Dancing with the Stars season 29 crowned its champions in a finale that highlighted technical precision and emotional storytelling. This season showcased how veteran pros and celebrity partners evolved their chemistry under intense competition.
The live audience and at-home viewers witnessed routines that blended contemporary dance, sharp Latin rhythms, and classic ballroom technique. Below is a quick-reference overview of how the finale placements shaped the season narrative.
| Rank | Celebrity | Professional Partner | Average Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Xochitl Gomez | Val Chmerkovskiy | 38.5 |
| 2 | David Ross | Peta Murgatroyd | 37.8 |
| 3 | Iman Crosson | Cheryl Burke | 36.4 |
| 4 | Katherine Kelly Lang | Artem Chigvintsev | 35.9 |
Signature Routines That Defined Season 29
Cha-Cha-Cha and Contemporary Fusion
Xochitl Gomez and Val Chmerkovskiy leaned into contemporary storytelling with sharp Cha-Cha-Cha accents, turning technical steps into a visually immersive opening statement. Their consistency week after week set a high bar that few duos matched.
Jazz Standards and Broadway Flair
David Ross and Peta Murgatroyd brought a theatrical jazz vocabulary to the floor, using timing and spacing to create dramatic lifts and intricate footwork. Their showmanship translated into high engagement scores from both judges and viewers.
Week by Week Competition Arc
Progress Through Live Shows
Each episode introduced new dance styles, from Samba to Argentine Tango, forcing couples to adapt quickly while maintaining their signature energy. The weekly leaderboard shifted as judges emphasized connection, musicality, and risk-taking.
Semifinals and Finale Pressure
In the semifinals, choreography complexity and emotional delivery became decisive factors. The finalists invested in extended rehearsal schedules, working with guest choreographers to refine lifts and transitions under stage conditions.
Behind the Scenes Training Insights
Pro Choreography Strategies
Top contenders treated each rehearsal like a televised performance, focusing on precise foot placement, eye lines, and seamless transitions. Coaches adjusted formations to exploit each celebrity’s strengths while minimizing mobility constraints.
Key Takeaways from Season 29
- Consistency in weekly scoring matters more than a single viral routine.
- Strong partnership chemistry accelerates the learning curve for complex choreography.
- Risk-taking with new dance styles can differentiate a finalist in semifinals and finals.
- Professional coaching adjustments tailored to a celebrity’s strengths maximize stage impact.
- Audience engagement and judges’ preferences align when storytelling aligns with technical execution.
FAQ
Reader questions
Which celebrity and pro team earned the highest average score in the season?
Xochitl Gomez and Val Chmerkovskiy achieved the highest average score of 38.5 points over the season.
How were the finalist rankings determined in the finale?
Finalist rankings combined judges’ scores from the live performance night with cumulative season averages, giving weight to consistency and finale execution.
What dance styles were most prominent in the season 29 finals routine?
The finalists showcased contemporary, Cha-Cha-Cha, and Broadway-influenced jazz choreography, highlighting technical control and expressive storytelling.
Did any returning pros influence the season’s competitive dynamic?
Veteran pros brought refined partnering techniques and advanced choreographic ideas, raising the overall level of precision and stage presence.