Jen Affleck, Danielle Fishel, Jordan Chiles & More Reflect On Emotional ‘DWTS’ Night

Jen Affleck, Danielle Fishel, Jordan Chiles & More Reflect On Emotional ‘DWTS’ Night

Congratulations tonight. What a special dance. And you, the star of the night. How are we feeling after that dance? I’m feeling very well and I’m just I was really stressed out about it. So, I’m really glad that it’s like it’s something that we’ll just look back on. It’ll just be a good memory. Um, first of all, very relatable. I would be stressed out too, but you killed it. Alex, you must be so proud of your little sister. I am. And you know what? She is saying she was stressed out. She did not show one bit of stress. We were in dress rehearsal. She rolled her ankle so bad in the dance before her ankle literally snapped. We thought she broke her ankle and she we we taped up her ankle. She went out, she did the dance. No complaints. So, I mean, she is just literally the best and has not complained once. She’s been such a good sport. And um gotten so close with Val over the past few days, which is so fun that my family’s got to spend time with him. I was going to say I would have never guessed because like I said in the beginning of the interview, you were the star of the night. Sorry, Alex and sorry Val, but like that is true. But Val, tell me how much fun it was to choreograph this dance because it was such a beautiful time and beautiful moment. Yeah, it was uh it was very special. I I feel like the week had a different energy. It was a lighter week. I I think Isabelle’s uh presence in the room really just softened the whole atmosphere. Even though she started calling me Valetta just because I Why did you call me Valleta? It’s when he gets less patient. I become Valetta when I’m less patient. But she uh yeah, she just added so much joy and we’re getting again, it’s just a really revealing week for our celebs, but also really bonding experience for both of us as a as a team on the show. So, um I’m excited to build on it. What did we think about all the scores and the judges reactions? Um I mean it was amazing. I feel like at that moment I still like I just blacked out a little bit like I was going through so many emotions. So um but I mean hearing their comments and I think Derek said something about just one of the moves that I think was something that kind of just like came out naturally when we were dancing and Val was like well you should do that uh in the dance. So, it was really, really nice and so excited. Our highest scores yet. So, Isabelle, thanks so much. We owe it all to you. We owe it all to you. We have to come back every week. Um, but yeah, so exciting. What an emotional night tonight. How we feeling? Honestly, it wasn’t a very emotional night from the first dance all the way to the end. And I think it’s just all about the love and the understanding that each and every person has a family. Each and every person has a connection to somebody. So, I think it’s was really cool that we were able to not only dance with that person, but just show the world what love really feels like and you really did, especially with your dad. Tell me why you wanted to dedicate this dance to him. My dad has honestly been there through thick and thin and he has understood what it’s like to be, you know, in a world where, you know, things may not be okay and may not be all right, but he knew what it was like to, you know, make sure he raised his daughters very well. So, he’s done an amazing job and I wouldn’t change the world for it. That he did. And Ezra, your choreography was beautiful. Tell me, walk me through the thought process of you taking a step back and really letting Jordan have this special moment with her dad. I honestly think tonight wasn’t about scores. It wasn’t about having the best dance. I think tonight was just sharing special moments with those people that you’re dedicating it to. And so for Jordan, her dad, I just didn’t think of I couldn’t think of anything better just to allow them to share their story but together by themselves on the ballroom floor. And I truly believe that they deserve that. I did. And what was your favorite moment dancing with your dad? Honestly, the whole thing. Just him remembering the steps I think is the biggest thing. Those steps he did and honestly allowing me to lead and he lead and like understanding what the Walts is all about. So, it was really cool to have that opportunity. And I love, like you were saying, it wasn’t about the eliminations or the scores or anything. So, it was great the fact that no one did get eliminated. Were you guys totally shocked by that? See, I kind of saw it coming. I was like, either it’s usually Disney night or dedication night and someone doesn’t go home. But then we were like rehearsing it and I was like, wait, this might actually happen. And then it didn’t actually happen. I was pissed. I was pretty mad. Okay. I was going to say I clocked you going like this to the camera right after. So, walk me through that. To the producers. Yeah. You know what you’re doing. The these mind games, they’re not going to work on me, sis. Good luck. Good luck. Tell me how you’re feeling right now. Feeling all the things. Um, you know, I I I am feeling exhausted, especially after this last week and being sick and whatnot. And you know there there was a moment there that I honestly felt like a little bit discouraged um being a part of this competition. I’m like oh what if I won’t be able to finish the routine or because we only had such little time to practice. I was so worried. But honestly the dance is a representation of what my mom did for me this week. Like how ironic uh is it that it was dedication week. She’d be in town and now she’s cooking me soup every single day as if like I was a little kid again. And it just brought back all the memories of like everything she did for me growing up and the fact that then she was able to carry me through this dance. Like it just made the dance extra special and I’m so grateful. I love that so much cuz it’s so true. She got to be a mom again and then you got to show how special it was to be her daughter tonight. Is that what pushed you through? Because I was seeing like the Tik Tok Zach’s Tik Tok of you sick and I was like, “Oh my god, how is she going to get through?” Is it your mom that got you through this week? Absolutely. My mom carried me through all of the practices and Yep. through every day. Like I I would not be here without her. And talk to me about the choreography. It was beautiful. How did you come to tell this story tonight? I mean, it was easy because she told me the story about her mom and how she was growing up and how what meant to her and her mom is just a rock star and she the way she moves and have elegance and everything. I’m so proud of her because it’s not easy to come on stage and people screaming and the lighting and everything and still doing that and the performance when I saw on camera this is what we wanted and even though she was sick it was beautiful and I’m really proud of her and her mom. You have been so open the past year and also your postpartum journey. Has Dancing with the Stars been healing amid that journey for you? Oh absolutely. Um not only has the dancing in you know, like the the being busy and and whatnot has like kind of distracted me from baby blues and and postpartum. Um, but honestly, just being able to tell my story has been the most healing part because the fact that I’m able to share this story with an even bigger audience and then have so many other moms, you know, relate to me and and reach out to me, like, it’s it’s been so healing. Do you have a message to moms out there that are kind of going through the same situation? That it gets better. You’re not alone. Oh, yeah. You literally are not alone. Like, I want to say most moms at some point will experience what you’re experiencing right now. And just know that that people love you. People want you to be here. And, you know, sometimes it just takes reaching out to someone to realize that there are people there. Um, and so yeah, you’re not alone and I see you. I feel you. I understand you and we can do this. That is so important and that’s why this show is so important. It’s not just about dancing, but you killed tonight. You really did. And you should be very proud of yourself. And next week, we got wicked and you’re getting good. You’re getting better week after week. So, how are we going to up the ante next week? It’s going to be very technical, which we know that we need to work on. It’s going to be a lot of passion and different from all other five weeks. So, we’re going to see a different side of her which I’m very excited to to see. Um, so yeah, everything else you can tune in on Tuesday. You were so both of you were so amazing. You were so amazing. You must be so proud. I am. I’m very proud. Especially right before we went on. I know how nervous Connor was. So, yeah. I didn’t want to let them down. So, the nerves were getting me because I’m like, listen, they’ve been crushing it week in and week out. I’m not gonna be I’m not gonna be the weak link. Yeah, I was gonna say, so have you. I’ve seen the Tik Toks. I’ve seen the costumes. I’ve seen the support. But even in rehearsal this whole week, like 100% every single time. So, yeah, it showed. Tell me though, you guys have been through so much. You talked about it on the show tonight, too. Was this dance healing for you, too? Yeah, I feel like it was. I feel like healing is a continuous thing. Yeah. In our relationship. It was definitely a new way to connect with each other while expressing how we both felt during a very trying time. So, I was honored that we got to work through something and connect through something that means so much to Whitney. Yeah. And what was your favorite moment of the night? Because there was so many good moves, but what was your favorite? Like specifically just with our dance. Oh man. I mean, I love when you catch me at the end. That’s my favorite part. That one’s probably my favorite. I think it meant a lot to me because that lift was so hard to nail. Like we worked really hard on that. So getting it. Well, not only Yeah. Not only getting it, but getting it and looking good. Cuz Mark be like, “You can do it, but you’re not doing it looking good.” So we finally got it to where we could do it looking good. Yeah. Connor though, tell me how was rehearsals with Mark? I would imagine he runs a very tight ship. Listen, Mark locks in in the rehearsal studio. He locks in, but he has a great time regardless. He is an incredible teacher, an amazing supporter, and he’s always positive, but he will push you because he knows what you have in the tank. And I appreciate that about Mark. Same. And that’s why you’re getting better week after week after week. How did you feel about this dance? And how are you feeling about being a dancer? I Wait, what was the last question? How are you feeling about your dancing abilities and you being a dancer? Yeah, I feel like, you know, I definitely messed up a little bit at the end and it was which I’m kind of bummed about, but I’m human and I I saw Connor in that moment and I feel like I just kind of lost it. But I um don’t even remember your question. I’m going to be so honest with you. I am so tired. Please ask me the question again. Honestly, you answered it, so it’s totally fine. You’re doing so much better. Yes, I’m proud of you as well. I was just asking like how are you feeling being a dancer because week after week you are proving that you are a dancer. Yeah, I appreciate that. It’s been a minute since I had been in the it’s been over a generation since I’ve been in the studio, but it’s been really exciting to feel like muscle memory coming back and Mark really pushes me and the man himself we were just talking about. Oh yeah, good things I hope. I heard that we had fun at rehearsal, but you really did run a tight ship and you’re really pushing Whitney to be her best dance. I’m doing my best. Yeah. And she’s doing her best. Connor did his best this week. It was fun. It was a a unique challenge this week, which I love after doing this show for so long. I love that the show keeps it fresh. And the fact that you get to dedicate some something to someone that you love, whether it be your husband, your wife, a friend, a daughter. Um this was just really unique and cool. And no eliminations. No eliminations. like kind of thank God. They’re going hard. The confetti cannons are being put to work this year. And next week we got Wicked Week and I would imagine you are going to up the ante. So tell me how you’re going to do that. Well, I’m just gonna keep it going. Doing my best. Yeah, I love it. And I just would imagine you are so so proud of her. All right. I couldn’t be more proud of my wife out here living her dream, still being a mother, still being a wife, and going after something that means so much to her. It is inspiring and I love her so much. I need Connor with me through the press line every time, actually. So, well, tell me how you’re feeling after that emotional dedication. It was an emotional night for sure. I cried at everybody’s dances and then at the very end of the night we had to come out and do a very happy jive. So, um I’m grateful for the fact that I was able to pull it together and come out here. I’m grateful to Bill that he allowed me to do this dedication night to him. And uh I just hope everybody felt the love and the joy in it as much as we did. I did. I can tell you I did. I loved it. and the judge’s feedback. There was some criticism by Kerianne. I would love to know your response to it and how you’re going to push forward. Oh, he’s so excited. I have uh Danielle as a partner who is the best at taking criticism. So, uh we always take it, we try to apply it right away and I think this week it’s a perfect opportunity because Kerianne said that things look the same. We also have the styles that kind of feel the same. Quickstep drive. Well, next week we have a complete huge turn and we’re doing something completely different. So, this critique goes hand in hand with what’s about to come for Wicked Week too. That’s going to be so so good. Is there anything else you can give a tease to for Wicked Week? Uh, it’s going to be Moody Team Green Alphaba vibes.

Access Hollywood’s guest correspondent Lauren Herbert spoke to “Dancing With The Stars” dancers Alix Earle, Jordan Chiles, Jen Affleck, Whitney Leavitt and Danielle Fishel along with their professional dance partners about the emotional night. The evening’s theme was Dedication Night where each celebrity performed a tribute dance to honor someone special in their lives. The dancers reflected on the evening and teased what we can expect next week for the upcoming “Wicked” themed episode. “Dancing with the Stars” airs Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC and next day on Hulu.

0:00 – Celebrating the Night’s Performance
2:26 – Emotional Reflections on Dedication Night
4:49 – The Importance of Family Connections
6:57 – Healing Through Dance and Personal Stories
8:30 – Nerves Ahead of the Dance
12:30 – Dancing Through an Emotional Night

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