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Mandy Moore
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Lindsay Arnold
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Mandy Moore
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Joey
It's Disney night. What a special night in the ballroom. As a Disney adult, I've been very excited for this week and it's one that the cast looks forward to all season long. And we're breaking it down for you right here on the Dance with the Stars official podcast. Welcome to Disney Night, a celebration of 70 years of Disneyland, the happiest place on earth. We have a packed show for you tonight. We saw Whitney and Mark at the top of the leaderboard. From the incredible opening number to the Aladdin Jazz, you could feel the energy in the ballroom. It was pure magic. And then everything changed when the elimination happened. And unfortunately, Hilario and Gleb did go home tonight. But I'll be chatting with them exclusively right here. And former Pro and season 25 champion Lindsey Arnold will also be joining me. She'll be talking about her thoughts on tonight's show, so stick around for that. But joining me now is someone who I am so excited to chat with you guys. She is a dance legend. She has been a choreographer for many seasons on Dancing with the Stars. She is also a 14 time Emmy nominee and a three time winner. She was the choreographer for films like Life of Chuck, Snow White, Silver Linings Playbook, and La La Land. And she's also choreographed the ERAS tour for an artist I think you guys might be familiar with, Taylor Swift. Please welcome Mandy Moore. Hi, Ms. Mandy.
Mandy Moore
Oh, hey, Joey.
Lindsay Arnold
What up?
Joey
How we doing?
Mandy Moore
I'm good.
Joey
I am so excited to have you here. You're one of my favorite people that I've met through this show. So the fact that you're here and people get to learn more about you gets me excited. Let's start with tonight. Just the opening number. You put it together. That was unbelievable.
Mandy Moore
Thank you. This was quite a number, this one. You know, it's like usually the openings are pretty crazy, but this one, even for me, I was like, oh, okay. Cause we had like Lumiere, but we had all the pros. We had to celebrate the Disneyland characters. We had a cake that was on fire with Lumiere's hands that were on fire. I mean, it was a lot. And as you know, on the show, there's like not a lot of Time.
Joey
Yeah.
Mandy Moore
Right?
Joey
Yes. So many elements in such a short amount of time. I think one of the craziest thing is. Can you tell us how long you had to practice that with the pros?
Mandy Moore
Oh, three hours.
Joey
Yeah, three hours. So that's crazy. Obviously, those pros can pick up the choreography very fast. But the idea of all those moving parts in three hours, not far.
Mandy Moore
Cause sometimes when they move, they're farts.
Joey
Hey, it happens. We can talk about who farts later if you want, but those moving parts in three hours, that's unbelievable.
Mandy Moore
Yeah. And, you know, it's something that oddly, I think, has morphed into this over the years. Cause, you know, I know we're gonna get into it, but I've been on the show for a long time. And because the pro's time is so valuable, right, because they wanna be spending all the time with the celebs teaching, it somehow has gotten whittled down to this. Like, 7 to 10am on Friday mornings is the pro rehearsal. And luckily, I do get a couple. You know, I've got a couple days of prep that. You know, I'm also someone who preps everything before, but it's like, there's no room for error. Like, you have to have it all organized because these guys are like machines. You have to just get in there and go.
Joey
Well, we'll get back on that because I think it's crazy how you put this all together. But first, let's talk about your experience on the show.
Mandy Moore
Yeah.
Joey
How long have you been a part of the show and how did it all get started?
Mandy Moore
Okay, so I was just saying this. Like, I definitely had to Google this because it's been a long time. So I started. Okay, so back in, like, season 13, 14, 15, they used to. The producers used to have choreographers come in and pitch ideas. So I had come in over a couple seasons and pitched some ideas, and no one ever bit. So I was like, okay, I'm never gonna be on the show. Then the finale of season 16, they decided to have Psy. Is that how you say it? Gangnam Style.
Joey
Gangnam Style.
Mandy Moore
He was coming in, like, flying in with his dancers. And somehow Ashley Edens, who was one of the CO EPs at the time, is like, mandy, can you do this number with Cy Gangam style and his 12 dancers? But then we're gonna get put pros in there too. And can they just all do the same choreography? And that was like, it. Like no one said anything else. And that was the first time I'd been on the show. And I was like, what is happening? Cause these pros came in and I love them, but they're not doing Gangnam Style. Like, that is not their vibe at all. And then of course, Psy didn't even show up until, like, dress rehearsal. And I guess in some way I survived that. And from that point forward, I was here a lot.
Joey
And have you missed the season since then? You've been involved in some way, right?
Mandy Moore
Yeah. So after that, I was brought on for like two more seasons just to do opening numbers. So I do, like, you know, an opening number, then they'd be great. You were awesome. Can you come back next week? Can you come back next week? And then after that, I think it was season 19. I became a producer on the show and doing all the choreography. And then I did 10 seasons, I think as that. 12 seasons as that. I've forgotten at this point. I should have Googled that right around. I think it was season 32 or 33. It was whatever the parade was, I think was my last big one. I realized I was like, you know what? I love this show more than anything, but I also, like, I gotta spread my wings a little bit. And I was getting more into film and I started going into scripted tv. And that's when I got Zoe's extraordinary playlist. And I was up in Vancouver for two years.
Joey
Amazing.
Mandy Moore
But ever since then, I'm still like. I mean, I love this place. And so, you know, if they call for me to come back, I always come back. And yeah, I don't think there's been one I missed.
Joey
Yeah, there's always at least some opening number you come back from. Let's talk about the Method to youo Madness. Cause you got into it a little bit, but it is actually amazing how you have all these different pros come into such a short period of time and develop something. I want to kind of talk a little bit more about what your process is usually like, how you go down this whole entire process to create one of these opening numbers.
Mandy Moore
Yeah, I mean, I will say it has been fine tuned over a long time. And it's not something that I would say I was great at when I started, but I've learned a lot. So I'm going to give you the very, like, honed in version.
Joey
That's what we want.
Mandy Moore
Yes. You know, it always starts with the track. Right? So you have to get the track first and we have to get the edit. Right. And as a choreographer, like, I'm very specific about what I want in the edit. You know, I like a certain lyric or I like a certain breakdown or a bridge or. I think it builds better. So, like, that's number one. I work with the music team, District 78, and then Ray to organize what the track is. And then once I've got the track, usually alongside of that, I'm already envisioning, like, the roadmap of the number. Like, what's the number? Like, how does it start again? I've been on the show so long, so it's like, I know what works. I know that if there's a big group section on the chorus, that's gonna be great. Cause Phil's gonna cut wide, you know, and then. Or he'll do, like, a beautiful jib shot that. Or I start with just a couple tight at the beginning. And, like, I can kind of start to visualize what I want it to be. Then I get in the room with two pros or two troupe or something. I mean, it's been. I've worked with all of them multiple times. You know, I used to do a prep with Jenna and Val, and then it was. Gleb would come in, and then Emma and Sasha would come in, and then, you know. And so I do basically sections of movement. Because this is gonna be scandalous. And not many people know, but I don't do a lick of ballroom or Latin. Never done it in my entire life. Never trained in it. And so it's something that I have. I've learned how to kind of conduct and direct. Because again, over years, you start to figure it out. But, like, you know, a lot more ballroom and Latin than I do. But I like to get in the room with, you know, a partner, two part or two people, and start to kind of work out just the phrases. I call it phrases of movement. And then when I get phrases of movement, then I go, okay, that phrase will work good there. And that'll be good with. It's like math, kind of like. Then I go, like, five couples should be here. And then I need one couple to spin over here so that I can repo these people over here. And then I also chart everything. I'm a nerd. I, like, write it down.
Joey
I love it.
Mandy Moore
And I've got it all barred out and lyrics and my clipboard, they'll all make fun of me. Cause I have my clipboard. And then it comes into pro rehearsal, and I just go.
Joey
And it's crazy because obviously someone would hear how you don't have the did ballroom. But also, ballroom is not supposed to be made in these big, extravagant numbers. Right. So it is a completely different thing. And what you are a master. Cause I have seen it firsthand is the ability to conduct something that should be more personal and turn it into this bigger number. And the respect from the pros that you have is unbelievable. I mean, obviously, Jenna was my partner last year. You're her favorite choreographer ever. She talks about it all the time. And it's amazing when I go and see these group numbers, how much they respect you, because it is a different language, but it also works together. And you've been doing it for so long that when Mandy speaks, everyone gets quiet. It is 100% the case.
Mandy Moore
It's weird. You know, I found. I'll tell you when it happened. Honestly, it was in my early years of doing the show. You know, I obviously came in as a commercial choreographer, and they kind of were like, you know, arms crossed, like, who's this girl coming in? And I realized very quickly that I didn't know what I was doing. So I was very humbled immediately, very vulnerable. I was like, and on my knees, hands down. What can I learn from you? And they're all so open about this art form, you know? And I really would sit with so many of them. I remember sitting for hours with Valley and Max and Mark and Derek and Cheryl and Karina, the OGs. I would sit with them, and I ask them, like, why can you guys not be clean? Like, why? When I say, I want your arm up there, because we're on a wide shot, and 20 of you need to put your arm there. Why can you not do it? It's like, you're literally disrespecting me. And they'd be like, girl, you don't understand. We train our entire lives to out dance the person next to us when we're competing. We train our whole lives that it's about the connection, the feel. We don't care if we're matching the person next to us. And so then I was like, oh, wow, okay. I have to try to marry these two worlds, because if you're gonna be on tv, you're gonna look nuts if you're not all clean, if you're not a unit. So I started doing these things called screenshot emails. And it was the only way that I could get through to them.
Joey
Evidence.
Mandy Moore
Yes. So I would take the wide home from camera block, and I would scrub through it, like, screen by screen, frame by frame. And I would take screenshots, and I would give them notes because they also didn't believe Me, you know, Max would be like, babe, babe, what are you talking about? Like, I'm looking at the right. You know, whatever. And I'd be like. And so I just take a picture, and he looked crazy. Or I'd say, like, you know, Val, you look nuts here. Or Mark, Derek, we're not matching, Right? And so they kind of became these. It was like a funny way of me trying to communicate to them what I was seeing. But it ended up being something that was really valuable because they started to trust me and that I wasn't trying to make them bad dancers. I was actually doing the opposite. Like, I just wanted the show to look polished and professional and incredible. But then also they started to go like, oh, wow, it is really great when we're clean here, or it doesn't work here, or, oh, yeah, I'm not connecting to the camera in that moment when I thought I was. So that's when it happened.
Joey
That's so special. And the ability for you to communicate that, for them to understand, for you to honestly be like, I need to learn a little bit this as well, too. I think that's where the respect comes from. Cause it's a mutual appreciation between you 1000%. And it's special to see if you guys don't know. Mandy does do all the tour, and that's how I got to know her and see you in person and how you do all that. One of my favorite things is your terminology, your silly phrasing, however you want to say it. Where does that come from? Give me an example of one so people can understand and then explain why you use that certain terminology.
Mandy Moore
Yeah, it's so weird. People always ask me about this, and I don't know I do it, but apparently I do. So this is good, I think. Okay, so in the opening number this week, right, like, there was this move when it goes wide at the. At the end of the kick line, right? And the dancers are all putting their arms up, and they're, like, doing this kind of skiing move. And I remember when I was making up with Jenna and Britt, I was like, what if we go like. Like, ski, ski, ski, ski, ski, ski, ski. And it started being this, like. I don't know. It looked like how it sounded when I was saying it is what it looks like, right? And so that then become the ski, ski, ski, ski, ski, ski, ski, ski section, which is, like, so ridiculous and stupid, but everybody understood it.
Joey
Something we need to talk about, too. With the resurgence of the show, like, it's bigger than maybe it's been in a very long time. Obviously. Last season was huge. What does that mean to you to see that? Because you've been a part of it now, as you said, since season 16.
Mandy Moore
Yeah.
Joey
And it was at its heyday back then, too. Like, the show was bigger than ever, and now it's coming back and having this resurgence. Why do you think that is? What does that mean to you to see that?
Mandy Moore
You know, it's interesting. I don't know why. You know, I started to see it, funny enough, on the tour. Our demographic on the tour started to change. It was just different ages of people coming to the tour and the kinds of people that were coming. I was like, oh, these are not the people I thought were watching the show before. So, you know, I don't. I don't actually don't know why. I mean, I'm sure there's people that are paid a lot of money to figure out why. But the thing that I love is I just. I've always loved this show since day one, even when I wasn't on it. I'm a huge fan of the show. I just think there is nothing like being able to capture the, like, lightning in the bottle that is teaching someone how to dance and teaching them the joy and the art form, you know, and watching people that don't necessarily know this thing just open their eyes to it and, like, you know, this. I mean, you were such a. You were the person who did this in front of everyone, you know, like, you would have never thought you would not be here right now without the show and dance and Jenna. Right. You know, so, like, it's so. I don't know. I think the fact that maybe people are just into also seeing joyful things on television, and they're like, hey, you know what? This is, like, a new generation of people that are into dance. And I don't have TikTok. I know that's scandalous, but apparently it's huge on TikTok.
Joey
It's a big deal on TikTok. But what you're talking about is the reason why it's big on TikTok. It's pure. It's brought something. Something that you can't really explain, even sometimes. There's, like, a magic about it. And I can speak, as you said firsthand, like, it changed my life. I was scared to go dance on a ballroom floor, and to see where it's taken is. It's unbelievable. And I think there's something special about this show, and to see it have this resurgence is super exciting. I do need to come back to a couple Dance with the Stars stories because we would be remiss not to talk a little bit about all the stories that you have. Is there something you remember from one of those opening numbers or just anything from one of your time on the show? Just some fun story that someone probably would have never known and things you see as you're creating these amazing numbers.
Mandy Moore
Oh my God. I mean, I don't want to bore everyone, but for sure, like I remembered when it was in some finale long ago, and Hailey, Derek's wife, we did this like summertime number. It was when Geraldo Rivera was here. He was like the lifeguard. And it was a really fun season and we decided to do like these big numbers right in the finale. And we were doing this huge summertime number and there was this part where all the. We had a bunch of football players on that year and so all the football players had this blanket and Hailey would be in the middle and they basically tossed her up like a bought in this big like musical accent, right? Went amazing every time. Like it was like, yeah, sweet. So fun. This is awesome.
Hilaria
Woo hoo.
Mandy Moore
Then right before we go live, one of the prop guys like, hey, you know that blanket? I was like, I just swapped it out for a different one. I'm like, okay, man, cool. You know? Cause I didn't know any better at that time. We go live, they definitely toss Hailey up. She goes straight through the blanket to this ballroom floor. No, I was like, I thought I killed Hailey. No, I was like, oh my God. And Hailey, she was fine, but she in full shock. All the football players were like, huh? And they just like kind of picked her up and she like, like ran off. Like, I mean she was fine, but it was one of those moments where you're like, you would never know because live it just like everyone just keeps going, you know. We had a troop member definitely sleep through one of the opening numbers. He was very tired.
Hilaria
He very.
Mandy Moore
He just missed it. Yeah, he missed it. He just, he just didn't.
Joey
Didn't show up.
Mandy Moore
Yeah, I was like, where were you? And he's like, oh, I fell asleep.
Joey
I think that's a great example that people don't understand the amount of components that you deal with. Anything from props to the pros to a troop member. There are so many things that you are in charge of. And then it comes into this moment that's live. Anything could make it break apart.
Mandy Moore
I mean, I was stressed even tonight because it's like, you know, they ran it a couple. I hate when they run it a couple times. I'm like, oh, God. When they did it really well the first time, I was like, oh, now we're gonna go down in flames. Because we did it really well that first time, you know? But then it's like, I keep remembering these people are, like, amazing at their jobs, you know? And that's. Again, it goes back to that respect. Like, I still watch them dance, and I'm blown away by them every time that they're just, like, cool, calm, collected, spinning plates, fire up, no problem. Oop. Blanket. Like, they don't. They just do it.
Joey
And the crazy part is when you think they can't give you another level when you ask for it. They can.
Mandy Moore
Yes.
Joey
And that's the part that always amazes me, is you see them go through walkthrough like, damn, that was pretty good. And they're like, wait until the show happens. Just wait until what they can actually bring. When it shows.
Mandy Moore
They just turn it on and you're like, what happened?
Joey
Yeah, yeah. And it's crazy. Cause again, it comes from how you choreograph it, but also just to see how it all comes together. It's one of my favorite things. Thank you. You deserve all the flowers that you get. Speaking of big deals, you were a part of someone's announcement recently with Taylor Swift's new album coming out, and I have to make sure I get it correct. I am a Swiftie. I just don't want to get it wrong because the Swifties will come for me.
Mandy Moore
Yes, they will.
Joey
But the life of the showgirl just came out, and so did the fate of Ophelia, the new music video. And you choreographed that, is that correct?
Mandy Moore
I did.
Joey
How was that experience?
Mandy Moore
Insane. I mean, I've been on this, you know, I've been in Taylor Swift's orbit now for a couple years, and it is a wild, amazing, incredible, magical ride, you know, she is everything you want her to be. I just think she's the real deal. And I feel so lucky when I get to create with her because it's like we just get each other, you know, it's like one of those things that you just. You never know. I never would have thought I would ever be creating alongside Taylor Swift. Never in a million years. And then when it happened, I'm like, I can't imagine not creating alongside her. So, yeah, I mean, it was awesome. It was in full secret. No one knew what was happening, which I also love that they're so good about keeping Things under wrap.
Joey
It's incredible how they do that.
Mandy Moore
It is. And it's like, you know, it's a big deal, and all of us take it very seriously. So then when it actually dropped and everybody got to see it, I was like, ha, ha. I knew this was happening. It was so exciting.
Joey
Yeah, it's crazy. Happened in time with this, too. How it comes out just a few, you know, a few days before the opening number tonight. What was it like for ERAS Tour? How is the ERAS Tour different than Dancing with the Stars? Cause I have to believe it's a lot different.
Mandy Moore
You know what's weird, Joey? It's oddly not really. And maybe it's because, like, any. And maybe it's just, I don't know, any job I do, I take very seriously. You know, this about me, and I'm like, I really love it. And it's everything to me in the moment. Right? And yeah, sure. Choreographing for 90,000 people, is it any different than the millions that watch this? I mean, it's a different medium. It's camera, but, you know, Taylor loves to tell stories in her songs. Right? I love to tell stories in choreography. There's storytelling here, you know? So for me, honestly, it's like I'm just happy when anyone calls and asks me to do makeup dance moves. I just love it.
Joey
You're really good at it.
Mandy Moore
Oh, thanks.
Lindsay Arnold
Yeah, I love it.
Joey
It's obvious that they're asking you to do it for a reason because you're really, really good at it. Well, Mandy, we really appreciate your time. Thank you for being here. It's so fun to talk about this stuff.
Mandy Moore
Dude, you're a rockstar. I'm so happy you're doing this. Thanks.
Joey
And stay right there because joining me next is former pro and champion Lindsay Arnold.
Mandy Moore
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Joey
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Lindsay Arnold
Hello.
Joey
How are you doing tonight?
Lindsay Arnold
I'm so good and so excited to be here. I think this is the coolest thing.
Joey
Well, it's cool. It's cool. Cause you're here.
Lindsay Arnold
Oh, that's so nice.
Joey
So excited for this. Really excited to talk about tonight and all the different performances and your take on it. Yeah. But I also want to talk about what it felt like to be here for Disney Night tonight.
Lindsay Arnold
Oh, my gosh. Well, Disney Night has a always been one of my absolute favorite nights in the ballroom. I love watching it as a fan. I loved dancing in it as a pro. But tonight was super special because it was the first night I was able to bring my daughter Sage in the ballroom and sit with her in the audience for the entire show.
Joey
Unreal.
Lindsay Arnold
So it was just so special.
Joey
Was she in her cute little Disney princess outfit?
Lindsay Arnold
Of course.
Hilaria
Of course.
Lindsay Arnold
Yeah, of course. We had to go buy a brand new one. You can't not. I mean, you can't pass up that opportunity.
Joey
It's Disney Night.
Lindsay Arnold
You have to. You have to. I'd be a bad mom if I didn't. Truly.
Joey
How different is it for you to be here as a fan now? You know, I feel like it's gotta be kind of hard because I'm sure you have so much investment with all the pros because you're friends, you're related to some of them. Like, what does it feel like being there now as a fan?
Lindsay Arnold
Oh, my gosh. I have said this so many times, but I genuinely feel like I get more nervous sitting in the audience than I ever did for myself as a pro. Because when you're sitting in the audience, it's like. And I've learned this as being a parent, it's like you can't really do anything. So you're just. You're, like, feeling all the anxiety, and there's no way to, like, help it get out. But when you're a pro, when you're in it, I feel like you get stressed and nervous, but then you can just, like, do what you got to do about it. So. Yeah. And it's so hard. Cause obviously Riley, like, she's my baby sister.
Joey
Of course.
Lindsay Arnold
But I feel it for everyone. Like, these are my friends, family, people I've known for more than half of my life. So it's really fun. So scary, crazy. All the things I feel, all the emotions. But then I also say, like, I never feel more proud than watching the show because one, I know all the work that goes into what they're doing. And so to see them just go out there and do their best and give it their all is always so rewarding to see.
Joey
Well, we love having you back here. And the reason you are here today is not just to talk about how amazing time is on the show, but you can give some really good expertise and critique on what happens in these dances.
Lindsay Arnold
I'd love to do that.
Joey
So what we're gonna try to do is we're gonna go over all different styles we saw tonight. Okay.
Mandy Moore
Yep.
Joey
I believe there was five or six different styles. So we're go down each one. The first one I wanna talk about was the most popular dance of the night, which was a quick step. Yeah. So I'm gonna give you the floor first to kind of explain what a quick step is, what you would be looking for, what you would be teaching as a pro when you're doing it.
Lindsay Arnold
Okay. So, yeah, we did see a lot of quick step. I love. They were all very, very good. Which I'll get into that later. Cause I all good for different reasons. But as a pro, when I find out I am getting quick step, here are kind of the things that I'm like, okay, this is my checklist of things that I really want my celebrity to be able to do. Obviously, they've got to be able to do the choreography. And the way you choreograph that quick step, how much content you put in, how much you're in frame, can really dictate how that dance is going to go. But the biggest thing one is frame. You are in quick step for a lot. You're in frame for a lot of quick step. And that frame is so important. So a strong, solid frame. It doesn't matter if it starts good, gets wobbly throughout. It's got to stay strong the entire through. The next thing is when you watch the quick step, it feels very high energy, very almost jumpy, hoppy, which it is, because the steps literally are hopping. But the key is to keep it very smooth, to not have it look like it's bouncing all over the floor, like you're jumping on a trampoline. Also, body contact.
Joey
Right. That's a big part.
Lindsay Arnold
That's A big part that's across the board in all ballroom dances. If you're in frame, you want body contact. I would say quick step is one of the hardest because you're moving so fast, such quick footwork, that the second your bodies aren't connected, you immediately notice it. And I like to call it bumper cars because literally, it's just like your body just being bumper cars against each other. And that's something that you want to eliminate from the quick step. So those are kind of like my main three things that I'm like. If those are like the bare men, that's like, those are the three things I'm looking for.
Joey
Let's go over some of the performances, then. So we have. We have Danielle and Dylan.
Lindsay Arnold
Yes.
Joey
That was the first dance of the night. It was very strong. I heard Derek talked about how strong his left hand was where he was leading, but there was some issues with his right hand in the hold. Can you talk a little bit? How that can be tough.
Hilaria
Yes.
Lindsay Arnold
So something that's very tough and super can be super awkward with dances in frame is that your bodies are facing each other. They are parallel to each other. Your arms should be also mirroring each other, parallel to each other. But at so many times throughout the dance, your body could be going and legs could be going a different direction than where your upper body needs to be facing. So a lot of times with my partners, I'll kind of tell them that we need to separate our body into three sections. So you've got your upper half that will be stained. You've got your hips that might twist. You've got your feet that might go in a different direction. Like, there's so many different ways that your bodies can be moving together when you're in frame. And so what I think is happening, or what I know was happening with Dylan is some of the times where he would turn his body, promenade, where both him and Danny were facing the same direction. Instead of keeping that upper body separated from his lower half, he kind of shifted everything a little bit together.
Joey
And I think another one of the dances tonight where there was a falter, which I would love for you to explain how difficult it is, was Danielle. They had a moment in the dance where they kind of got off their timing. And I think Quick step is one of those ones when that happens, things can go awry very quickly.
Lindsay Arnold
That is like, I feel like quick step is one of those dances where you're like, no, no, no. Because there's so many steps, and there's also a Lot of different. It's very. It can be very quick. Obviously it's the big step and at that particular moment they were doing and like, I'm going back to those kind of hops and jumps is sometimes the hop is on an and count, Sometimes it's on a one count. And it looks like they're. That it was meant to be a one and flick on the. And but Danielle did the flick on the one. So she literally was off by not even half a second, like half a count, which is just such a. Like a minute difference. But in a dance, like quick step, it can cause you can notice it. But I will say she immediately hopped back in.
Joey
Amazing.
Lindsay Arnold
I thought Elaine and Alan very similar. Glided across the floor. One thing I want to point out too is Elaine was doing a lot of those syncopated steps that I was talking about.
Joey
That's why they said it was a very difficult routine. Right. It was hard timing.
Lindsay Arnold
Yeah. So essentially meaning, like in eight counts of music, she was doing double the amount of steps than in some of the other.
Joey
They were on Space Mountain. They were moving.
Lindsay Arnold
I know.
Joey
I know that song.
Lindsay Arnold
I was literally in the audience. I was like, oh, okay. No, but it was so good.
Joey
The quick steps were amazing tonight. Now we have to get into a different style, which would be the salsa.
Mandy Moore
Yes.
Joey
That was one that Riley did tonight. And I thought one of the main things the judges said was there was a lot of salsa content. Can you talk about some of that content that Riley put in the routine and why it was so important to keep the essence of a salsa?
Lindsay Arnold
So salsa content is a lot of that hip action. A lot of those. A lot of the footwork with hip action incorporated, but also a lot of the kind of. I always call em, like pretzel. Our movements is like getting really intricate. Keeping it very like, I think keeping it very intimate, but also still projecting energy is a lot of what the salsa is about. And I think they did such a good job.
Joey
I'm always so credit to them too. As you should be, but credit to them. That was obviously something they touched on. That kind of was a mistake in the dance. But you have to put that content in to make it a salsa. So as much as it adds difficulty, I do credit her for having the ability to add those steps because it's important to have it, to make it a salsa. Another one that we saw tonight, which is actually one of my personal favorite dances I did so I can talk on this. Oh, I love it. I can't wait to do it. Avenies Waltz. We had two of them tonight. I think it's one of the most beautiful dances on the show. I love the song and musicality goes along with it. We had Alex and Val do Viny's Waltz tonight, as well as Andy and Emma with the best ratatouille routine you could ever. It's adorable. What did you notice? And also, what would you say is important when you're trying to put together a Vinnies Waltz?
Lindsay Arnold
Well, Vinnies Waltz is one of my favorites as well. I think it'. Beautiful. So elegant. And it was cool because I think we saw two very different Beanies waltzes tonight. But both were great in their own ways. I have to just rave about Alex's frame and specifically her how she, like, elongated and extended through her neck throughout the entire performance. It's one thing that's. The thing is I feel like there's so many baseline things that you can hit in each dance, but there's also that going the extra mile with the technique. And then you have Andy, who just. He's the perfect example of someone who just gives you that heartwarming feeling every time he does literally anything. Anything. But beyond that, I won't even just say. It's just that. It's that you see the, like, genuine care that he does put into the steps that he does, and I think that's really special. I think that's why, obviously, people are loving him so much. Him and Emma. And Emma. I mean, I could go on and on about Emma. She's the best. She's so great at showcasing our partners and helping them do their best, which I think is so cool.
Joey
One movement I want to talk about in Alex and Val's dance that the judges talked on that maybe people don't understand is a pivot. One of my favorite moves, me and Jenna were big pivot stands.
Lindsay Arnold
We actually do remember your pivot.
Joey
We love pivots. And I think one of the things that they talked about was the idea. And I want you to explain a pivot, but also explain why it's so important to use your partner in a pivot, because the speed comes from that. But I want you to explain what a pivot is and also explain why they did that so well tonight.
Lindsay Arnold
Yes, pivots are going to be. When you're in that frame position, sometimes you could do it in a little bit of, like, a arm around each other's back, arm out, but typically in frame. But your feet are basically like, if I could show. I wish I could show legs, but think of these are legs.
Joey
I see they're two legs.
Lindsay Arnold
You're going to essentially be creating like an M, right? Would that be like an M?
Joey
That looks like it.
Lindsay Arnold
And you're spinning, stepping, transferring weight, balls, keeping your bodies together like as almost as if your bodies are the center access and you're rotating and spinning around it. And what's really cool is when you're doing pivots really well, you actually create momentum and speed the longer you go. So you'll notice that as you start to go, the pivots pick up quicker, quicker, quicker, which is so hard. And that's where it's like you have to have an equal part in the partnership to create that speed.
Joey
Your turn, my turn. Your turn, my turn.
Lindsay Arnold
Exactly. I always say, like, I'm driving, you're driving. I'm driving, you're driving.
Joey
If you see the performance tonight, it's very easy and clear to tell when they did pivots because they were flying and that was why they touched on.
Lindsay Arnold
And it's very hard to do in frame especially well because both of you are creating tension because as you go faster, it's going to pull you apart. And keeping that frame and that extension is very hard to do and very impressive when you do it well.
Joey
Another style we have to talk about tonight was cha cha. One that there's been a lot of them already this season, but it was Whitney and Robert did a cha cha tonight. What's something you look for in that and how do you think they did with their cha cha?
Lindsay Arnold
So cha cha is one of those dances that can be be hard to teach the technique because again, the way that you kind of going back to quick step, like, I feel like if we're just talking about cha cha locks in cha cha, it's so not natural from how anyone would go about anything that they do in their regular day. You're not no heel aids. You're walking on your toes, but you're keeping your legs straight. You're dragging your foot underneath. You're creating hip action that is coinciding with the way that you move your leg through. And then on top of that, you've got to also add arms in.
Joey
Right.
Lindsay Arnold
Cha cha is a Latin dances can be easier but also harder because more movement is done on your own. Whereas in, for example, a quick step, you're in your frame. And so mostly if you lock in that frame, you just got to think about the footwork. But with cha cha, all of it kind of needs to come together. And I feel like we've seen. I mean, I have to say, your cha cha week one. Last year, it was week one that you did cha cha.
Joey
Right.
Lindsay Arnold
Insane. Thank you. Insane. So good. Especially because it's some. You had never done anything like that.
Joey
I love a New Yorker, though. I'll talk about New Yorkers all day.
Lindsay Arnold
New Yorkers are huge. New Yorkers are. I feel like those are such a signature, but they're. They're hard. You gotta get those knees together. You've gotta get the arm extended, straight leg. Don't take a he lead. He leads are the most blaring, obvious thing in a cha cha. So I feel like cha cha can be really hard, but it also can be really fun. I think Robert is so fun because he brings this special energy. And I think Derek mentioned that, like, he just brings this energy every performance.
Hilaria
So.
Lindsay Arnold
But I did remember, I think Derek said something about his arms. But I think what's so cool is it's literally week four.
Joey
I know.
Lindsay Arnold
Like, it's literally week four and we're already able to get this nitpicky with some of these things. And so it's like, it's going to be really cool to see how he and all of the contestants tonight take the notes that they get and see what they do with them. Because so far, I feel like everyone has come back from their critiques and shown improvement in that area.
Joey
And you talked about the ronde. That was also one of my favorite moves. And I love that Derek said this is a step you're going to be doing more because ronde is a step that you'll be doing throughout the competition. A lot of different ballroom dances.
Lindsay Arnold
Yeah.
Joey
Can you explain what a ronde should look like? Because what he struggled with is something I also think I never figured out. It's hard for a guy, but straightening that leg fully when it is going behind. Can you explain what a ronde actually is and what he was struggling with?
Lindsay Arnold
Yeah. So a ronde comes from ballet, ronda jam. So it's essentially like you're drawing a circle with your foot.
Joey
Right.
Lindsay Arnold
That can happen in with the straight leg where you're taking your leg and circling around. But also a lot of times in ballroom, it'll come from lunging onto a leg and then ronda in the other one around. And like you said, it's like there's a lot of things to think about there. Straightening the leg, pointing the toe. Huge. But again, if you want to go beyond that and what I feel like a lot of these, like, we're holding these Celebrities to a high standard this season, so I feel like they all are having to go to that, like, extra mile. So it's not just straightening and point. Straightening the leg, pointing the toe. It's trying to point that toe 10ft past where your toe ends and, like, extend that even further. But I do love that because it's hard. It's like, it is hard when celebrities get critiqued sometimes, and as a pro, too, because the critique will maybe just be about that specific dance you're doing, but then you don't do the dance again. Maybe in the finale, maybe, yeah, but you don't do it again. But it's cool when you get critiques that you can take into other styles, regardless of if you do the same step again. It's like extending and pushing past, like, just that. That. I don't know. That point that you're at is. I think it's cool. So finding critiques that you can take.
Joey
Into the next phase, it's important. When they talk about things like frame, like Grande's moves that you're going to be doing throughout the whole competition, you can actually see them build on it. I think that's the most important critique. And the last style we want to talk about is foxtrot. One of my favorite dances tonight was the foxtrot that Whitney and Mark put together. Just give me a few words on what you thought that was. Like, why was that such an amazing foxtrot for you?
Lindsay Arnold
Well, Mark is a genius. He's just so incredible. First of all, I think the song was so epic and. And correct me if I'm wrong, but I don't think we've ever had a Hamilton song.
Joey
I don't know if we have.
Lindsay Arnold
I don't think we have. So that was really cool. Just because that alone as a dancer, like, that music, it just. It makes you feel so good.
Joey
We need to do more musical numbers because it makes a difference on the show.
Hilaria
Yes.
Lindsay Arnold
But one thing. So I saw Mark after the show, and one thing I said to him was like, every single eight count of choreography was intentional. There was not one eight count that was just like, oh, let's just do a couple moves here, then get back into. It was very intentional. Well thought out the whole way through. Through. Whitney is such a great performer. She's so genuine with her performance, which is really cool. And then obviously, she's. She's a great dancer. Like, there's no. She's great. She's been great at every style. But I think what took that to the next level was the performance quality and like the. Just the creativeness with both of them.
Joey
I know. And we would be remiss not to also bring up. Jen and Yan did a jazz routine.
Lindsay Arnold
Yes.
Joey
The reason why we didn't dive into that fully is because it's not one that has maybe a technique style. It's almost up to the interpreter of how they want to choreograph that dance. But what an amazing routine. That was so fun.
Lindsay Arnold
And yeah, you're so right. Jazz is like, Jazz is jazz.
Joey
It's. You just get to do what you want out there. You could be a genie in a bottle.
Lindsay Arnold
Yeah. Like, there is definitely like jazz technique, but I feel like on the show, jazz has always been, it's jazz.
Joey
It's jazz. Go have some fun.
Lindsay Arnold
Which we love.
Joey
I love. You gotta change it up every now and then. A lot of times Disney's a great.
Lindsay Arnold
Night for it and usually it happens. A lot of times it happens because you'll have a piece of music and you're like, there's, there's. You can't just make any style work with any song. So a lot of times it turns out that you're like, well, this is jazz. Because none of the other styles fit the music perfectly. And so that's how sometimes that comes to be.
Joey
Your expertise is amazing and we appreciate you having you here.
Lindsay Arnold
Thank you. Thanks for having me.
Joey
And stick around because next Hilaria and Gleb will be exclusively chatting with me right here.
Mandy Moore
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Joey
10 out of 10.
Mandy Moore
Time to take it up a notch with the smoking rojo chicken sandwich. Mm. That's so hot. But it's so good. Now onto the daring dab ghost wings.
Joey
Yep, there it is. I love the spice level Attempt the.
Mandy Moore
Popeyes and Hot Ones menu in stores.
Joey
Our hottest collaboration yet. Love that Chicken from Popeyes.
Mandy Moore
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Joey
Hi, guys. Hi. I will be the first to say I am surprised that you're sitting here. I think that's going to be a theme this season where you don't really know who's coming next and what the eliminations are going to be. I also know how quick that time can be when you go off the show. So the purpose of this is always to give you the floor again to kind of speak on some of your thoughts, talk through this whole experience for you. First, right now, I'm going to start with you, Hilaria. How are you feeling right now?
Gleb
Here's a mirror bowl, by the way.
Hilaria
1. Anyway, I mean, first, this has been an experience that I never thought I would have and I'm so grateful. Yeah, I mean, I always live my life with gratitude. I never thought I would dance again. I've broken so many things. I've had so many babies. So I'm very grateful for that, you know, and to meet you, that has been incredible. I, you know, I also am grateful that everybody else gets to continue to dance because this is the, you know, I was saying so many times to my castmates, like how beautiful it is to be rooting for every single person on this team. And I really think we are a team. So my team continues to go on. And so I'm proud of those and a little jealous, but proud of those who get to go to practice tomorrow. And we're gonna have a really fun practice tomorrow. And I'm sad we won't have that.
Gleb
Still can go practice.
Hilaria
We can still go practice, man. Guys, we'll just put it on YouTube.
Joey
Keep dancing. One thing you just touched on, which I want to get into because it was something in the theme of week one. It was a theme throughout the entire time how grateful you really were to dance and find your love of dance again. Because I think that's so special. I don't think people understand because you can see when you get emotional about it how much you really didn't think you were going to dance again. So how was it to be able to dance with Gleb and to get back on the floor like that?
Hilaria
I opened my heart and now it's broken. I can again. But I'm 41 and I met Alec when I was 27 and the world has been trying to beat me since. And they did. Today. They did. Cuz no matter what I do, it's not enough.
Joey
I want to go back to your family because you can see how much joy it gave you to dance in front of your family. Right? The love of your dance when your family watching and to be able to have them see you do something that you love so much. That had to be a beautiful experience for you every week to get into the ballroom. And to see that.
Hilaria
Yeah. Now. Yeah. I feel like I've let my kids down.
Gleb
You didn't listen. I just want to jump in and say that you worked your butt off every day in the studio. You are a true inspiration. You're not just a mother, amazing mother to seven incredible kids, but you're also a real superhero in the dance studio. I didn't think you're going to be working so hard tirelessly every single day, putting hours and hours and not taking breaks. I would go on the break, and I come back and you sit rehearsing in front of the mirror trying to perfect all those steps. You were so hard on yourself. You put so much love and passion to dance. That really inspired me this season to, you know, love dance again. I don't think I've ever done that level of routine since I've been on the show, since my competition days. So I'm so grateful for that opportunity. And I think you should be so proud of yourself. No matter what it is, we should go out tonight proud and celebrate and root for everyone else. Because this season is crazy. The energy.
Hilaria
They're so amazing.
Gleb
The energy. Everyone is so good.
Hilaria
They're so good. And I'm so proud of you. And everybody's working so hard, which makes me just feel awful that I'm sad.
Joey
But you're allowed to be sad. I think it's a real emotion to be having because you're disappointed that you don't get to do it anymore. That's totally understandable. Dancing with the Stars is about going and doing something fun. I mean, you did a. You did a dance tonight to Star wars theme. Right? Is that something you ever thought you would do?
Gleb
Never happened on Dancing with Star.
Hilaria
Never happened on Dancing with a Star team.
Gleb
You did a quick scene.
Hilaria
Maybe it'll never happen again.
Joey
Right?
Gleb
That's a way.
Joey
So think about what you did tonight. You did a quick step to Star wars in front of millions of viewers on live tv.
Hilaria
Hell, yeah.
Joey
That's what it's about. I hope that you can leave tonight and realize how much joy you brought people watching you dance. Cause it did. I can be the first person to say that it did to me while I was watching it.
Gleb
Thank you for saying that.
Joey
Thank you. It's true, though. And I get the idea of being hard on yourself. It is totally understandable. But I think you need to realize that you did something so rare and so awesome by putting out such amazing routines. And you could see the emotion, the joy that it gave you.
Hilaria
Hey.
Gleb
And if you want to rehearse tomorrow, we still can do it.
Joey
There you go.
Gleb
It's $500 an hour.
Hilaria
Yeah, for me.
Joey
I want Alec bowling for it for me.
Gleb
I'll book 10 hours for me.
Hilaria
No, let me tell you, I am. I hear the things that you're saying, and for me, I look at this as a. As a bigger. As a bigger thing.
Joey
Understandable.
Hilaria
As a. As a bigger thing. It's not. It's not just a dance competition. It's something I loved, that I opened my heart up to. I opened my body up too.
Gleb
And I am proud of you. You did an incredible job. We're gonna support all our friends. We love them.
Hilaria
We're so proud of them. We're proud of them.
Gleb
Let's go and celebrate.
Joey
What are you guys gonna miss most about this partnership? I'll let you go first. Glad. What are you gonna miss about being in the ballroom with a lot of Eliaria?
Gleb
I'm gonna miss the practices. I'm gonna miss the, you know, the work, then the work ethic and how, you know, detailed she is about everything. She wanted to know everything about dance. She didn't want to be surface. She wanted to know, how do I move my body? Why are we doing this? Like, how do we tell this story? She was. Ilaria was so involved in all of the creative meetings and the costumes and everything, and that's what I'm gonna miss about. And also, I go. I was excited to go in a dance studio to rehearse with you every single day. I would wake up in the morning, I do my meditation, you know, and I go. And it was just so fun. It was just so fun. And I really thank you for that.
Joey
That's special. Lara, what are you gonna. What are you gonna miss about going and practicing with Gleb each week?
Hilaria
Oh, my gosh, you've been so patient with me. You've been so patient with me, and, you know, we've had a lot of fun. I feel like we were brought into each other's lives at a very particular time. And you'll be my forever friend.
Joey
Yeah. Well, I can tell this partnership was special. Hilaria, I understand in situations like this how you can be tough on yourself, but I want you to be proud. What advice would you give your kids from this whole experience as well?
Hilaria
In this experience, I had my kids in the audience. As a mother, you never want to disappoint your children. You go immediately to them, you say, it's okay, it's okay, it's okay. And it helps me through the experience to comfort my children. But there's a big problem online right now. It's a big problem. We don't see each other other. We make enemies out of each other. And I'm talking about my fellow woman, women's inhumanity to women. And we need to stop because we will never get anywhere. And this has nothing to do with me in the dance competition because I love all the women who are on this and get to continue to dance tomorrow. And I support them and I love, love them. But it has to do what I've seen this past week with my name, with what people have done to me and they don't know me and how many times on this competition people sit come people who know me. Oh, you're so nice. Why do people say these things about you? And I say, cuz I married into it. And that yoga teacher who's 27 years.
Gleb
Old.
Hilaria
Was targeted over and over again. Am I perfect? No, I'm not perfect. Am I messy? I am messy. Do I forget things? I forget things. But I'm human. And I don't want to play the same game by different rules. And nor should any other woman, nor should my daughters. And so, you know, am I mad that I'm voted off? No, no, no. I am hurt because I like to dance, but I'm proud of the people who stay. But I'm mad because women, we need to support each other more and the bullying thing needs to stop.
Joey
I think it's a great message to leave with kindness and remember again how important it is for women to support women. So I appreciate your thoughts. As Gleb said. I do, I do. I'm gonna miss you guys dance. And I'm excited to see you guys come back again for the finale. We really do appreciate it.
Hilaria
We wanna see each other again.
Joey
Yeah. Dance in the finale. What are we gonna do?
Hilaria
Are we gonna dance a rumba?
Gleb
Yeah, we're gonna dance rumba in the finale.
Hilaria
Do I have to do, do I have to do the Ken Ken kicks that you did today? Because I don't want to do those.
Joey
Those look tough. Maybe.
Hilaria
Yeah. I have zero interest in doing that. And never again. Quick step.
Joey
Okay.
Gleb
Okay.
Joey
Never. Quick step.
Gleb
Thank you so much.
Hilaria
Thank you so much.
Joey
No, thank you. I appreciate your. And that's a wrap on Disney Night, one of my personal favorite weeks. Such a magical night. And make sure to watch Dance with the Stars every Tuesday live on ABC and Disney plus and the next day on Hulu. And then catch all the exclusive behind the scenes. Action with us right here at the Dancing with the Stars official podcast every Thursday on Disney and Hulu or wherever you get your podcasts. This has been a BBC Studios production for ABC and Disney plus.
Date: October 9, 2025
Host: Joey Graziadei
Special Guests: Mandy Moore (Choreographer), Lindsay Arnold (Former Pro & Season 25 Champion), Hilaria and Gleb
This episode celebrates one of the season’s most anticipated moments—Disney Night, in honor of Disneyland’s 70th anniversary. Host Joey Graziadei takes listeners behind-the-scenes, from the dazzling multi-character opening number to exclusive interviews with eliminated contestants Hilaria and Gleb. Mandy Moore discusses her legendary choreography, while Lindsay Arnold breaks down the night’s standout performances and dance styles with insider expertise. The episode concludes with powerful reflections on gratitude, adversity, and the magic of the ballroom.
Mandy Moore’s Show-Stopping Opening Number
Adapting to Ballroom Choreography
Process Evolution: Mandy shares how initially, the pros were wary of her commercial background, but mutual humility and respect led to successful creative partnerships. She developed unique ways to communicate with pros—including “screenshot emails” with annotated feedback to help achieve that TV-perfect synchronization.
Creative Terminology: Mandy is known for quirky instructional phrases (e.g., “ski, ski, ski...”), which make movement concepts stick for the dancers.
Mandy notes a changing audience demographic and credits the show's triumphs to its unique ability to share the joy of dancing and personal transformation. Joey and Mandy discuss how the trend thrives on TikTok and continues to draw in new and diverse fans.
Quote (Joey, 13:39):
“It’s a big deal on TikTok. But what you’re talking about is the reason why it’s big on TikTok. It’s pure... there’s like a magic about it.”
Favorite Stories: Mandy recounts live mishaps, like a dancer falling through a swapped-out prop blanket and a troupe member missing a number by oversleeping—underscoring just how many elements can go wrong behind the scenes.
Live Performance Pressure: Mandy and Joey emphasize the unpredictability and adrenaline of live TV—if something goes awry, the pros are “cool, calm, collected... spinning plates, fire up, no problem.”
Mandy discusses her recent collaboration with Taylor Swift on “The Life of the Showgirl” and the music video “The Fate of Ophelia.” She highlights the creative synergy she enjoys with Taylor, noting the secrecy and thrill of their projects.
She compares choreographing for Taylor’s ERAS tour (stadium scale) to DWTS (live TV broadcast), commenting on the core similarities—storytelling, preparation, and working under pressure.
Personal Moment: Lindsay shares her joy at watching Disney Night as a mom, bringing her daughter Sage in a princess dress—a sentimental highlight.
The Audience Perspective: Lindsay admits she is now more anxious watching from the seats as a fan and family member than performing herself.
Key judging points: frame, energy control (smoothness despite bouncy steps), and maintaining body contact.
Danielle & Dylan: Praised for strong frame but noted issues with matching upper and lower body movement, and a slip in timing—a small mistake with significant impact in such a fast dance.
Quote (Lindsay Arnold, 25:59):
“Quickstep is one of those dances where you’re like ‘no, no, no”—there’s so many steps... if you falter, it can go awry very quickly.”
Surprise Elimination: Both express shock at their early exit, discussing the unpredictability (“a theme this season”) and pouring gratitude into their experience.
Dancing for Family:
Gleb’s Tribute:
This Disney Night episode brings listeners deep into the mechanics, artistry, and raw emotions that make Dancing with the Stars uniquely magical. Mandy Moore’s behind-the-scenes mastery, Lindsay Arnold’s detailed dance breakdowns, and the heartfelt farewell from Hilaria and Gleb offer a multi-layered look at what makes the ballroom so powerful for viewers and contestants alike. The episode closes with reminders of empathy, resilience, and the enduring joy of dance.