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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 athletically challenging. Galloway documented his journey in the military in his dance, showing the trauma he endured and how he rose above it.

Amanda Kloots and Alan Bersten (season 30)

Former The Talk host Amanda Kloots performed a contemporary alongside Alan Bersten for season 30. She performed a routine to her late husband, Nick Cordero’s song “Live Your Life.”

Kloots and her partner, Alan Bersten, scored 40 out of 40 after performing the dance honoring the Broadway actor. Cordero died of complications from coronavirus (COVID-19) at the age of 41 in July of 2020.

This emotional tribute to Kloots’ lost love had the audience on its feet. Cordero was one of the first public figures to die of the virus after the pandemic began in March 2020.

Selma Blair and Sasha Farber (season 31)

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It was Selma Blair’s first dance alongside pro-Sasha Farber, and it was one of the most emotional of season 31. In a powerful opening moment, Blair, who battles Multiple Sclerosis, left her cane behind to lean on Farber to dance a Viennese waltz to David Cook’s “Time of My Life.”

“I am used to having a counterbalance of my dog or a cane, or at home, my abilities are much more seamless than out and about,” she told Good Morning America. The couple placed third on the leaderboard with 28 points, showing viewers that anything is possible if you believe.

Bindi Irwin and Derek Hough (season 21)

Steve Irwin’s only daughter was already a fan favorite before she entered the ballroom. Viewers watched her grow on camera, sharing the spotlight with her famous father in videos promoting animal conservation and their Australia Zoo.

But it was during a dance honoring her Most Memorable Year that the tears indeed flowed. Irwin said in a pre-taped package that what shaped her the most was when her dad died. She said she had never “dwelled” on his passing but was ready to tell that story via dance.

The song choice was a slow version of The Police’s hit, “Every Breath You Take.” Irwin and Hough would go on to win the season.

Dancing with the Stars airs Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET on ABC and Disney+. The series airs the next day on Hulu.

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