Dancing With The Stars Season 31 Recap: Prom Night Live Blog

(DISNEY PLUS/DANCING WITH THE STARS)

It’s time for Night 2 of Dancing With The Stars and it’s Prom Night!

Last night’s episode featured the stars’ most memorable years and ended on an emotional note when, while there was no elimination, Selma and Sasha exited the competition due to Selma’s health concerns. The two shared one last Waltz, earning them a perfect score.

Tonight, the remaining 11 couples will dance during a prom-themed episode which will end with the return of the dance marathon and one couple going home.

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The show opens with each couple dancing down the ballroom, showing off their prom outfits while the others cheer them on.

Daniel and Britt – Cha Cha – “SexyBack” by Justin Timberlake

DANCING WITH THE STARS - “Stars' Stories Week: Prom Night” – (ABC/Eric McCandless)DANIEL DURANT, BRITT STEWART
(ABC/Eric McCandless)DANIEL DURANT, BRITT STEWART

This dance felt very prom-like, but as usual, Britt did all the tricks while Daniel just guided her. His steps compared to Britt’s never look like they even out. He also took far too big of steps for a Cha Cha, keeping the steps small keeps the dance compact and creates more hip action which he lacked in this.

Len says he continued his progress from last night, but critiques his free arm and says it’s losing energy. Derek says he oozes swag and confidence when he dances, but the footwork got messy. Bruno says he can turn on the sex appeal at will, then tells him his footwork needs more work. Carrie Ann says it was a great way to start the night but tells him to exaggerate his movements more. 

Carrie Ann- 8, Len- 8, Derek- 8, Bruno- 8 = 32/40

Heidi and Artem – Jazz – “Girls Just Want To Have Fun” by Cyndi Lauper

DANCING WITH THE STARS - “Stars' Stories Week: Prom Night” – (ABC/Eric McCandless)ARTEM CHIGVINTSEV, HEIDI D’AMELIO
(ABC/Eric McCandless)ARTEM CHIGVINTSEV, HEIDI D’AMELIO

This routine was so freakin cute! It was a good Jazz that Heidi just didn’t perfect, which is surprising given her dance background. It seemed to lack a lot of rhythm on her end, but the routine itself was upbeat and prom-like.

Derek says it was fun to see her having fun. Bruno says it reminded him of Jazzercise but she missed a dismount. Carrie Ann says she wanted to see more even tho it was a great tribute to the 90’s and she underperformed. Len liked the touches of Jive and Hustle slipped in and she looked like she was having fun. 

Carrie Ann- 8, Len- 9, Derek- 8, Bruno- 8 = 33/40

Vinny and Koko – Viennese Waltz – “You and Me” by Lifehouse

DANCING WITH THE STARS - “Stars' Stories Week: Prom Night” – (ABC/Eric McCandless)KOKO IWASAKI, VINNY GUADAGNINO
(ABC/Eric McCandless)KOKO IWASAKI, VINNY GUADAGNINO

Dull routine, but Vinny captured the character of the boy wishing he could dance with his crush. Probably not his worst but not his best.

Bruno says he needs to polish the detail and work on musicality. Carrie Ann says it was like a teen heartthrob movie and he made a good attempt at mastering the technique. Len critiques the choreo but says it wasn’t Vinny’s fault. Derek says he was ahead of the beat and reminds him to stretch his movements. 

Carrie Ann- 7, Len- 7, Derek- 7, Bruno- 7 = 28/40

Shangela and Gleb – Cha Cha – “Waiting For Tonight” by Jennifer Lopez

DANCING WITH THE STARS - “Stars' Stories Week: Prom Night” – (ABC/Eric McCandless)GLEB SAVCHENKO, SHANGELA
(ABC/Eric McCandless)GLEB SAVCHENKO, SHANGELA

Fun routine, Gleb is a great choreographer, although it could a little too long to get the dancing going. Shangela isn’t always technically correct, but she’s a joy to watch.

Carrie Ann says she’s welcoming her into the fly girl club despite a few missteps. Len says she’s got a big fan sitting right there and he enjoyed it once it got into the Cha Cha despite less-than-crisp legs. Derek praises the energy but says the footwork could be cleaned up. Bruno says she’s ready to open in Vegas and it was a power-loaded Cha Cha Cha.

Carrie Ann- 9, Len- 8, Derek- 9, Bruno- 9 = 35/40

Charli and Mark – Jive – “You Make My Dreams”

DANCING WITH THE STARS - “Stars' Stories Week: Prom Night” – (ABC/Eric McCandless)MARK BALLAS, CHARLI D’AMELIO
(ABC/Eric McCandless)MARK BALLAS, CHARLI D’AMELIO

Mark has always blown me away by his choreo. Full of Jive content mixed with some known prom-y dance steps and told a cute story about a popular girl who decides to dance with the lonely boy at prom. And the end pose being an actual picture-perfect prom pose was a super cute idea.

Len says he loved the routine and she’s a fantastic dancer. Derek says it was all there but near-there because Jive requires a little more energy. Bruno says she didn’t miss a beat. Carrie Ann says it was tidy but there was something missing in the dance and wants to see more growth. 

Carrie Ann- 9, Len- 10, Derek- 9, Bruno- 10 = 38/40

Jessie and Alan – Viennese Waltz – “Breakaway” by Kelly Clarkson

DANCING WITH THE STARS - “Stars' Stories Week: Prom Night” – (ABC/Eric McCandless)JESSIE JAMES DECKER, ALAN BERSTEN
(ABC/Eric McCandless)JESSIE JAMES DECKER, ALAN BERSTEN

Alan really shouldn’t have let the dance start off with a solo when Jessie doesn’t have the arm technique to pull off the step. I was impressed by her footwork though, and that spin at the end was a super cute prom-y way to end the dance.

Derek says there were many beautiful things about the dance and her frame is strong and beautiful despite wanting more from her frame. Bruno says she gave us class tonight and her hard work shows. Carrie Ann says she’s growing every step of the way. Len compliments the hold and the turns but reminds her that her hand controls her arm and to work on her hands.

Carrie Ann- 8, Len- 8, Derek- 8, Bruno- 8 = 32/40

Gabby and Val – Tango – “Good Girls Go Bad” by Cobra Starship

DANCING WITH THE STARS - “Stars' Stories Week: Prom Night” – (ABC/Eric McCandless)VAL CHMERKOVSKIY, GABBY WINDEY
(ABC/Eric McCandless)VAL CHMERKOVSKIY, GABBY WINDEY

Watching them dance a Tango in a leather jacket and a prom gown looked so strange but so good! I usually don’t care for a Tango but I enjoyed this one. I still think Val is using his magic power that makes his partners look better than they are though.

Bruno says it was great and what she did was special. Carrie Ann says it was her best dance by far. Len says it was full of attack and purpose and was fantastic. Derek says she had a gorgeous, wide frame and amazing legs and had everything you want to see in a Tango.

Carrie Ann- 10, Len- 10, Derek- 10, Bruno- 10 = 40/40

Trevor and Emma – Jive – “Basket Case” by Green Day

DANCING WITH THE STARS - “Stars' Stories Week: Prom Night” – (ABC/Eric McCandless)TREVOR DONOVAN, EMMA SLATER
(ABC/Eric McCandless)TREVOR DONOVAN, EMMA SLATER

Jive has a bounce to it that Trevor lacked during this dance, but he impressed me with those kicks and flicks. Great routine, kept up with Emma, and was super fun to watch!

Carrie Ann says he didn’t miss a step of that intricate choreo, but critiques his elbows. Len says his legs should have been straighter but it was action-packed. Derek says it’s a 10 for effort but bounce was missing (told you lol). Bruno says it was tight, compact and full of energy. 

Carrie Ann- 8, Len- 8, Derek- 8, Bruno- 8 = 32/40

Joseph and Daniella – Cha Cha – “Shut Up and Dance” by Walk The Moon

DANCING WITH THE STARS - “Stars' Stories Week: Prom Night” – (ABC/Eric McCandless)DANI KARAGACH, JOSEPH BAENA
(ABC/Eric McCandless)DANI KARAGACH, JOSEPH BAENA

Daniella is a better choreographer than that, and I honestly think Joseph is a better dancer than that. He was so stiff and it felt a little all over the place. Disappointing for such a great Cha Cha song.

Len says he danced it terrifically and his foot placements were good. Derek says his lungers were strong but his legs weren’t consistent. Bruno says he’s improved so much and he can see the work he’s applying in every performance. Carrie Ann says this dance wasn’t as good as last night.

Carrie Ann- 8. Len- 8, Derek- 8, Bruno- 8 = 32/40

Jordin and Brandon – Contemporary – “No Air” by Jordin Sparks and Chris Brown

DANCING WITH THE STARS - “Stars' Stories Week: Prom Night” – (ABC/Eric McCandless)JORDIN SPARKS, BRANDON ARMSTRONG
(ABC/Eric McCandless)JORDIN SPARKS, BRANDON ARMSTRONG

Good choreo, Jordin wasn’t perfecting it at the start but she picked it up during the last half. There’s always something cool about seeing someone dance to their own song, especially a song that has so many memories for so many of us on this blog right now!

Derek says it was beautiful and compliments her arms. Bruno says it had a sense of love, affection and protection. Carrie Ann compliments it in a bunch of words that don’t make sense. Len says it had musicality but complains about a “spinny thing.”

Carrie Ann- 9, Len- 8, Derek- 9, Bruno- 9 = 35/40

Wayne and Witney – Samba – “It Takes Two” by Rob Base and DJ EZ Rock

DANCING WITH THE STARS - “Stars' Stories Week: Prom Night” – (ABC/Eric McCandless)WITNEY CARSON, WAYNE BRADY
(ABC/Eric McCandless)WITNEY CARSON, WAYNE BRADY

Explain to me how Wayne couldn’t do simple dances well but just perfected that Samba. It felt reminiscent of Alfonso and Witney. Wayne mastered the Samba bounce and each of those intricate steps.

Bruno calls them the King and Queen of Samba. Carrie Ann says it was a breakthrough. Len says this rarely happens, then stands and applauds him. Derek says hard claps for it and says the whole thing was a vibe.

Carrie Ann- 10, Len- 10, Derek- 10, Bruno- 10 = 40/40

It’s now time for the return of the dance marathon, so wish me luck live blogging this! haha

The couples must remain in their boxes and start off with a Hustle. Trevor and Emma started off with a lift while Heidi and Artem kept it in hold. The first out is Daniel and Britt. Charlie and Mark dancing some classic Hustle steps. Vinny and Koko are the next out. Wayne started spinning Witney while Jordin and Brandon were called out. Joseph and Daniella were out next. Trevor ripped his shirt off at some point. Wayne and Witney were out next. Alan and Jessie were impressively dancing the entire time.

It’s now turned into the Lindy Hop where the couples can use the entire floor. Gabby and Val were the first out. Heidi and Artem utilized the entire floor. Charli and Mark were surprisingly called out. Gleb just hopped over Shangela. Trevor and Emma were next out. Heidi and Artem were out next. It’s between Shangela and Jessie.

Jessie and Alan just won and became Prom King and Queen!!

DANCING WITH THE STARS - “Stars' Stories Week: Prom Night” – (ABC/Eric McCandless)ALFONSO RIBEIRO, TYRA BANKS, JESSIE JAMES DECKER, ALAN BERSTEN
(ABC/Eric McCandless)ALFONSO RIBEIRO, TYRA BANKS, JESSIE JAMES DECKER, ALAN BERSTEN

Woo, I don’t know about the dancers but I’m exhausted!

Each couple earned bonus points ranging from 1-11 for their performance depending on where they placed. Jessie and Alan got 11 bonus points while Daniel and Britt got 1 bonus point, and so on.

The bottom two are…  Joseph and Daniella and Heidi and Artem.

The couple going home is… Joseph and Daniella. 

 DANCING WITH THE STARS - “Stars' Stories Week: Prom Night” – The two-night event continues with “Prom Night” featuring the 11 remaining couples performing dances to hits that bring them back to their high school proms. An all-new episode of “Dancing with the Stars” will stream live TUESDAY, OCT. 18 (8:00pm ET / 5:00pm PT), on Disney+. (TV-PG, L) Watch episode replays on Disney+ within the hour following the livestream. (ABC/Eric McCandless)HEIDI D’AMELIO, ARTEM CHIGVINTSEV, TYRA BANKS, ALFONSO RIBEIRO, JOSEPH BAENA, DANI KARAGACH DANCING WITH THE STARS - “Stars' Stories Week: Prom Night” – The two-night event continues with “Prom Night” featuring the 11 remaining couples performing dances to hits that bring them back to their high school proms. An all-new episode of “Dancing with the Stars” will stream live TUESDAY, OCT. 18 (8:00pm ET / 5:00pm PT), on Disney+. (TV-PG, L) Watch episode replays on Disney+ within the hour following the livestream. (ABC/Eric McCandless) HEIDI D’AMELIO, ARTEM CHIGVINTSEV, TYRA BANKS, ALFONSO RIBEIRO, JOSEPH BAENA, DANI KARAGACH DANCING WITH THE STARS - “Stars' Stories Week: Prom Night” – (ABC/Eric McCandless)TYRA BANKS, ALFONSO RIBEIRO, JOSEPH BAENA, DANI KARAGACH
(ABC/Eric McCandless)TYRA BANKS, ALFONSO RIBEIRO, JOSEPH BAENA, DANI KARAGACH

What a fun double feature this week! I was so impressed by Jessie and Alan during the entire dance marathon, they definitely deserved to win the bonus points. Don’t necessarily think Joseph and Daniella should have gone home over Heidi and Artem, but oh well. Join me back here on Monday for a night full of dances to Michael Buble songs, judged by Michael Buble!

About Ashley Amber 84 Articles
Ashley Amber is a 29-year-old writer, author and dancer. When Ashley isn't live-blogging shows like The Voice and Dancing With The Stars for MJ's Big Blog, she works as a writer for Happy Productions and a contributor at The DIS, and previously published over 300 articles for Collider. Ashley has also authored a self-published fantasy/romance series of novelettes, and made her poetry debut in 2021's LGBTQIA+ anthology Deviant: Chronicles of Pride by InkFeathers Publishing. As a former pro ballroom dancer, when she's not writing, you can find Ashley on Youtube and TikTok where she posts dance videos featuring her own choreography and tutorials.