Allison Holker, a famous dance and choreographer, left an incredible impression regarding Dancing with the Stars (DWTS). Obviously, she had a background in contemporary dancing; however, she was willing to accept the ballroom dancing choreography challenge to demonstrate her flexibility and gain the audience’s affection due to her remarkable male and female partners. And her journey through the show was but full of unique and memorable moments of character development and an impressive final act as well.
Early Controversy and First Partner
Joining the Show with Skepticism
Allison Holker gave her entry to Dancing with the Stars in the nineteenth season which was a joyous news for some people, as it elicited different feelings for others. Because of a complete absence of Latin ballroom dancing in her previous experience as a contemporary dancer, she questioned her potential accomplishment (Reddit). Holker herself has many times draw the line at participating in such a show but finally she overcame this fear and decided to move to the next level (Wikipedia).
Embed from Getty ImagesPartnership with Jonathan Bennett
For her first season of DWTS, Holker was partnered with Jonathan Bennett of Mean Girls fame (Bustle). Both of them performed lively and funny choreography such as jive for Olly Murs – “Dance With Me Tonight” (Dailymotion).
As enthusiastic and diligent as they were, there dancing days were over in Week 6, and they came 9th. Reflecting on his experience, Bennett shared how dancing helped him rediscover his passion for life, stating: “It made me feel alive; it pushed me to my comfort zone and I think that is what I needed all this time” (Just Jared Jr.).
Embed from Getty ImagesReaching New Heights with Riker Lynch
A Powerful Partnership in Season 20
In Season 20, Holker danced with Riker Lynch, a client from the singing and performing band, R5 (Reddit). This pairing was one of the highlights of her DWTS season, because Lynch had the natural moves and charism to fit Holker’s style. Time and time again, they both drew the wonder of both judges and spectators.
Memorable Performances
I found their ‘Work Song’ performance of Hozier in Week 9 chronicling as the strongest since it received a total of forty points (YouTube). By performing such a routine the talent and coordination which they both possess was displayed and probably this just left the audience amazed.
Although they didn’t garner the mirror-ball trophy,they were second and thus remain among the most fantastic seasons in the history of the show (Reddit).
A Lasting Bond
Holker and Lynch were more than professional partners during the DWTS. She also featured in the music video for R5’s song “All Night” and went for his concerts to shoot (YouTube). For her part, Lynch thanked her for her leadership and described their cooperation as a “A very special and unforgettable experience” (Just Jared Jr.).
A Journey of Growth with Andy Grammer
Season 21 Challenges
In Season 21 of ‘TDS’ Holker partnered with singer-songwriter, Andy Grammer (Wikipedia). As a team they successfully dealt with almost all types of dancing, starting with the jive and ending with contemporary dances. Holker and Grammer had a supportive relationship with each other during the season, practicing for shows while Grammer toured for concerts (Just Jared).
On the Road
Their interaction included not only partnering on dancing but also on tours for Grammer’s tour which called for nice moments that ad great experiences for them both (Just Jared Jr.).
As much as they have grown and as committed as they were, they got cut in Week 8, ranking seventh in the Overall Jury Rankings. But they are still friends, and years later they met again in New York and discussed their experience in the show (EntertainmentNow).
Facing Challenges with Babyface
Season 23 Partnership
In the last season that Holker competed, she was partnered with Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds who is an R&B singer and songwriter, as well as a producer (Reddit). Nonetheless, Edmonds leapt at the opportunity, only having minimal background in dancing; this was mostly because of Holker’s friendly and teachable attitude.
Standout Routines
The pair entertained the audience giving unforgettable scenes, such as Argentine Tango in the background of music from the X-Files show and another seductive Tango in the context of Cirque du Soleil (Dailymotion). This flexibility in Edmonds showed one aspect of the strengths that Holker had in adapting her partners.
Unfortunately, they got knocked out in Week 4 and ranked 11th (Dailymotion).
A Legacy of Passion and Dedication
Transforming Lives Through Dance
Allison Holker dancing on the show, DWTS, proved her flexibility, dedication and the fact that she helped her partners change for the better. Starting from Jonathan Bennett, who found his passion again to Babyface Edmonds who got out his musical comfort zone, Holker impacted more than just the dance floor (Just Jared Jr.).
An Inspiration for Future Dancers
In fact even though she has never held the trophy and been crowned the champion, Holker’s journey has been a source of encouragement. She was able to build relationships with her partners, and ready to tackle the challenges as evidenced by her, hence a legacy of dedication and passion was built and left behind.
Conclusion
Allison Holker showed her talent, conversion, and passion during her Dancing with the Stars’ show. From being in the finals with Riker Lynch to dealing with obstacles with Andy Grammer or helping baby face transform, she left an unforgettable mark at the show.
I wish the reader to remember that dance could change people’s lives and bring them together. DWTS fans will always remember her as lively, prolific, and motivated dancer.
