The Fourth of July is a holiday celebrating our nation's independence with parades, fireworks and a hot dog or two. It's also a wonderful time to look back at Dancing with the Stars and some of the patriotic dances that have been created over the years.
In 2011, Season 12 delivered American Week, complete with red, white and blue costumes, patriotic songs and the American flag waving in the ballroom. While you enjoy a day off, take some time to savor some of these memorable dances that have graced the DWTS ballroom.
1. Season 12: Chelsea Kane & Mark Ballas - Samba
"Party in the USA" by Miley Cyrus isn't the most Samba-esque song we've ever heard, but Mark Ballas kept the dance stacked with traditional Samba steps. Chelsea Kane rocked the red-and-white-fringe pants with a blue-and-white-crop top. They sizzled out there on the dance floor!
2. Season 21: Alek Skarlatos & Lindsay Arnold - Waltz
One of the most unlikely DWTS contestants ever, Alek Skarlatos came to public attention after the serviceman helped foil a train attack in Paris in 2015 along with his two childhood friends. He also turned out to be a wonderful dancer, who made it to third place on the show. In the Season 21 semifinals, Lindsay Arnold choreographed a beautiful waltz to "America the Beautiful" for the American hero.
3. Season 12: Kym (Johnson) Herjavec & Hines Ward — Rumba
When Lee Greenwood wrote "God Bless The USA," he never expected people to dance the Rumba to his song. DWTS proved that any song can be used in the ballroom and Kym (Johnson) Herjavec took on the challenge with aplomb with An Officer and a Gentleman vibe. Hines Ward gamely served up the energetic movement, which only helped to seal their lead, and eventual win, on the season.
4. Season 23: Laurie Hernandez & Val Chmerkovskiy — Cha Cha
Hot off the 2016 Olympics in Rio, Laurie Hernandez was the perfect person to dance to "American Girl" by Bonnie Mckee in Week 1. Val Chmerkovskiy served up some gold-medal-winning moves for Laurie and this turned into one of the sweetest partnerships in the history of DWTS. Big brother and little sister won the Mirrorball Trophy that season.
5. Season 22: Wanya Morris & Lindsay Arnold — Waltz
In Season 22, Memorable Year night was made extra special for Wanya Morris, who looked back to his performance of "The Star-Spangled Banner" with Boys II Men at the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta. In beautiful red outfits, the duo did the waltz to the recreated version of the group's Atlanta performance. It's more moving than we remembered and it's worth another watch this Fourth of July.
6. Season 12: Chris Jericho & Cheryl Burke - Viennese Waltz
WWE star Chris Jericho looked to make a comeback after a disappointing number the week before. He came back with a vengeance with Cheryl Burke’s elegantly choreographed Viennese waltz. They danced to "America the Beautiful" with such delicate footwork, we forgot he was well-known for bouncing around a wrestling ring.
Have a happy and safe Fourth of July!
For weekly dance insight that goes beyond the surface, join our Patreon page for weekly dance news, twice-a-week podcasts and dance-industry analysis: Patreon.
Need a gift idea for a dance lover? Check out my Amazon page for gift ideas.
If you make a purchase using the link included, we may earn a small commission... and it helps support this site!
Looking to join a dance community? Dance Dish with KB is on Facebook! Don't forget to answer the two questions for admission to the private group.