choice, and so much more. Seeing Fisher in tears at the end as he hugs his mom and dad further amplifies it all. We tip our hats to both him and Arnold for this majestic feat.

Val Chmerkovskiy is one of the best pros “Dancing with the Stars” has ever seen, and his contemporaries repeatedly blow us away. We’d be remiss not to mention his season 19 dance to "Everybody's Free (To Feel Good)" with actress Janel Parrish. But what we really want to discuss is what he and Zendaya accomplished a few years prior. Their spirited number is infused with a lifetime’s worth of personality and spirit, and the supple elegance with which the star and her partner dance is absolutely spellbinding. There are moments where we struggle to believe they have any bones! Oh, and did we mention it was Zendaya’s debut dance – and that she was only 16 at the time? Astonishing doesn’t even begin to describe it!

#2: Normani & Valentin Chmerkovskiy Season 24

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Remember how we just said Val Chmerkovskiy is basically a contemporary dance master? This season 24 performance to “Freedom” with Normani stands as the best example of that to date. You can’t even tell who the pro is and who the celebrity is, which says it all. They’re in complete harmony with each other, and take us on a raw, affecting journey. The back up dancers are also a sensational addition, elevating the dance’s already poignant narrative. We can only imagine what it would’ve been like to witness that all live, but even through a screen it’s marvelously magnetic, and never fails to stop us dead in our tracks. We could watch this contemporary a hundred times and it still wouldn’t be enough. Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions. Amy Purdy & Derek Hough, Season 18 A Deeply Touching Contemporary That Honors Purdy’s Journey Willow Shields & Mark Ballas, Season 20 This Spectacular “Hunger Games”-Themed Performance Would Make Katniss Proud Hannah Brown & Alan Bersten, Season 28 Power, Grace, & Emotion – What More Could You Want? Adam Rippon & Jenna Johnson, Season 26 Does Anyone Still Have Those Tissues From Earlier?! Bethany Mota & Derek Hough, Season 19 We’re Still Not Over This One

If there’s one thing pro Witney Carson is going to do, it’s choreograph the HECK out of a contemporary routine. There’s plenty of proof, from the one with Frankie Muniz to the one with Kel Mitchell. But the Carson contemporary that reigns supreme is the one she performed with Milo Manheim. A wonderfully creepy Halloween-themed dance, it’s filled with spine-tingling moments that tell a petrifying story. Not only is the pair’s technique spot on, but there’s also a stirring, lyrical quality to the number. Manheim and Carson both become their characters, while the eerie cover of Britney Spears’ “Toxic” adds to an atmosphere that we can only describe as haunting. There are no hidden tricks here— just a truly evocative treat from start to finish.