Dancing with the Stars 2024 500th Episode Celebration. See all the Dance Styles and Song Choices
Dancing with the Stars marks a major milestone with its 500th episode, airing Tuesday, Nov. 12 (8:00–10:01 p.m. EST/PST, 7:00–9:01 p.m. CST). The special will simulcast live across ABC and Disney+ in local time zones, with the episode available the next day on Hulu. This anniversary show honors the long-running series by revisiting iconic routines while spotlighting the current Season 33 cast and professional dancers.
The episode opens with a large-scale production number choreographed by Pasha Pashkov and Daniella Karagach. That sequence will pay tribute to the very first opening theme of Dancing with the Stars, bringing the series full circle for longtime viewers and new fans alike. Producers have teased the return of some fan-favorite faces from previous seasons, joining the current contestants for special moments throughout the night.
For Dance fans, the evening delivers a curated mix of ballroom and contemporary styles. Partner routines for the night include Contemporary, Quickstep, Argentine Tango and the Viennese Waltz. Each couple will not only perform a technically polished routine, but also honor memorable moments from the show’s past 32 seasons by recreating or reinterpreting standout dances with their own creative twists for Season 33.
Round two features a “mystery dance challenge”
In the show’s second round, couples face an Instant Dance Challenge. In this high-pressure segment, contestants will receive their music and the dance style only minutes before performing live — creating a true test of adaptability, choreography skill, and stage presence. The challenge is designed to highlight improvisation and quick decision-making, as well as the deep training of the professional partners.
Dancing with the Stars 33 500th Episode: How to Vote
Viewers will be able to cast live votes during the simulcast in the Eastern and Central time zones. Online voting will be accessible to fans in any U.S. time zone, U.S. territories, and Canada via the official voting platform at dwtsvote.abc.com. U.S. fans on participating wireless carriers may also vote via SMS/text, while Canadian viewers are not able to vote by text. Live viewer votes will be combined with judges’ scores to determine which couples are at risk of elimination following the broadcast.
Dancing with the Stars 2024 500th Episode dance styles and song choices
- Danny Amendola and pro Witney Carson — Quickstep, inspired by Helio Castroneves and Julianne Hough’s Season 5 performance, to “Hey Pachuco” by Royal Crown Revue.
- Joey Graziadei and pro Jenna Johnson — Contemporary, inspired by Riker Lynch and Allison Holker’s Season 20 performance, to “Work Song” by Hozier.
- Dwight Howard and pro Daniella Karagach — Argentine Tango, inspired by James Hinchcliffe and Sharna Burgess’s Season 23 performance, to “Santa Maria (Del Buen Ayre)” by Gotan Project.
- Chandler Kinney and pro Brandon Armstrong — Argentine Tango, inspired by Kellie Pickler and Derek Hough’s Season 16 performance, to “Para Te” by Appart.
- Ilona Maher and pro Alan Bersten — Quickstep, inspired by Jordan Fisher and Lindsay Arnold’s Season 25 performance, to “Chuck Berry” by Pharrell Williams.
- Stephen Nedoroscik and pro Rylee Arnold — Viennese Waltz, inspired by Charli D’Amelio and Mark Ballas’s Season 31 performance, to “Glimpse of Us” by Joji.
As part of the anniversary celebration, each dance is framed as a tribute: couples will echo the spirit of past celebrated performances while introducing fresh interpretations, updated choreography, and modern presentation. This approach balances nostalgia for longtime viewers with creative innovation for new audiences.
Dancing with the Stars is co-hosted by Alfonso Ribeiro and Julianne Hough. The judging panel for the season includes Carrie Ann Inaba, Bruno Tonioli and Derek Hough, who will score and critique each performance during the live special. Their feedback, combined with audience votes, will shape the competition and determine which pairings are safe or in jeopardy.
The 500th episode promises a mix of spectacle and sentiment: expansive group numbers, intimate homage dances, and the unpredictable Instant Dance Challenge. Whether you are a long-time fan or tuning in for the first time, the anniversary broadcast aims to celebrate the show’s legacy while showcasing the athleticism, artistry, and drama that have defined Dancing with the Stars for decades.
Tune in for the live celebration on Tuesday, Nov. 12, and participate in the live voting to have a direct impact on the results of this landmark episode. The night offers a rare combination of retrospective highlights and current competition, making it a must-watch for ballroom and television fans alike.