DWTS’ First Hanukkah Tribute in 20-Year History: A Milestone Moment

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The “Dancing with the Holidays” special on Dancing with the Stars showcased the talents of the professional dancers, though a few celebrities, like Andy Richter, did make guest appearances. While this was the show’s first dedicated holiday special, it included a lot of previously aired Christmas content, which some viewers found disappointing.

The performance included both new choreography and clips from past dances – a routine originally filmed for an ABC station in Pennsylvania, and a throwback to a dance by Dancing with the Stars professional Rylee Arnold from her time on Dancing with the Stars: Juniors. But the dance generating the biggest buzz online isn’t a Christmas number; it’s a Hanukkah celebration, a first in the show’s 20-year history.

Alan Bersten’s Choreo To Matisyahu Was DWTS’ First Tribute To Hanukkah In 20 Years

I was really moved by Alan Bersten’s intro package! He talked about being Jewish and how he didn’t see much of himself represented growing up, especially in competitive dance. It meant a lot to him to create something that Jewish kids today can connect with and see themselves in, and honestly, it was really powerful to watch.

This was particularly meaningful because Dancing with the Stars focuses on the celebrity contestants, not the professional dancers. Alan Bersten typically provides support, recently showcasing playful pairings with stars like Elaine Hendrix and Ilona Maher in season 33. Because of this, seeing more of his personal life felt especially impactful.

The song truly stood out because of the music he chose. Matisyahu is a highly respected Jewish musician, and “Miracle” is catchy and uplifting for everyone, but it also has a powerful, deeper meaning for those who know the story behind the lyrics.

Bersten also explained where his dance moves came from, including the hora, which showed a lot of intention. The moment where the male dancers connected arms to create the shape of a menorah was both smart and beautiful to watch. And the spinning move inspired by a dreidel was charming and skillfully executed.

While Bersten didn’t explicitly mention it, the dance clearly drew inspiration from Jewish folk dance, similar to the style seen in Fiddler on the Roof. Dancing with the Stars is always strongest when it blends different dance forms with traditional ballroom, and having pro dancer Val Chmerkovskiy, whose father is Jewish, perform the piece made it feel especially meaningful and connected.

Positive Representation Of Judaism Has Been On The Rise Across All Forms Of TV

Jewish characters and stories are becoming increasingly common on television, and the show Nobody Wants This really shows how much progress has been made. It’s a celebration of Jewish culture that naturally incorporates traditions, language, and ideas, rather than simply trying to teach them.

This trend isn’t limited to shows specifically about Jewish people. In series like Doc and The Pitt, characters’ Jewish identity provides them with a sense of comfort, cultural connection, and strong values, but it doesn’t drive the main story. It’s presented like any other important aspect of a person’s background – as a natural part of who they are, not just something used to move the plot forward.

Including a Hanukkah performance and highlighting it as a first for the show reflects a growing trend. It shows a recognition that Jewish stories and traditions should be visible in popular entertainment, and that people are looking for more than just typical Hanukkah symbols.

The upbeat music and meaningful dance moves highlight the wealth of Jewish culture. While it’s a brief instance in the 20-year run of Dancing with the Stars, it demonstrates that Judaism can be presented as both ordinary and celebratory on television.

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2025-12-03 21:08