The Dance of Deception: DWTS' Season 35 Conundrum
In the never-ending quest for ratings, Dancing With the Stars has become a masterclass in manipulation. This season, the show is attempting to reinvigorate its flagging popularity by injecting a dose of reality TV royalty into the mix. Enter Maura Higgins, the Irish reality TV star who found fame on Love Island U.K. in 2019. Her partnership with Mark Ballas, a familiar face in the DWTS universe, has raised more questions than answers.
On the surface, Higgins' inclusion seems like a strategic move to capitalize on her reality TV credentials. However, the real intrigue lies in the fact that she's paired with Ballas, who has been a fixture on the show for years. This union reeks of manufactured drama, an attempt to create a narrative that will keep viewers engaged. It's a move that's as transparent as it is cynical.
Meanwhile, Harry Shum Jr., known for his roles on Glee and Grey's Anatomy, has been relegated to the background. His partnership with Jenna Johnson is a curious one, given that Shum's presence is typically met with excitement. Instead, he's been reduced to a mere afterthought, a casualty of the show's desperate attempts to shake things up.
The real puzzle piece is Tatyana Ali, the 47-year-old actress who got her start on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. Her pairing with Jan Ravnik is an exercise in nostalgia, a nod to the show's past when it was still a fledgling. It's a move that's as calculated as it is predictable.
But what about the real stars of the show? The athletes, the champions, the ones who actually deserve to be there? Amber Glenn, the figure skater who won gold at the 2026 Winter Olympics, is a shining example of this. Her partnership with Pasha Pashkov is a breath of fresh air, a reminder that there's more to DWTS than manufactured drama.
And then, of course, there's Ezra Frech, the 21-year-old Paralympic champion who won two gold medals at the 2024 Paris Paralympics. His partnership with Daniella Karagach is a beacon of hope, a testament to the power of sports to transcend borders and boundaries.
As the season hurtles towards its climax, it's clear that DWTS is stuck in a cycle of desperation. The show's reliance on manufactured drama and manufactured nostalgia has led to a creative impasse. The real question is: what's the point of it all?
In the end, it's not about the celebrities, the judges, or the hosts. It's about the dance itself. The dance that's supposed to bring people together, to create a sense of community and shared experience. But with DWTS, that dance is just a facade, a distraction from the real issues at play.
Written by: Jed Cool | The Citizen Edition
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