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Top 10 Tuesdays: Top 10 Freestyles

Nov 20, 2017 by PowerRankings101

Well, here comes the DWTS finale soon. So let’s rank the top 10 best freestyles of all time. There were so many great iconic dance tributes in the last round, and now it’s time for freestyles in the DWTS25 finale. So it seemed fitting to rank the best freestyles of them all.

Honorable Mentions: Normani Kordei and Val Chmerkovskiy (season 24); Alfonso Ribeiro and Whitney Carson (season 19); Riker Lynch and Allison Holker (season 20); James Hinchcliffe and Sharna Burgess (season 23); Nicole Scherzinger and Derek Hough (season 10)

10. Bindi Irwin and Derek Hough (season 21)- While I think Bindi had better dances in the season, this was still a beautiful and stunning freestyle. A lot of freestyles have been memorable for its flavor and pizazz, but this was a different kind of freestyle that made for an enjoyable yet heartwarming journey.

9. Nyle DiMarco and Peta Murgatroyd (season 22)- Like Bindi, this routine was a slower freestyle and really allowed for storytelling and heart. What Nyle did on his season was impressive, but this was the most emotion we had seen from him, something that would seem challenging to most contestants, especially considering Nyle had one of his senses unavailable. But Nyle made it seem effortless, and made for a beautiful routine.

8. Zendaya and Val Chmerkovskiy (season 16)- Zendaya is due for an All-Stars season. Back in season 16, she was relatively unknown, so she wasn’t getting the votes to win. But this routine proved that she could dance the hell out of any routine, and her energy and spark was incredibly evident in this punch-packing freestyle.

7. Kellie Pickler and Derek Hough (season 16)- While I just raved about Zendaya, Kellie Pickler beat her fair and square, and rightfully so. This freestyle was the epitome of Kellie’s journey, and showed a vulnerability like no other. One of the most beautiful slow freestyles, showing technique and storytelling to the maximum.

6. Apolo Anton Ohno and Julianne Hough (season 4)- An old-school season with a fresh new winner. Julianne may not compete anymore, but back then, she was the one to beat, turning stars into dancers, and Apolo was no exception. A brilliant dancer, full of fun and spirit, and some impressive hip-hop style moves that made him one of the most popular contestants of all time.

5. Paige VanZant and Mark Ballas (season 22)- Many would say she was robbed. Paige was someone who improved so much on her season, and this routine was the cherry on top, showing her immense strength and power as a dancer and emotionally. I loved this so much, and sometimes revisit this one because of its strength and passion. Bravo.

4. Drew Lachey and Cheryl Burke (season 2)- The one that essentially started it all. Had it not been for the routine, we may not even have this show. This was the first big DWTS hit, and nobody will forget this cowboy dance, all the way back from the second season. Fun and entertaining, but technically impressive and unique. A brilliant combination for success.

3. Corbin Bleu and Karina Smirnoff (season 17)- Corbin is one of the best to never win, and this routine shows Corbin at his highest: smooth, crisp, and full of life. Like Jordan this season, Corbin just relishes in facial expressions and connecting every move to the next. A fluent dancer, fitting a very cool personality. A dance made in heaven.

2. Meryl Davis and Maks Chmerkovskiy (season 18)- Meryl is my favorite dancer the show has ever had, and this routine was one of her best (if not her best). Passionate, oozing with emotion, and incredibly detailed, while feeling simple. This was the most chemistry we’ve ever seen on the ballroom floor, and it is a routine that makes me cry every time.

1. Sadie Robertson and Mark Ballas (season 19)- While Meryl has one of the most beautiful dances I’ve ever seen, Sadie and Mark surely have the most fun. This was my favorite theme of any freestyle, and the creativity Mark put into it is astounding. I was in awe, and I still am. Usually, a Super Mario routine wouldn’t be taken seriously, but this was a mega-hit, and surely gave eventual winner Alfonso Ribeiro a run for his money.

#casting

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Top 10 Tuesdays: Top 10 Freestyles

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