Top 20 Dancing with the Stars Couples with the Best Chemistry

#20: James Hinchcliffe & Sharna Burgess

Season 23

Team Stop N Go had plenty of horsepower, but their real advantage was how naturally they clicked. James brought the discipline and work ethic of an elite athlete, while Sharna knew how to turn that drive into bigger, bolder performances. She kept finding new ways to pull the character out of him, and James was game for whatever she threw his way. Off the floor, though, they were far more playful, often laughing through rehearsals and finding fun ways to tackle the challenge. That easy friendship showed up in every routine. The judges regularly praised their connection, and viewers were genuinely excited to see what they would tackle next.

#19: JoJo Siwa & Jenna Johnson

Season 30

JoJo and Jenna made history as the show’s first same-sex pairing, but their partnership quickly became about much more than a milestone. From their first Quickstep, the chemistry was obvious: they were playful, affectionate, and completely in sync. Siwa practically lit up when she learned Johnson would be her partner, while Johnson described her as all “love, laughter, positivity, and glitter.” Their bond also became a source of real confidence for JoJo, who credited Jenna with helping her feel more comfortable in her own skin. That trust translated beautifully onscreen. They earned the season’s first perfect score on “Grease Night,” proving this partnership had plenty of sparkle beyond the studio.

#18: Apolo Anton Ohno & Julianne Hough

Season 4

These two instantly brought the heat, with Hough making her professional debut and immediately showing why she would become such a “DWTS” force. Meanwhile, Ohno already had the focus, athleticism, rhythm, and body control of an Olympic champion. Hough channeled all of that into sharp, technically demanding choreography without losing the fun. Together, they kept raising the bar, turning Ohno into an impressively versatile dancer along the way. Their chemistry was just as noticeable off the dance floor, with their closeness fueling plenty of romance speculation over the years. They maintained that theirs was a close, supportive partnership, but viewers could certainly see the spark.

#17: Iman Shumpert & Daniella Karagach

Season 30

The only thing that looked mismatched about these two was the height difference, and even that became part of their charm. Daniella wasn’t afraid to throw bold ideas at Iman, while he completely trusted her to attempt routines and tricks that looked especially daunting. Their partnership hit another level on “Horror Night” with their “Us”-inspired contemporary dance. Iman spun, lifted, and tossed Daniella around with impressive control, earning their first perfect score that season. Their connection was unmissable. Iman credited Daniella with pushing him beyond what he thought possible, while she praised his dedication and willingness to go all in. And that’s how you win the competition.

#16: Mel B & Maksim Chmerkovskiy

Season 5

Just when it seemed impossible for Maks to meet someone who could match his intensity, along came Mel B. Fueled by massive personalities and an absolute refusal to back down, the collision of pop-star grit and ballroom drill sergeant created absolute magic. Their routines had real bite, with both willing to push each other and commit fully to every performance. Mel later revealed that beneath Maks’s tough exterior was a “big, soft, cuddly teddy bear,” making their dynamic even more entertaining. You could also see how much he respected a partner who could meet him head-on. Together, they had the kind of fiery chemistry that practically crackled across the ballroom.

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#15: Whitney Leavitt & Mark Ballas

Season 34

Mark Ballas is well known for his wildly creative, story-driven, and meticulous choreography. Fortunately, he found a kindred spirit in Whitney. Even though Mark initially didn’t seem at all familiar with the “MomTok” world, they quickly proved to be a perfect match thanks to her natural showmanship. Their routines grew fearless and deeply collaborative, making that shock elimination all the harder to swallow. Luckily, their connection didn’t end in the ballroom, even giving us a glimpse of the freestyle that might’ve been. The pair also reunited on Broadway in Chicago, with Leavitt starring as Roxie Hart and Ballas as Billy Flynn. That’s quite an encore for this partnership.

#14: Alfonso Ribeiro & Witney Carson

Season 19

Some of the best pairings have that sibling-like energy, and this Season 19 duo had it from the start. They shared an intense work ethic, but neither seemed interested in making the competition feel overly serious. Witney quickly figured out Alfonso’s strengths and built choreography that let him stretch without losing his confidence. He trusted her completely, even when the dances demanded serious precision. Their routines effortlessly won viewers over because they felt like two people genuinely having fun entertaining a room. Come on, they even brought back The Carlton! That easy rapport connected with the judges and viewers, making them an immediate front-runner and an especially lovable pair.

#13: Xóchitl Gomez & Val Chmerkovskiy

Season 32

Given some of his partnerships, Val feels like “DWTS’s” resident big brother. We saw that dynamic with Zendaya and, of course, Season 32 champion Xóchitl Gomez. The two had a warm, playful bond, constantly joking around while still putting in the hard work and creativity their routines demanded. Xóchitl has spoken about how quickly Val figured out how she learned best, showing immense patience, kindness, and encouragement, especially while navigating challenges like her dyslexia. Val, meanwhile, frequently praised her work ethic, fearlessness, and deep commitment to the craft. That chemistry was impossible to miss, with their precision, passion, and seamless connection shining through every single challenge the ballroom threw their way.

#12: Milo Manheim & Witney Carson

Season 27

If Val is everyone’s big brother, Witney might be the resident big sister. We saw her unbelievable chemistry with Robert Irwin propel them to the Mirrorball, yet her bond with Milo grew so deep she practically became part of his family, even developing a relationship with his mother. Their connection resonated with viewers and has stood the test of time, with fans calling their partnership one of the show’s best. Witney has frequently spoken fondly of their time together, calling their eventual runner-up placement a “gut punch” because she felt he deserved the Mirrorball trophy. Their dances still circulate and gain appreciation online, with fans frequently rallying behind their partnership.

#11: Jordan Fisher & Lindsay Arnold

Season 25

Known by fans as #TeamFishUponAStar, this partnership had a natural chemistry from the start. Both have talked about sharing the same driven work ethic, but they balanced those long rehearsal hours with plenty of humor and silliness. They treated the studio like “playtime,” which helped them stay grounded through the intensity of the competition. Jordan learned choreography exceptionally quickly, giving Lindsay room to push the routines further with complex, high-energy choreography. Their connection on the dance floor was magnetic, as Bruno Tonioli noted when he praised their ability to draw the audience in. Together they created a joyful, powerhouse partnership that cruised straight to a well-deserved victory.

#10: Stephen Nedoroscik & Rylee Arnold

Season 33

The Olympic gymnast and his dancing pro gave us the energy of two besties who have the most fun devising performances that they then make everyone else on the playground watch. Arnold shared that she had truly wished to be partnered with Nedoroscik, going as far as saying, “I was like, if he’s not my partner, I’m going to cry.” She also discussed how much fun she’d had getting to know him and that they’d become prone to a game night when they’re not dancing. Both on and off the dancefloor, you see both their deep respect and the fun they share. Perhaps, they didn’t win, but they gained a lifelong friendship.

#9: Jana Kramer & Gleb Savchenko

Season 23

These two had such strong chemistry on the dance floor that it didn’t take long for people to wonder if they were more than just dance partners. Savchenko shut down the rumors, saying it was just good acting and a natural connection. But when you think about how many hours a day they spend that close, it makes sense they'd build a bond. For Kramer, what made it work was how well they balanced each other out. Their steamy Argentine Tango only added to the buzz, and even after the show ended, their bond stuck. Kramer even reached out to Savchenko later for parenting advice. The partnership may have ended, but the friendship clearly didn’t.

#8: Kelly Monaco & Val Chmerkovskiy

Season 15

Val seems like the kind of guy who could have chemistry with a coat rack. Maybe that’s why his name keeps coming up when we think of the show’s most iconic partnerships, from Rumer Willis in Season 20 to Laurie Hernandez in Season 23. But perhaps his most compelling chemistry was with his Season 15 partner, Kelly Monaco. Off the dance floor, they shared laughs and an easy friendship, which translated into incredibly captivating performances. Compared to her first round, Monaco appeared more relaxed, and her scores showed it. She didn’t reclaim the mirrorball, but she and Val could easily claim the title of one of the most loved partnerships in the show’s history.

#7: Cheryl Burke & Gilles Marini

Season 8

When it comes to chemistry, as Burke said, “you can’t teach that, you either have it with someone or you don’t.” Does that mean this pairing, again to borrow from Burke, “[jumped] [each other’s] bones?” They may say no, but it sure didn’t look like they didn’t at least want to. From week one, they delivered sensational performances, with their Argentine Tango still leaving us all hot and flustered. Actually, no matter the style, they brought their own brand of heat every week. Their freestyle felt like the story of their time together on and off the floor, fun, fiery, and unforgettable. While his “All Star” run with Peta was strong, his time with Cheryl showed that dance talent alone can only get a celeb so far.

#6: Trevor Donovan & Emma Slater

Season 31

Season 31 got a lot right with its partnerships, but one we especially couldn’t get enough of was Trevor and Emma. Trevor may not have been the most technically skilled, but he and his partner danced rings around the competition when it came to chemistry. She helped him loosen up, while he brought a grounded energy that may have been exactly what she needed during a turbulent time. Even host Alfonso Ribeiro questioned how much of their rumba was really acting. They weren’t the strongest couple on the floor, but their connection was undeniable. The judges clearly saw that, too, saving them again and again all the way to the semifinals.

#5: Bindi Irwin & Derek Hough

Season 21

From the moment these two were paired, it felt like Derek stepped into a big brother role. Bindi threw herself into the experience from day one, while he created a supportive environment, tailoring routines to her strengths. The trust between them was so unreal that Bindi seemed confident enough in her partner to attempt even the most ambitious moves. Their connection shone brightest during their heartfelt contemporary tribute to Bindi’s late father. It speaks volumes that she’d trust him with such a painful memory, and you could see how important it was for him to tell her story with respect and compassion. Watching them was a joy, and of course, they lifted the mirrorball together.

#4: Ilona Maher & Alan Bersten

Season 33

One of our Season 33 highlights was watching this duo, both on and off the dance floor. As Bersten shared, they’d found their bond quickly. In fact, from the moment he heard Maher was joining the cast, he hoped they'd be paired. Together, they brought a fun, easy energy to every routine. Their chemistry felt natural, like they genuinely enjoyed dancing together. It was refreshing to see a partnership built on trust, laughter, and real friendship. That's not to say they didn’t put in the work. However, they also bonded outside the studio over snack breaks, spa days, and workouts. They may have finished as runners-up, but they easily walked away as the season’s fan favorites.

#3: Robert Herjavec & Kym Johnson Herjavec

Season 20

So far, most of the bonds we’ve discussed have been platonic, but that’s not always the case as we're about to see. Going in, this couple may have had their sights set on lifting the mirrorball, but by their week 8 elimination, they were focused on something bigger: starting a life together. It was clear to anyone watching that there was something between them from the start, and that glimmer grew brighter each week. When they danced the Waltz, it felt like the world melted away, leaving only them and the music. Of course, their elimination didn’t mark the last dance. They tied the knot in 2016 and are now parents to twins.

#2: Meryl Davis & Maksim Chmerkovskiy

Season 18

If two couples had us glued to our screens during Season 18, it was James Maslow and Peta Murgatroyd, and Meryl Davis and Maksim Chmerkovskiy (and yes, we know Maks and Peta are now married). Rumor has it James and Peta even went on a date before the season began. Meanwhile, Meryl and Maks kept fans guessing all season, with their chemistry so intense it was hard not to wonder what was happening off-camera. It felt like a classic case of opposites attracting, and it worked wonders for their performances. In the end, it was clear they shared something special: mutual respect, real joy, and a spark that captured exactly what makes this show so fun to watch.

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

Jennifer Grey & Derek Hough, Season 11

Passionate, Emotional Connection Translated into Breathtaking, Technically Flawless & Deeply Memorable Routines.

Mario Lopez & Karina Smirnoff, Season 3

They Shared High-Energy, Sizzling Intensity with Fiery Confidence & Unstoppable Competitive Drive

Nyle DiMarco & Peta Murgatroyd, Season 22

An Inspired Bond Built on Profound Trust, Extraordinary Visual Synchronization & Heart

Lindsey Stirling & Mark Ballas, Season 25

They Shared Quirky, Artistic Synergy, Creating Wildly Imaginative, Theatrical & Emotive Storytelling

Nev Schulman & Jenna Johnson, Season 29

A Seamless, Sophisticated Partnership Radiating Joy, Remarkable Fluidity & Effortless Ballroom Elegance

#1: Daniel Durant & Britt Stewart

Season 31

As soon as Britt found out who her season 31 partner would be, she began learning American Sign Language. After all, he was stepping into her world; why wouldn’t she do the same for him? That genuine desire to connect with him is what made their relationship feel so authentic. She cites the now-iconic “‘90s Night” jazz routine as the moment everything changed. They were no longer just dance partners. Many of us sensed their special connection from the beginning, so it wasn’t surprising, just incredibly sweet, when we learned things were heating up off the floor. Britt called Durant her “forever dance partner.” In 2025, that title became official when they tied the knot.

Which iconic duo completely stole your heart? Let us know in the comments!