Top 30 Hardest Dancing with the Stars Routines Ever
#30: “Proud Mary”
Jordan Fisher & Lindsay Arnold
When it comes to routines that push dancers to their physical limits, this high-octane jive immediately stands out. The style already demands lightning-fast footwork, constant bounce, and incredible stamina, but Jordan and Lindsay take that intensity to another level. From the very first beat, they launch into a whirlwind of kicks, flicks, and rapid-fire steps, never giving themselves a moment to reset. Every movement hits with perfect precision while matching the explosive energy of Tina Turner’s iconic track. Keeping that speed under control is what makes the routine so impressive, turning a physically punishing style into a performance that looks effortless from start to finish.
#29: “Breakin' Dishes”
Jordan Chiles & Ezra Sosa
This athlete is no stranger to explosive athleticism, but this paso doble required her to channel that power in an entirely different way. Rather than flying through flips and tumbling passes, she commanded the floor with sharp lines, dramatic shaping, and the fierce intensity the style demands. The routine fuses traditional paso attitude with a modern edge, as every hit, pose, and transition lands with the sharpest precision. Jordan’s ability to shift her movement quality while maintaining that commanding presence makes the performance so captivating. It’s a reminder that even elite athletes have to completely reinvent themselves when they step into the ballroom.
#28: “Heart Upon My Sleeve”
Derek Hough & Amy Purdy
Some routines are memorable because of the choreography; others stay with you because they redefine what a performance can be. Derek and Amy’s Argentine Tango does both. Using a chair as an extension of the movement, they create moments that are graceful, surprising, and incredibly intricate. Amy moves through lifts, balances, and chair-ography with remarkable control, while Derek builds choreography around trust, timing, and connection. Rather than hiding the challenges of the routine, they incorporate them into the storytelling, transforming every movement into part of the bigger picture. The result is a breathtaking performance built on creativity, strength, and complete commitment.
#27: “Work Song”
Riker Lynch & Allison Holker
Few routines demand as much emotional commitment as contemporary, and Riker and Allison immediately throw themselves into the intensity of this performance. The choreography moves through sweeping extensions, challenging partnering, and dramatic floor work, with every transition flowing seamlessly into the next. Riker matches Allison’s contemporary background by embracing the vulnerability of the style while maintaining impressive physical control throughout. Their connection is what makes the routine so powerful, as every lift, pause, and movement feels intentional. It’s not just a showcase of athletic ability; it’s a beautifully crafted piece of storytelling that proves how much impact a dance can have without saying a word.
#26: “Sing, Sing, Sing (With a Swing)”
Alfonso Ribeiro & Witney Carson
This freestyle feels like watching several different performances packed into one unforgettable routine. It bursts onto the floor with vintage Charleston flair before shifting into hip-hop, jazz, and Broadway-inspired moments without missing a beat. Alfonso adapts to every style change with sharp musicality, precise isolations, and the kind of confidence that makes complex choreography look natural. The transitions come fast, yet nothing feels rushed or out of place. Every section brings a new challenge, but Alfonso meets each one head-on, creating a performance that is as technically impressive as it is entertaining. It’s the perfect example of a freestyle that truly goes all out.
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#25: “Hey Pachuco”
Hélio Castroneves & Julianne Hough
From the moment “Hey Pachuco” begins, Hélio and Julianne turn the ballroom into a blur of speed, footwork, and nonstop momentum. From the opening moments, they race across the ballroom with dizzying footwork, rapid direction changes, and a frame that never loses its shape. The quickstep leaves little room for hesitation, yet they glide through the choreography with remarkable confidence and control. Hélio’s energy never fades, even as the routine continues to build in pace and complexity. Matching the swinging rhythm while maintaining that level of precision is what makes this performance such a standout, turning an already demanding ballroom style into a thrilling display of athleticism and finesse.
#24: “I Hope You Dance”
Chandler Kinney & Brandon Armstrong
Chandler and Brandon’s contemporary routine proves that some of the most beautiful dances are also among the most physically demanding. The performance flows through sweeping lifts, extended lines, stunning flexibility, and moments where every ounce of control is visible. Chandler moves between powerful and delicate with incredible ease, maintaining her strength while making each transition appear completely natural. Brandon’s choreography creates a constant sense of motion, with the pair moving as if they’re sharing the same breath. What makes this routine so captivating is the balance between athletic precision and emotional storytelling, creating a performance that feels both technically impressive and deeply personal.
#23: “Bust Your Windows”
Evan Lysacek & Anna Trebunskaya
Figure skating may give performers an advantage when it comes to balance and body awareness, but Argentine tango requires a completely different kind of control. Evan and Anna trade the open movement of the ice for sharp accents, complex leg work, and a connection that has to remain locked in every second. Their routine is filled with dramatic pauses, precise weight changes, and moments where the smallest shift can completely change the movement. Evan brings his athletic discipline into the ballroom while embracing the intensity and restraint of the style. The result is a performance that proves adapting from one demanding discipline to another is no easy feat.
#22: “Get Up” & “24K Magic”
Wayne Brady & Witney Carson
Wayne and Witney’s freestyle is the kind of routine that seems to add another layer every time you watch it. It begins with explosive energy before weaving together street styles, advanced footwork, incredible grooves, and impressive partner work. Wayne moves through each section with confidence, switching rhythms and textures while keeping the performance feeling completely connected. The choreography constantly shifts direction, yet nothing interrupts the momentum they build from the start. Under the pressure of the finals, they deliver a routine that feels massive without becoming chaotic. It’s a celebration of versatility, musicality, and the fearless creativity that makes a great freestyle unforgettable.
#21: “La Cumparsita”
Jennifer Grey & Derek Hough
This iconic duo brought an unforgettable intensity to the ballroom with their Argentine tango. From the first moment, the routine draws you in with its dramatic chemistry, sharp musicality, and tightly controlled movement. Every leg hook, breath, and perfectly timed step is executed with intention, creating the unmistakable tension that defines the style. Jennifer’s performance is especially impressive considering the physical demands placed on her, as the choreography required quick changes in direction and powerful moments of control. Together, they create a routine that feels both technically elaborate and emotionally charged, proving that the strongest ballroom performances are often the ones that make every movement matter.
#20: “Gaston”
Juan Pablo Di Pace & Cheryl Burke
It seems the rumors are true – no …. One’s …. SLICK as Gaston, no one’s QUICK as Gaston. And no one brings his bravado to the dancefloor quite like Juan Pablo Di Pace! During Disney Night on Season 27, the “Fuller House” actor and his partner Cheryl Burke pulled off a near perfect Viennese waltz to this “Beauty and the Beast” tune – but, with a couple of acrobatic twists. Their technique is light-footed and beautiful as they expertly pull off those steps atop a table. But Juan Pablo takes things to new heights when he grabs the chandelier above his head and swings to freedom. His acting flourishes are also adorable, cementing this routine as one to remember.
#19: “Resolve”
Bindi Irwin, Derek Hough & Mark Ballas
Learning a new style of dance is hard. Learning a new dance while navigating two pros is even harder. Learning a new style of dance with two dancers and a revolving prop… you see where we’re headed. This was one of those dances where a single misstep could’ve spelled disaster, but this trio moves like a well-oiled machine, and it’s phenomenal. There’s so much to juggle, yet Bindi handles it all like a seasoned pro. With Derek and Mark— perhaps two of the show’s most innovative choreographers—joining forces, it’s no surprise that this routine is both breathtaking and heart-stopping at nearly every turn.
#18: “When the Party's Over”
Charli D'Amelio & Mark Ballas
Just because someone shares their life publicly doesn’t mean what we see matches how they feel inside. So even before D’Amelio took a single step, we had huge respect for her courage in bringing that much vulnerability to the dance floor—that’s arguably tougher than any step Ballas could throw her way. Even so, he created this beautiful routine that captures the anxiety she’s faced, showing that overwhelming feeling so many of us know too well. Anyone who’s struggled with anxiety knows it’s rarely an easy battle, and together, they bring it to life with choreography that’s intense, breathtaking, and absolutely powerful.
#17: “Spanish Guitar”
Nicole Scherzinger & Derek Hough
When Derek and Nicole found out they needed to inject some ’50s flair into their Paso Doble, Derek joked it seemed “im-paso-ble.” But bit by bit, the choreography came together, with Hough finding clever ways to keep the dance’s fundamentals intact while taking us back in time. What’s so impressive is how this routine could’ve easily felt split—part Paso, part’ 50s—but instead, it’s a perfect fusion that feels like we’d been transported back in time to an era-appropriate Spanish bullring. Even Len had to admit that as much as he wanted to find fault with it, he simply couldn’t. It was tens all around, Olé!
#16: “The Sound of Silence”
Nyle DiMarco & Peta Murgatroyd
Since contemporary isn’t Peta’s specialty, she brought in choreographer Talia Favia to create a routine that truly honored the story she and DiMarco wanted to tell. And since it was for the finals, if there was ever a time to go big, this was it! Talia didn’t hold back, creating a routine that takes us through the challenges the deaf community faces in an ableist world and ending with this powerful moment of triumph. It took a lot of trust, dedication, and heart to make this work, and it turned out to be more than just finals-worthy—it was mirrorball-worthy, too. To this day, it’s a “DWTS” Hall of Famer.
#15: “Mundian to Bach Ke”
Shawn Johnson & Derek Hough
For Derek, combining “Knight Rider” with Bhangra made less sense than “mustard on ice cream.” On top of that, Shawn basically had to shelve everything she had learned about dance so far, as well as her gymnastics background, and go back to square one. The dance is lightning-fast, packed with intricate choreography, and loaded with some next-level lifts. Len called it “dynamite,” but honestly, it was more like a whole firework display. You know a routine is tough when, by the end, the Olympic gold medalist is out of breath, and the pro dancer collapses to the floor in total exhaustion and relief.
#14: “Santa María (del Buen Ayre)”
James Hinchcliffe & Sharna Burgess
This was the first time Sharna and James reunited since her injury, and they were ready to prove they were back stronger than ever. They went all-in with a bold Argentine Tango, where Sharna was blindfolded the entire time. It was a huge risk—Argentine Tango demands sharp, intricate movements—but Sharna put herself completely in James’ hands, and he took his role as her eyes seriously. She could’ve toned down the choreography to ease this extra challenge, but that’s not their style. They weren’t the first pair to use blindfolds in their dance, but this duo took it up a notch by committing to it for the entire routine.
#13: “I’ll Make a Man Out of You”
Normani & Val Chmerkovskiy
The Paso Doble is all about strength and power—and so is Mulan—so this pairing felt like a natural fit. The week before, the judges had been hoping for more from Normani, and this time, she and Val delivered. She brought all the fierceness a Paso needs, along with the drama and artistry worthy of a Disney Broadway show. As if the dance wasn’t difficult and busy enough, they threw in some epic “combat-ography” that fit the style perfectly. The judges wanted to see the fight in Normani, and she showed it to them tenfold! Plus, having Li Shang’s actual singing voice performing live couldn’t have hurt either!
#12: “I Got 5 on It (Tethered Mix)”
Iman Shumpert & Daniella Karagach
If you watched Jordan Peele’s “Us” with your heart in your mouth, just wait until you watch Iman and Daniella’s contemporary routine. From the very first move, they set a high bar, delivering trick after trick that demands so much from them both individually and as partners. Choreographing to this eerie music can’t have been easy, yet they pull off an incredible routine packed with jaw-dropping lifts that left our nerves completely frayed. Can we talk about their height difference? With less chemistry, it could’ve been an issue, but it certainly isn’t for them. This felt like their game-changing performance, setting a new standard for what we’d expect from this winning duo.
#11: “Proud Mary”
Paige VanZant & Mark Ballas
You’ve never seen a jive like this before! In week 7 of season 22, UFC fighter Paige VanZant and her dancing partner Mark Ballas took the judges by storm with an electric and difficult routine set to “Proud Mary.” Watching VanZant conquer the quick and precise steps of the jive while never losing her energy or poise is really a sight to behold. Her exuberance spread through the ballroom and captured the audience completely. VanZant and Ballas kept the crowd clapping along throughout the number and would receive three 10s from the judges afterwards. Big wheels keep on turning, indeed!
#10: “Para Los Rumberos”
Shawn Johnson & Derek Hough
Shawn Johnson more than excelled during her not one, but two seasons on “Dancing with the Stars” – so much so, that this isn’t the first time we’ve talked about her and it won’t be the last (spoiler alert). But for now, let’s focus on this excellent mambo between her and Derek Hough during her Allstar season. Johnson not only shows off her quick feet and excellent form, but puts those gymnastics skills to use. She lands splits, twirls, and handstands seemingly without breaking a sweat. In one stellar moment, Hough jumps over Johnson, guiding her into a backbend in one of the most impressive feats of strength ever seen on the show. There’s a reason they call it all-stars!
#9: “Santa Maria (Del Buen Ayre)”
JoJo Siwa & Jenna Johnson
YouTube personality JoJo Siwa made history on “Dancing with the Stars” when she became one half of the first same-sex couple to compete on the show. Along with her dance partner Jenna Johnson, Siwa tore up the stage all season with her killer moves and infectious personality. But, no dance was better or more on fire than this Argentine tango. Chemistry is one of the most important parts of the tango, and Siwa and Johnson have that in spades, but what’s most impressive is the way Siwa is able to perfectly execute extremely difficult footwork. If you get off beat in the tango, things can go really wrong really fast, but Siwa and Johnson stay perfectly in tune with each other the whole time.
#8: “Free Your Mind”
Mel B & Maksim Chmerkovskiy
All the way back in season 5, Maks Chmerkovskiy had a great partner in Mel B of the Spice Girls. During week 7, the two pulled off a remarkable paso doble, a fast-paced ballroom dance inspired, as we alluded to earlier, by Spanish bullfighting. The juxtaposition of the funky music choice – “Free Your Mind” by En Vogue – and the diligence and precision of the steps is so much fun to watch. Mel B really kicks it into high gear with some of the straightest legs and cleanest fan kicks you’ve ever seen in your life. Between the cool attitude and the sharp moves, this one will live rent free in our brains for years to come.
#7: “Feel So Close”
Meryl Davis & Maksim Chmerkovskiy
On Season 18, ice dancer Meryl Davis and her partner Maksim Chmerkovskiy turned up the heat to ELEVEN every week – especially with this super fast tango in week six. Davis puts her ice dancing skills to work here, her face emotive and gorgeous throughout every step of the routine. The most impressive part of this dance is just how fast the tango has to move. Davis and Chmerkovskiy have impeccable form throughout, spinning and strutting with the best of them. Watching this routine compared to the rest of their work this season, it’s no wonder they were eventually crowned champions.
#6: “You’re Welcome”
Jordan Fisher & Lindsay Arnold
Let’s be honest; Jordan and Lindsay could easily fill out this list. Throw Corbin Bleu into the mix and things really get sizzling. Yet, it was their “Disney Night” foxtrot set to “You’re Welcome” from “Moana” that glided straight into our hearts. The foxtrot itself is a marvel to watch, with Fisher and Arnold expertly hitting their marks time and time again. Still, the best part of this routine has to be the breakdown. Fisher has such excellent rhythm, no doubt a holdover from his musical theater background, and that little modern flair in the middle of the routine gives this performance the extra oomph it needs to solidify its god-tier status. What can we say, except you’re welcome.
#5: “Palladio”
Lindsey Stirling & Mark Ballas
The best thing about freestyle dance is that couples can ditch the rule book and let their creativity run wild. Mark choreographed a routine that felt like their own highlight reel, blending various dance styles. If you’re a longtime “DWTS” fan, you know each style has its own set of rules, making those transitions rather tricky! Their most impressive moment came when they added a third element—Lindsey’s violin. We know she’s a pro at dancing and playing simultaneously, but this is a next-level challenge, and she makes it look effortless. Once the violin is set aside, they keep that energy going and continue hitting all the right notes!
#4: “Adrenalina”
Milo Manheim, Witney Carson, & Riker Lynch
What’s harder than dancing the salsa? Why, dancing the salsa with two partners, of course! Disney Channel star Milo Manheim and his partner Witney Carson slayed the dance floor all throughout season 27, but adding singer Riker Lynch into the mix gave them a boost. The group more than meets the challenge, executing this salsa trio with precision, grace, and style. Adding the third person into the dance heightens the difficulty, as each person has to be hyper aware of not one, but two other people’s movements. These three are perfectly in sync the whole time, though, even throwing some lifts in for good measure.
#3: “Beneath Your Beautiful”
Kellie Pickler & Derek Hough
For a supersized freestyle, you might expect the dancers to throw in everything, including the kitchen sink. But as Derek considered ways to wow everyone, he realized he only needed himself, Kellie, and a solid routine. He stripped everything down to focus on the dancing and show off Kellie’s strengths. He even mentioned that some of the moves were ones he'd never even attempted with other pros! Luckily, Kellie had the talent to pull off even the toughest steps and enough raw emotion to truly sell the routine and capture the audience's hearts. This approach paid off big time—they walked away with that season’s mirrorball!
#2: “Latch”
Meryl Davis & Maksim Chmerkovskiy
If you wanna talk about chemistry, we’ve got to go back to Meryl and Maks. During their amazing, championship-winning run on Season 18, the two performed a freestyle dance in the finale that left viewers stunned. Each dance move is more impressive than the one before it, showing off the long beautiful lines that both Davis and Chmerkovskiy are able to make with their bodies. The pair displayed incredible grace and strength as they lifted, swung, and twirled each other around the floor. Carrie Ann Inaba was brought to tears.
Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.
“Assassin’s Tango,” Gilles Marini & Cheryl Burke
Intricate Choreography Delivered Brilliantly Through Smoldering Passion & Precise Leg Movements
“Atlas,” Willow Shields & Mark Ballas
Shields Honored “The Hunger Games” Through Complex, Moving Contemporary Choreography
“Happy,” Jason Mraz & Daniella Karagach
Exhilarating Routine Showcasing Incredible Rhythm, Joyful Energy, & Seamless Stylistic Shifts
“Perhaps, Perhaps, Perhaps,” Rumer Willis & Val Chmerkovskiy
Smoldering, Technically Demanding & Deeply Emotional Choreography Requiring Exceptional Precision
“Icky Thump,” Robert Irwin & Witney Carson
Aggressive Matador Shaping & High-Speed Choreography Tackled with Impressive Intensity
#1: “Do Your Thing”
Shawn Johnson & Mark Ballas
And, we’re back to the queen of “Dancing with the Stars,” Shawn Johnson herself. This performance comes from Johnson’s first season, Season 8, where she and pro partner Mark Ballas wowed the judges consistently and ended up taking home the big prize. Their crowning achievement came in the finale when they unleashed this magnificent freestyle dance on the world. It has everything – humor, chemistry, costume changes, and of course, ridiculously challenging choreography. Everything about this routine is fast-paced and acrobatic, allowing Johnson to show off her strengths. Seriously, the amount of times she flips should go down in history!
Which “Dancing with the Stars” routine left you most astounded? Let us know in the comments.
