Fringe-trimmed skirts and tango heels twirl across the dance floor as star couples compete during ABC’s reality competition series – Dancing with the Stars. The series showcases partnered professional dancers and celebrities ranging from actors and comedians to singers and athletes. Couples compete to earn points from the panel of judges, and a pair is eliminated each week. The 20-year-running show is filmed each season at Television City in Los Angeles and has been streaming for 33 seasons.

Co-hosts Alfonso Ribeiro and Julianne Hough lead the competitions which are judged by the panel consisting of Bruno Tonioli, Carrie Ann Inaba and Derek Hough. Deena Katz, the primary casting director, hires and pairs celebrities and pro-dancers through a process that accounts for factors such as personality and height.

Competing for the Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy, each episode features a specific theme and category. This year’s season has consisted of an array of themes: Disney Night, Dedication Night, Hair Metal Night, Soul Train Night, Oscars Night and the Premier episode. 

Leading up to each week, the couples choreograph their routines to coordinate with the theme. Senior Caitlin Coble’s favorite theme is Halloween Night.

 “The couples always get so creative and spooky,” Coble said.

Throughout the streaming of each episode, viewers can vote for their favorite couples online – combining the panel’s and audiences’ votes to select a winner each week. 

For their energy and improvement over the season, Junior Annie McGuire’s favorite couples are currently “The Bachelorette” and “The Bachelor” star, Joey Graziadei, and ballroom dancer and choreographer Jenna Johnson, as well as two-time Olympic medalist Stephen Nedoroscik and professional Latin and ballroom dancer, Rylee Arnold.

“My favorite part about the series is watching the group dances to see them work together and the really good choreography.” McGuire said.

Actors and models tend to be fan favorites, such as “Z-O-M-B-I-E-S” actress Chandler Kinney, “Beverly Hills 90210” actress – Tori Spelling or movie star Eric Roberts. 

By combining artistry, tricks and clean technique, duos choreograph their routine matching the week’s music and style to gain popularity.

“A dance is good when both of the dancers have stage presence and the choreography isn’t too slow or dragged out,” Coble said. 

Choreography can range from a salsa, tango, or waltz to a jive, fox trot, etc. The couples must blend these styles with musicality, skill, interest factors and stylistic choices. 

“I think that when it looks really clean and both the pro and the star get the footwork down well and in sync it really pulls the dance together,” McGuire said. “I also think it is important to have cool tricks because it adds character to the dance.”