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Spine-tingling, jaw-dropping, and wickedly creative — these are the Halloween, Horror Movie, and Villains Night performances that haunted our dreams! Join us as we count down our picks for the most unforgettable spooky dances ever to hit the ballroom! Which routine gave you the most chills? Let us know in the comments below!
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00:00Welcome to Ms. Mojo, and today we're counting down our picks for the spine-tingling, jaw-dropping, and wickedly creative
00:07dances that took Halloween and Villainy to the dance floor.
00:19Number 20. Quick Step to Dr. Bones, Calvin Johnson Jr. and Lindsey Arnold.
00:25When NFL powerhouse Calvin hit the ballroom floor alongside Lindsey for Halloween week, nobody expected quite this much quick step
00:32from a man built like a linebacker.
00:43Set to the brassy bounce of the Cherry Poppin' Daddies, it was all rapid-fire footwork, crisp transitions, and an
00:51impressive frame.
00:52Calvin flashed that megawatt smile beneath his skeleton face paint, while keeping up with choreography that could have left anyone
00:58else gasping.
01:00Dr. Bones! Dr. Bones! Dr. Bones! I love you, Dr. Bones!
01:09He looked like he was having the time of his life, too. The judges loved it, and fans still revisit
01:15the routine for its sheer speed.
01:17And honestly, is there a better compliment than being compared to a former champion?
01:20You remind me of one of my favorite contestants ever, but you're taller.
01:25You remember Emmett Smith, anybody?
01:26Oh, you're true?
01:27You bring that same energy to this dancer!
01:30Number 19. Tango to Take Me to Church, Justina Machado and Sasha Farber.
01:36Stepping straight out of a Stephen King nightmare, Justina Machado brought an eerie intensity to the ballroom alongside Sasha.
01:43My love has got human. She's a gaggle out of you, you know.
01:49Knows everybody says it's so bold. Show yourself to so much.
01:54Set to a haunting cover of Take Me to Church, their tango leaned fully into the horror, with Justina embodying
02:01this sinister character from the first dramatic pose.
02:03Her staccato movements and razor-sharp glides gave the routine an edge, while she and Sasha were perfectly matched in
02:10every step.
02:17What really makes it memorable, though, is how completely Justina committed to the mood with total theatrical conviction.
02:24It showed a darker side of her performance style that fans still love revisiting when Halloween rolls around.
02:29Cover me then, let me start. Good God, let me give you my life.
02:41Number 18. Tango to Disturbia, Ivana Lynch and Keo Mazepe.
02:46Channeling the feeling of a waking nightmare, Ivana totally transformed her presence on the dance floor.
02:52No more gas in the rain, can't even get us started. Nothing hurt, nothing said, ain't even speaking fine.
02:59Feels like I'm going insane, yeah. It's even...
03:05Their tango to a moody rendition of Rihanna's Disturbia was all sharp head snaps, ominous stares, and deliberately unsettling movement.
03:14Every detail seemed designed to make the audience feel uncomfortable, in the best possible way.
03:19So I feel responsible for my eyes.
03:22If my disturbia, I feel like the darkness is light.
03:26I feel like I'm scared of you tonight.
03:30For viewers who knew Ivana primarily as the sweet Luna Lovegood, seeing her command the stage with this much menace
03:37was a surprise.
03:38She and Keo created a claustrophobic atmosphere without relying on elaborate tricks, letting the choreography do the heavy lifting.
03:45It was theatrical, intense, and a major turning point in her ballroom journey.
03:50Stare yeah, we don't want to scare you tonight.
03:54Stare yeah, we don't want to be used to what you like.
03:58Stare yeah, just start yeah.
04:01Number 17. Tango 2 theme from Psycho, Ricky Lake and Derek Hough.
04:07This routine stands among the show's greatest Halloween performances because it turns suspense and cinematic dread into something you can
04:14actually feel.
04:26Derek's choreography plays with those jagged, stabbing strings, bringing Hitchcock-y intention to life through sharp staccato footwork and fiercely
04:34controlled movements.
04:36Ricky completely owns the darkness, attacking every step with terrifying intensity while maintaining incredible poise.
04:55There's something so satisfying about watching the horror unfold through the choreography, with every movement adding to the story without
05:02sacrificing the technical demands of ballroom.
05:04It's thrilling, unsettling, and seriously impressive, making this the kind of Halloween routine that stays with you long after the
05:12music stops.
05:13It remains utterly unforgettable.
05:26Number 16. Tango 2 The Addams Family theme. Joey Lawrence and Editha Slavinska.
05:32When television's spookiest family inspired a ballroom routine early on, this duo knew exactly how to have fun with it.
05:49Their tango 2 The Addams Family theme mixed crisp ballroom technique with those finger snaps, creating a routine that felt
05:56recognizable without becoming a novelty act.
05:59Joey leaned into the deadpan, gothic attitude, while Editha brought the precision needed to keep everything moving.
06:15Sharp turns, dramatic dips, and playful character work gave it an old-school feel.
06:20It's the kind of routine that makes you grin before the music is even halfway through.
06:24Creepy, spooky, cheeky, and ooky make for a pretty good Addams Family recipe.
06:39If you're looking for more pop culture tricks and treats, join us on our kooky and altogether ooky livestream by
06:45scanning the QR code on your screen right now.
06:48Their house is a museum where people come to see them. They really are a studio. The Addams Family.
06:55Number 15. Contemporary to Toxic. Harry Shum Jr. and Jenna Johnson.
07:01A contemporary routine to this spooky rendition of Toxic already carries great expectations, but pairing it with a Saw-themed
07:09production took things up a notch.
07:19The choreography was full of theatrical surprises, with the horror-inspired storytelling giving Harry plenty of opportunities to show off
07:26his range as a performer.
07:28His movement was fluid yet powerful, and he threw himself into the character so completely that it was hard to
07:34look away.
07:43The lifts were particularly jaw-dropping, with the duo moving in such close sync that every transition felt seamless.
07:51It was an ambitious routine that delivered on both tricks and treats, earning them the first perfect score of the
07:57season.
08:08Number 14. Paso Doble to Round Table Rival. Lindsey Stirling and Mark Ballas.
08:14Throughout Lindsey and Mark's time together, they proved that the only thing to expect was the unexpected.
08:35Their Paso felt like a cinematic horror sequence, complete with intricate choreography, dizzying spins, and steps that looked a treat
08:43even if they were tricky to master.
08:45Lindsey's violinist instincts brought unusual musicality to every movement, while Mark's choreography pushed the storytelling into eerie territory.
09:09The final pose alone could have been pulled from a psychological thriller.
09:13What makes the performance memorable is that it never sacrifices technique for spectacle.
09:17Every strange angle and transition has purpose, making this the kind of routine you watch once for the shock, then
09:24again to catch everything you missed.
09:44Number 13. Jazz To Anything Goes. JoJo Siwa and Jenna Johnson.
09:50JoJo and Jenna brought plenty of personality to their Halloween jazz routine, and they clearly had no interest in playing
09:57it safe.
09:58In olden days, a glimpse of stocking was looked only something shocking, now heaven knows.
10:05Anything Goes.
10:07Anything Goes gave them the perfect playground for acrobatics, dizzying rotations, bold character work,
10:13and choreography that used every inch of the stage.
10:17The pair had great chemistry, with Jenna matching JoJo's energy while keeping the routine technically sharp.
10:23Anything Goes.
10:36JoJo's fearlessness made even the most demanding moments feel joyful rather than intimidating, while the performance never lost its sense
10:43of fun.
10:43It was flashy without feeling empty, and athletic without becoming all about the tricks.
10:48More than anything, it showed just how much personality can elevate a Halloween routine.
11:14Number 12, Viennese Waltz to I Put a Spell on You, James Van Der Beek and Emma Slater.
11:32In season 28, this devilish duo had us, and the judges, mesmerized with their hauntingly stunning Viennese waltz.
11:41You'd better stop the things you do, I'll tell you I ain't lying.
11:51While this style is typically viewed as a romantic dance, the duo managed to add something sinister to their performance,
11:58joined by guest star Kyo Mazepe.
12:00You know I can't stand it. You're running around. You're no better, daddy.
12:08James plays a demon hell-bent on stealing Emma away from Kyo.
12:13From the choreography to his technique and the characterization, everything came together so seamlessly.
12:19Until a small slip-up turned his dreams of scoring 10s into a nightmare, that is.
12:24Although he did still score 9s.
12:26If only he'd managed to cast the same magic over the judges as he had his partner.
12:32Because you're mine.
12:39Number 11, Viennese Waltz to Crete.
12:42Johnny Weir and Brit Stewart.
12:50You don't often expect an emotional performance during Halloween week, but that's exactly what we got.
12:57You float like a feather in a beautiful world.
13:04Brit reinterpreted her partner's ice dancing routine to Creep for the ballroom and gave it a vampire theme.
13:10It was still Halloween after all.
13:19They go from elegant and graceful to intense and passionate so flawlessly that we can't take our eyes off of
13:26them for a moment.
13:28It was dramatic, spellbinding, and simply fang-tastic.
13:32What the hell am I doing here?
13:41After their frightful salsa of the week before, Johnny and Brit were determined to get back on top.
13:47And with this dance, there was no way they'd be back in the bottom two again.
13:52I don't belong here.
14:12Just as we thought that they may have peaked too soon, Juan and Cheryl came back with a bang.
14:18Dancing an ancient Egyptian-themed jive, the pair proved once more why they were the frontrunners of the season.
14:24Going to a party, I know it's your life.
14:30I'm struck by lightning.
14:33Walking down the street.
14:35Bringing all the energy, and the jive requires a lot, but Juan had no problem keeping up with the pro.
14:50His timing and synchronization with Cheryl, as well as the way he hits certain beats so perfectly, are mind-blowing.
14:58Walking down the street.
15:00I was hit by something last night in my sleep.
15:05Carrie-Anne called it sheer perfection, and Len said that he saw nothing that he didn't like.
15:10They received full marks, putting them right back on the top of the pyramid.
15:25Lori Hernandez and Val Schmierkowski.
15:27Come with me, and you'll be in a world of pure imagination.
15:37The only thing sweeter than dancing in a chocolate factory is Lori's performance in this number.
15:42This Olympian dances so beautifully and elegantly, and doesn't miss a single step.
15:47We'll begin with the spin, traveling in the world of my creation.
15:57If we didn't know any better, we'd struggle to tell the celebrity apart from the professional.
16:02The Viennese waltz emphasized what a close bond these two had developed, and their chemistry is evident throughout the dance.
16:12Val clearly choreographed to her strengths, and she delivers on every count, from technique to characterization.
16:29And of course, they scored a perfect 30.
16:32Who would have thought that a Halloween-inspired routine could leave us smiling from ear to ear?
16:47No. 8. Contemporary to Every Breath You Take.
16:51Frankie Muniz and Whitney Carson.
16:53Every breath you take.
16:59Every move you make.
17:25Like an actual horror film, it was creepy, chilling, enthralling, and utterly captivating.
17:33Whitney's ingenious choreography really shows the power battle between the two characters as well,
17:38and it's only made more spectacular by their hair-raising lifts.
17:42Every breath you break.
17:45Every step you take.
17:49We were left in awe over how perfectly Frankie embodied the role, and how impeccably he performed this dramatic and
17:56tension-filled dance.
17:57If they hadn't achieved a perfect score, now that would be the real horror story.
18:07Number 7. Argentine Tango to Cry Little Sister.
18:11Bindi Irwin and Derek Hough.
18:17For Halloween week, the sweet young Bindi Irwin we'd come to know and love disappeared,
18:22and a fierce evil queen vampire-esque took her place.
18:26Behind those eyes, Lighthouse will rock.
18:32Paying tribute to the 1987 vampire flick The Lost Boys, Bindi amazed us with her spine-tingling Argentine Tango.
18:40Not only did she channel her dark side, but she also used it to drive the dance.
18:45Bad boy's so clear, through broken walls, that scream I hear.
18:57Every movement was so sharp, and each step was delivered with such incredible attack, it was simply unparalleled.
19:04Thou shalt not be loved with your brother.
19:11Julianne commended them on taking their performance to another level.
19:15While Bruno called it a master class in Argentine Tango.
19:18She rightfully earned a perfect score after slaying that routine.
19:27Number 6. Argentine Tango to Tanguera.
19:30Charli D'Amelio and Marc Ballas.
19:33As digital superstardom collided with theatrical ballroom genius,
19:37Charli and Marc delivered a performance that felt light-years ahead of the competition.
19:53Their Argentine Tango to Tanguera was defined by immaculate precision, complex storytelling, and fearless commitment to an unconventional style.
20:03Every line was extended with striking control, while the moody lighting and intricate framing enhanced the cinematic quality of the
20:10broadcast.
20:29Charli's ability to absorb Marc's demanding choreography made the routine feel effortless, even when the technique was anything but.
20:36It's the kind of performance that rewards repeat viewing.
20:40First you notice the atmosphere, then the details, and finally just how much control goes into every single movement.
20:59Number 5. Paso Doble to Animals. Jordan Fisher and Lindsay Arnold.
21:07Playing the big bad wolf to Lindsay's Little Red Riding Hood, this dance was yet another reminder as to why
21:14these two were the favorites to win.
21:20This dance, which gives us slight Michael Jackson thriller vibes, has to be one of the best we've seen on
21:27the show.
21:31Not only did the Paso Doble totally suit Jordan, but also his ability to play the part and still be
21:37indistinguishable from the other pros was breathtaking.
21:46Lindsay didn't make the dance easy either, but with each powerful move and strong line, you can see why Little
21:53Red would fall straight into his claws.
21:55It was fur-nominal.
22:03Number 4. Paso Doble to Swan Lake Remix. Neve Shulman and Jenna Johnson.
22:14Self-professed Swan Lake superfan Neve really spread his wings for this villain's Night Paso Doble.
22:28Taking inspiration from the famous ballet, they certainly set the bar high when it came to our expectations.
22:41Jenna threw everything into the choreography, and Neve executed every step as if it was no trouble at all.
22:48It was so beautiful, exciting and stirring, and it exceeded everything that we might have hoped for.
23:02They got the first perfect score of the season, and even reprised the dance again in the finals for another
23:08full 30.
23:17Number 3. Viennese Waltz to You Don't Own Me. James Hinchcliffe and Jenna Johnson.
23:22You don't own me. You don't own me.
23:31With Sharna unable to dance due to injury, Jenna stepped in as the Harley Quinn to James' Joker.
23:36And clearly, the chemistry was there.
23:40Don't tell me what to do. And don't tell me what to say.
23:46Embodying the DC characters, this Viennese Waltz really played with the power dynamics between the comic book couple.
23:53You don't own me. Don't try to change me in any way.
24:00Their acting skills and facial expressions really capture their complicated and messy relationship as well.
24:06So choice, let me be myself. That's all I ask of you.
24:14There's almost no superlative strong enough to describe just how amazing they were.
24:19The dance has since garnered more than 31 million views on YouTube, and it quickly became the most talked about
24:26dance of the night.
24:28You don't own me.
24:34Number 2. Contemporary to Toxic. Milo Manheim and Whitney Carson.
24:39Baby, can't you see? I'm calling. A guy like you should wear one name. It's dangerous. I'm falling.
24:51No one does contemporary quite like Whitney Carson. Pair that with a creepy Halloween theme and you're on to a
24:58surefire winner.
25:00Dancing to a cover of Britney Spears' Toxic, this dance had all the tricks and treats to cement itself as
25:06an instant fan favorite.
25:17Whitney didn't hold back when it came to filling the music to the brim with electrifying content, exhilarating lifts, and
25:24plenty of heightened drama.
25:35Audiences were living for the intensity, inspired choreography, and their unbelievable synchronization.
25:42I'll take it to you. Don't you know when it's your turn?
25:50After this chilling and thrilling number, it was no surprise that they topped the leaderboard again.
25:56Everything about it was irresistible.
25:59I'll take the team. Don't you know when it's your turn?
26:06Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.
26:10Jive to Time Warp.
26:12Kel Mitchell and Whitney Carson.
26:14This wildly eccentric routine delivered ultimate spooky camp fun and total joy.
26:31Viennese Waltz to Secret, Janelle Parrish and Val Schmierkowski.
26:35This thriller delivered a hauntingly dramatic routine packed with intense theatrical suspense.
26:40Got a secret, can you keep it?
26:43Swear this one you'll save.
26:45Better lock it in your pocket.
26:48Taking this one to the grave.
26:51Argentine Tango to Shivers.
26:53Gabby Windy and Alan Burstyn.
26:55They served pure chills with their iconic and terrifyingly sharp performance.
26:59Baby, you burn so hot.
27:02You make me shiver with the fire.
27:05You got this thing started.
27:08I don't want it to stop.
27:11Contemporary to Say Something.
27:12Jimmy Allen and Emma Slater.
27:14This emotional number offered spooky season magic mixed with high energy entertainment value.
27:40Viennese Waltz to Secret, Chandler Kinney and Brandon Armstrong.
27:44They waltz through haunting elegance with stunning emotional grace and mesmerizing choreography.
27:51Look into my eyes.
27:53Now you're getting sleeping.
27:56I'm hypnotized by secrets that you're keeping.
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28:20Number 1.
28:22Contemporary to I Got 5 On It, Tethered Mix.
28:25Iman Shumpert and Daniela Karagash.
28:27Who else could possibly take the crown here?
28:30The concept was pure genius because it combined psychological horror with peak physical execution.
28:37Creep on it.
28:38Creep on it.
28:48Performance wise, they fully embodied Jordan Peele's eerie tethered duplicates with chilling synchronized precision.
28:55Ambition shone through Daniela's choice to weaponize their height difference, while daringness peaked with high velocity aerial lifts that could
29:02have risked injury on live TV.
29:23Finally, athleticism underpinned the routine with Iman utilizing his NBA level power and core strength to catch, fling and suspend
29:31Daniela with fluidity.
29:32It's a powerful reminder that beneath the glitz, makeup and theatrical monsters, dance is the ultimate vehicle for raw human
29:40expression that crowns champions.
29:53What's your most spooktacular dancing with the stars routine?
29:57Let us know in the comments.
29:58Let us know in the comments.
29:59Let us know in the comments.
29:59Let us know in the comments.
30:01Let us know in the comments.
30:01Let us know in the comments.
30:01Let us know in the comments.
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