Top 20 Hottest Dancing with the Stars Routines

Rumbas tend to be sexy in a more sensual way — but this isn’t your typical Rumba. This is the Rumba meets “Magic Mike,” and it’s hot with a capital H. Carlos and Witney do such a phenomenal job of making us feel like we’re at Club Xquisite that we’re almost compelled to check that we haven’t accidentally switched over to 2012 flick. It was a bold and daring choice, but the couple’s chemistry, fluid, suggestive moves, and spot-on interpretation of the famous scene create the most magnetic allure. This dance could make it rain tenfold; only we’d hold onto some of those singles to fan ourselves off.

Burlesque has evolved into a powerful form of expression, celebrating the human body and its capabilities with confidence and artistry. It’s all about the tease, where subtly takes center stage over explicitness. The dance partners nailed this, mixing classic burlesque moves like suggestive poses, sharp body isolations, and even some ambitious chairography. But what really draws us in is the story they tell through the dance and the sizzling chemistry between them. Considering it was switch-up week, it’s even more impressive how effortlessly they sold the seduction. The judges might’ve been split, but there’s no denying they brought the heat. They definitely put the “risk” in risqué!

Whenever we talk about this dance is usually about the fearless risk and unbelievable trust in this partnership— but also, damn, is it sexy! The tension they create throughout the routine is enough to keep anyone on the edge of their seat. Even without eye contact, their connection is so strong it feels like we should be looking away and not peering in on this intimate moment. Their synchronization and focus are absolutely breathtaking—seriously! We almost forget to breathe from the sheer intensity. Also, that ending. Just wow. And let’s not forget, this isn’t the only time the race car driver made our motors run. Remember his Viennese Waltz with Jenna Johnson?

When we watch a rumba, we want to feel like we’re watching a love story unfold, and this dance delivered that and so much more. Chelsie’s interpretation of the lyrics shines through in every move, with choreography filled with desire and longing. The sensual movements and close embraces perfectly capture the song’s emotional intensity, filling the performance with a raw, passionate energy that grabs you from the first beat and doesn’t let go. The way they look at each other is the kind of gaze many dream of receiving from their partner. We could watch this on repeat, and that flame between them would never dim.

This was JoJo and Jenna’s second shot at an Argentine Tango, and it had so much fiery chemistry that it completely overshadowed their first attempt. The connection they share is on another level—it’s like they’ve shut out the world and are fully immersed in each other, the music, and the choreography. Their intimate physical closeness and deep, captivating eye contact, not to mention some ambitious lifts, really sold us on their connection. We wouldn’t be surprised if they broke the studio’s thermostat with this routine. It’s as steamy as the height of summer in Buenos Aires, and it makes us break into a sweat, probably just as much.

“Hot” isn’t a word we’d usually use to describe this song—well, not until we saw Kelly and Val dance to it. In the pre-dance VT, Val admitted that as a strictly Ballroom and Latin guy, he struggled with the contemporary choreography, a style picked for them by fellow competitors Emmitt Smith and Cheryl Burke. He ultimately came up with a story about a couple at a crossroads in their relationship. With his sensual choreography and their natural chemistry, they really make us buy into their narrative. They dance so beautifully that their raw emotions spill out. It’s hard not to feel like we’re going on this journey alongside them.

The “Glee” actress and her partner Maks delivered a mesmerizing rumba that wowed everyone with its sensuality and emotional depth. Their slow, controlled movements highlighted her amazing body control, while their strong connection created a truly enticing atmosphere. The routine was a showcase of irresistible charm, with sharp moves that draw the eye and slow moments that let us savor every detail. They earned a perfect score, but sadly, it also turned out to be their last dance. The only reason we can think of for their elimination that night is that the audience was too busy cooling off from that steamy performance to remember to vote.

The former pro-wrestler and her partner, Artem, danced a “Fifty Shades of Grey” inspired Viennese Waltz—need we say more? Probably not, but we will. The routine was a whirlwind of the excitement and intensity you’d expect from the start of a relationship—spicy, thrilling, and daring. The couple fully embraced their roles and stayed in character from beginning to end. While the judges felt the dance lacked some softness, they praised Nikki for her power and commitment to the story. In hindsight, this performance had a level of passion that’s impossible to fake. They might not have won the glitterball, but they walked away with something arguably even bigger.

This former Bachelorette certainly knew how to heat up the dance floor. Her Samba was muy caliente, but just thinking about her “Chicago” inspired Freestyle gets us all kinds of flustered. The routine would make Fosse proud, and Windey performs it with the confidence of a Broadway star, making it practically impossible to take your eyes off her. The choreography, like its source inspiration, features sharp, striking movements that show power, control, and femininity, adding extra intrigue and charm. It’s bold and confident but also uses subtle gestures and expressions to convey desire and allure. The performance earned them a perfect 40. Well, “they had it coming.”

Given her background with the Pussycat Dolls, it’s no surprise that Nicole Scherzinger knows how to set the dance floor on fire. Whether she’s performing a charming cha cha or a radiant rumba, she captivates us with every move. Her rumba with Derek is incredibly sensual; it really is about the seductiveness of the story with gentle and subtle movements that are almost hypnotic. However, they also have plenty of sharp steps that almost seem to say, “Hey, you’re going to watch me dance.” They really do a beautiful job of making us believe in the romance here, and that’s not easy to do unless the bond is real.

The Lambada earned the nickname of the “forbidden dance” due to its provocative nature. Indeed, this tantalizing twosome captured the style’s red-hot nature with their close body contact, rhythmic hip movements, and passionate embraces. It’s a scorching routine, with electrifying chemistry and sizzling moves igniting the stage in a blaze of desire. It playfully straddles the line between sexy and scandalous, offering a breathtakingly beautiful and fervent expression through fiery and evocative choreography. Joanna Krupa and Derek Hough also turned up the heat with their interpretation of this seductive style, delivering a captivating performance that oozes undeniable magnetism.

Few dancers can transport audiences to a world of smoldering sensuality quite like Edyta Śliwińska. Of course, having such smoking chemistry with her celebrity partner, Cameron Mathison, certainly contributed to this exceptional performance. Their connection lights up the floor as soon as the music begins, immediately drawing audiences into their intimate routine. They move as one, with each step radiating desire and sultriness. The hypnotic sway of their hips and intense embraces leaves viewers needing to fan themselves off. Everything about it radiates pure, unbridled sensuality. It’s fiery, hot, and a masterclass in the art of seduction. We’re just going to need a moment here, oof!

This pair created sparks anytime they hit the dance floor. But this dance, in particular, gave off a cheeky and playful allure, unveiling yet another side of the duo’s captivating charisma that never failed to engage audiences. The routine’s hip action alone is enough to leave any viewer in a trance and rather hot under the collar. The partners’ strong bond on and off the dance floor allows them to infuse this fresh and exhilarating dynamic into their performance in a way that leaves viewers wanting more. It’s one of our favorite cha-cha routines, and we’re still left feeling flushed at the mere thought of it.

Mel B & Maks’ paso doble never fails to leave us feeling flustered. While the paso isn’t typically the most seductive dance style, they unlocked its dramatic and arousing side with their intense gazes and strikingly entrancing movements. The number’s sensuality is so compelling that our gaze is irresistibly drawn to their every step. Their connection shines through, giving a highly charged performance that pulls the audience into the thrilling excitement. Indeed, the unmissable tension permeating the routine has us holding our breath from beginning to end. The duo’s interpretation shows how the paso doble can incorporate elements of seduction, and it is HOT!

If we asked a hundred people which dance style would most likely get them feeling romantic, we doubt too many would say the foxtrot. But those people probably haven’t seen it danced by Meryl Davis & Maksim Chmerkovskiy. Here, it exudes a gentle seductiveness with eye-catching movements and off-the-charts heat. The pair’s connection is palpable, and their ability to convey a plethora of emotions through their dance cemented them as the ones to watch that season. They also present an engaging story, allowing us to connect to the routine on an emotional level. The dance may be slow and impassioned, but it certainly leaves audiences fired up.

The Argentine tango is often known as a dance of seduction, and that's exactly what this routine is about. The duo share a fierce connection that grabs the audience's attention right from the start. With their intense and suggestive moves, they perfectly capture the spirit of the Argentine tango. It's exciting, intense, and steamy, and their use of props adds even more spice to the mix. They skillfully blend passion, magnetism, and drama into a hypnotic performance on the dance floor. Their routine showcases the artistry and allure that the Argentine tango demands, leaving us completely captivated and maybe in need of a cool-down.

We could already feel the excitement bubbling when we realized that Rumer and Val would be dancing a “Fifty Shades of Grey” themed Viennese waltz. Their performance here sizzles with a burning passion and a chemistry that could rival the characters of Christian Grey and Anastasia Steele themselves. They both play their parts so well— almost too well. They not only dance beautifully, but also tell a captivating, emotional tale through their graceful moves. It’s no surprise that their performances sparked rumors about them dating. We were still catching our breath from this tantalizing number when their “Toxic” freestyle left us breathless again. We’re addicted to the heat Rumer and Val brought.

Let’s be honest: this pairing could make any dance style sexy. Just look at their salsa! But things got extra spicy when they danced the Argentine tango. There’s an undeniable sexual and dramatic tension throughout the routine, heightened only by the lighting and music. Their intricate steps are enticing, while their unwavering bond throughout makes the overall feel of the dance electric. Just as we think it can’t get much hotter, there’s a tempo change, and the tension and heat intensify. Their footwork, connection, and choreography has us spellbound, leaving us thirsting for a drink of ice cold water.

This dance is so racy that we’re almost amazed it was allowed on a family-friendly show. In fact, it’s so hot that even the duo can’t keep their clothes on throughout. They perform a sizzling samba set at a gas station. But we reckon the heat they bring is enough to get any and all motors running, if you catch our drift. James and Peta tackle the dance with a playful flirtiness showcasing the passion, confidence, sexiness, and joy often linked to the style. It’s daring, provocative, and leaves no doubt about the samba’s ability to set hearts racing and ignite the dance floor.

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

Cha-Cha-Cha to “Cake by the Ocean” by DNCE, Nyle DiMarco & Peta Murgatroyd
They Bring the Kind of Heat That Makes You Want to Spend a Day by the Ocean

Rumba to “The Look of Love” by Diana Krall, Joanna Krupa & Derek Hough
A Dance to Give Us All the Feels

Argentine Tango to “Too Close” by Alex Clare, Meryl Davis & Maksim Chmerkovskiy
Powerful, Dramatic & Passionate; Has Someone Turned Up the Heat in Here?

Salsa to “Danza Kuduro” by Don Omar, feat. Lucenzo, Paige VanZant & Alan Bersten
This Almost Too Much Chemistry for an Impromptu Partnership

Rumba to “GoldenEye” by Tina Turner, Shangela & Gleb Savchenko
“Halleloo!” That Was Almost Too Hot!!

This duo took a more risqué approach to their Argentine tango. Starting on a bed, they bring a burning heat that makes us feel like we’re intruding on a private, intimate moment. Their intensifying bond as they transition into impressively detailed footwork, could’ve easily set the stage ablaze. It’s like a mighty storm of intense emotions filled with confidence, passion, and lust. This is all exemplified in their near-flawless technique, incorporating sharp staccato steps with longer, dramatic moves that tease the audience. Jana and Gleb aren’t the only ones in need of a cold shower by the end. The entire room is left simmering.

Which “Dancing with the Stars” routine gets you all hot under the collar? Let us know in the comments!