Dancing with the Stars historically taps into the emotional aspect of its celebrities’ stories. Dances crafted around a particular life event can translate into viewer votes and a mirrorball trophy . However, not all dances are created to get the judge’s praise.
Some routines are cathartic, while others celebrate joy. Here are the five most emotional dances in the series’ history. Amy Purdy and Derek Hough (season 18) Derek Hough crafted a routine honoring Amy Purdy’s extraordinary story of losing both her legs and gaining back her life.
The couple danced to the song “Human” by Christina Perri. Dancing with the Stars judge Carrie Ann Inaba called this one of her favorite routines and featured it on her Facebook page. Purdy’s legs were amputated 10 inches below the knee after she contracted bacterial meningitis at age 19.
She was the first double amputee to appear in the series and made it to the finals that season alongside Meryl Davis and Candace Cameron Bure. Noah Galloway and Sharna Burgess (Season 20) Noah Galloway competed on Dancing with the Stars season 20, paired with pro Sharna Burgess. They finished in third place overall.
Galloway was a United States soldier during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Just three months into his second tour of duty, he experienced a life-changing injury, losing his left arm above the elbow and left leg above the knee. The couple performed a Contemporary routine to the Toby Keith song “American Solider” that was emotionally and.