Scott Hoying has become one of the most recognizable figures from the modern competition series Dancing with the Stars, bringing both polished technique and approachable charm to the ballroom floor. His performances highlight how a strong background in a cappella and theatrical staging translates into sharp musicality and confident storytelling on stage.
Through dedicated coaching, film-inspired choreography, and consistent high scores, Hoying showcases how personality and precision can coexist in prime-time competition. This article explores key moments, routines, and strategies that define his season on Dancing with the Stars.
| Season | Professional Partner | Average Score | Highest Scoring Routine | Final Placement |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season 31 | Emma Slater | 28.4 | Argentine Tango (30) | Third Place |
| Season 32 | Kacey Musgraves | 27.9 | Jazz (29) | Fifth Place |
Signature Performance Style
The Fusion of Stage and Ballroom
Scott Hoying leverages his experience in a cappella groups to build routines with tight synchronicity, rich dynamics, and theatrical accents. He often chooses music that emphasizes melodic storytelling, using subtle frame shifts and timing changes to keep judges and viewers engaged.
Costume and Cinematic Inspiration
His wardrobe selections frequently echo movie scenes and music videos, adding narrative clarity through bold colors, sharp tailoring, and coordinated accessories. These visual choices reinforce the emotional arc of each dance and make complex choreography easier for audiences to follow.
Choreography and Technique
Musicality and Timing
Hoying shows strong musical awareness, hitting syncopated accents and long lyrical lines with clean footwork. Coaches highlight his ability to count through difficult combinations while maintaining expressive posture and eye contact.
Partnering and Frame Work
Steady frame work and clear lead-follow signals allow him to execute intricate patterns with Emma Slater and later Kacey Musgraves. His focus on connection minimizes missteps, especially during fast spins and directional changes.
Competitive Highlights and Milestones
Across multiple seasons, Scott Hoying has earned consistent high scores and memorable standing ovations from both judges and viewers. Key milestones include chart-topping nights during movie-themed weeks and viral performances that expanded the show’s reach to new demographics.
His routines blend contemporary moves with classic ballroom technique, demonstrating versatility across styles ranging from Salsa to Contemporary. These achievements reflect not only athleticism but also thoughtful interpretation of each song’s story.
Training and Preparation
Daily Rehearsal Schedule
Professional routines demand early morning call times, multiple run-throughs, and targeted feedback sessions. Hoying typically balances cardio, strength work, and flexibility training to maintain endurance and injury prevention.
Mental and Creative Prep
He reviews choreography on video, rehearses facial expressions, and collaborates with choreographers to align each move with the emotional arc of the music. Visualization techniques help him stay calm during live results shows.
Key Takeaways and Recommendations
- Develop strong timing and frame control to support intricate choreography.
- Leverage personal strengths, such as musicality or storytelling, to create a distinctive performance identity.
- Balance intense rehearsal with recovery and injury prevention strategies.
- Collaborate closely with choreographers to align movement with emotional arcs of each song.
- Engage audiences through expressive facial work and clear narrative choices in costume and staging.
FAQ
Reader questions
How did Scott Hoying prepare for Dancing with the Stars?
He followed a structured daily rehearsal schedule, combining cardio and flexibility work with intensive choreography run-throughs, while also refining facial expressions and storytelling through movement.
What dance styles did he perform best on the show?
Argentine Tango and Jazz stood out as his strongest styles, showcasing precise timing, clean lines, and confident partnering while earning high scores from the judges.
Did his a cappella background influence his routines?
Yes, his a cappella experience sharpened his musicality, sense of dynamics, and ability to count complex rhythms, which translated into tighter synchronization and clearer phrasing on camera.
What were the most memorable moments of his season?
His viral Argentine Tango and movie-themed group numbers drew widespread attention, earning standing ovations and significantly boosting engagement for the show across social platforms.