Dancing with the Stars Season 33 Episode 5 Recap: Dedication Night

Mark Ballas returned to the ballroom as a special guest judge for Dancing with the Stars Season 33 Episode 5, “Dedication Night.”

Having the three-time mirror ball champion join the judges table was a nice addition.

As fun as it seems to have celebrities with no ballroom experience hand out scores, it’s significantly better when it’s someone who not only knows the details of ballroom dancing, but who understands what it’s like to compete on the show.

This episode also featured a special performance from judge Derek Hough and his wife Hayley Hough, celebrating her return to the ballroom after a life-threatening health issue just last year.

Derek and Hayley revealed the details of what she went through with her brain surgery and lengthy recovery. Their performance was gorgeous and deeply emotional, and ultimately the highlight of the evening. 

As for the competition itself, each couple performed a routine to honor influential figures/institutions in their lives through heartfelt performances for this week’s theme.

During rehearsals, the judges also visited the couples to offer feedback now that we’re at the halfway point in the competition.

Here are a few of the highlights from the competition this week:

Chandler and Brandon kicked off the night with a performance dedicated to Chandler’s mom. Their contemporary routine impressed the judges, with Derek calling it “a beautiful way to start the show.” They earned a score of 32/40.

Stephen and Rylee performed and Argentine Tango that began with Stephen showing off his skills on the pummel horse. More importantly, he was praised for being a good student and continuing to improve. Specifically, Bruno said “Now we’re in business,” and Carrie Ann said, “that dance had impact.”

Speaking of improvement, the judges rightfully praised Danny and Witney’s emotional contemporary routine that was dedicated to Mike Leach. Carrie Ann called it a “breakthrough.”

Phaedra and Val’s routine also showed great improvement, so much so that Derek broke the #5 paddle and threw it on the dance floor. Why? Because last week, Gene Simmons gave her a score of 5 that was wildly lower than the other scores she received — and unwarranted. 

Ilona and Alan had a difficult week last week as well, with Ilona becoming emotional over the quality of her performance. This week, however, she was back up again. Bruno even called their routine “total redemption.”

Of course, there was another elimination this week, and those eliminations are only going to become more and more difficult. The couple eliminated this week was Brooks and Gleb.

Here are this week’s scores (combined for both nights):

• Danny Amendola and Witney: 36
• Joey Graziadei and Jenna: 36 
• Stephen Nedoroscik and Rylee: 33
• Chandler Kinney and Brandon: 32
• Jenn Tran and Sasha: 32
• Brooks Nader and Gleb: 32
• Phaedra Parks and Val: 32
• Ilona Maher and Alan: 32
• Dwight Howard and Daniella: 29

What did you think of this episode of Dancing with the Stars? How did you feel about this week’s elimination? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Dancing with the Stars airs Tuesdays at 8/7c on ABC and Disney+. Viewers can stream the series on Hulu the following day.

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