Since 2005 when the American version of Dancing with the Stars aired for the first time, head judge Len Goodman has always been a powerful force. Although totally loveable, the man was hardly a pushover. While many pro dancers pushed for more contemporary takes on classic dance routines, Goodman was a stickler for staying with the basics. He was often booed from the audience and occasionally from the pro dancers as well. But mostly, he was respected. Those who took his critiques and advice, improved measurably as each week went on.
Last fall, it Goodman announced that Season 31 of the show would be his last. Then, with seems like only a few months ago, it was revealed that Goodman had passed away. Tonight, during DWTS’ 5th week of competition, a tribute dance for Goodman was performed by the season’s current roster of pro dancers as well as a number of former dancers on the show. As you can imagine, the performance would be a good one, but honestly, it was amazing. Incredibly touching and impactful.
With the show’s “Most Memorable Year” theme for the evening, it was only fitting that they made room for Len’s tribute. At the midway point of tonight’s telecast, the tribute began with a video of the various pro dancers sharing their memories and insights about Goodman. It was revealed that the multiple couples would be dancing to one of Len’s favorite songs, “Moon River.” Derek Hough and his sister Julianne Hough, who have known Len for most of their lives, began the tribute with Derek picking up a top hat, putting it on and begin waltzing with his sister. Soon, the pair were joined by this season’s dancers including Peta Murgatroyd, Val Chmerkovskiy, Jenna Johnson, Sasha Farber, Emma Slater, Gleb Savchenko, Rylee Arnold, Artem Chigvintsev, Pasha Pashkov, Alan Bersten and others.
Also in attendance on the dance floor were veteran dancers Tony Dovolani, Kym Johnson-Herjavec, Maksim Chmerkovskiy, Edyta Śliwińska, Louis van Amstel, Karina Smirnoff, Mark Ballas and Anna Trebunskaya. (The one dancer that many thought would be performing but didn’t was Cheryl Burke who made headlines in recent days saying that she would not be a part of the tribute because she wasn’t asked.)
The dance that Val Chmerkovskiy and Jenna Johnson choreographed was something pretty special and not doubt, Goodman would have loved it. When the dance finished and the spotlight shown on Len’s empty chair, there wasn’t a dry eye in the house. Fellow judge Bruno Tonioli was clearly distraught as Carrie Ann Inaba consoled him. The routine was truly beautiful. Check out the dance below.
During this season’s premiere episode, it was revealed that the show’s classic mirrored ball trophy had a new look and name as it has been renamed the Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy.
Main image: ABC
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