The 2017 season of Dancing With the Stars captured national attention as the competition crowned its first openly gay champion. This season blended high-profile celebrity pairings with emotional storytelling, setting new conversation benchmarks for the show.
Behind the glamour of rehearsals and the bright studio lights, strategic scoring, consistent improvement, and resilient performances defined the path to victory. The following sections break down the champion, key scores, and defining moments that shaped the season.
| Contestant | Professional Partner | Finale Score | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gleb Savchenko | Emma Slater | 98 | Champion |
| Derek Hough | Emma Boyd | 96 | Runner-Up |
| Rashad Jennings | Emma Slater | 94 | Third Place |
| Alexis Karrington | Sasha Farber | 92 | Fourth Place |
Meet The Champion Gleb Savchenko
Gleb Savchenko entered the 2017 season as a seasoned professional with multiple appearances under his belt. His expertise in technique, timing, and showmanship translated into consistent scores that impressed both judges and viewers.
Throughout the competition, Gleb demonstrated versatility across styles from Cha-Cha to Viennese Waltz. His partnership with Emma Slater showcased precise footwork and expressive framing, making each routine feel polished and confident.
Season Highlights And Performances
Each week brought new challenges as celebrities adapted to unfamiliar rhythms and intricate choreography. The judges emphasized clean lines, musicality, and emotional connection, raising the level of competition.
Memorable moments included dramatic costume changes, surprise music choices, and emotional dedications that revealed deeper stories behind the dancers. These elements connected the routines to broader themes of personal growth and resilience.
Judging Criteria And Scoring Breakdown
Judges evaluated performances on technique, timing, presentation, and interpretation of the music. Technical errors could be redeemed through strong stage presence and clear storytelling through movement.
Consistent improvement week over week often proved decisive, as judges rewarded risk-taking with higher scores when executed cleanly. This environment pushed contestants to refine details and elevate their artistry.
Impact And Legacy Of The 2017 Season
Gleb Savchenko’s victory marked a milestone for LGBTQ representation on reality television. His openness and athletic style broadened audience expectations of who could excel in competitive dance.
The season influenced casting and choreography in subsequent years, encouraging more diverse celebrity participants and intricate thematic storytelling. Viewer engagement on social media during live results shows underscored the power of real-time interaction.
Key Takeaways And Recommendations
- Study fundamental technique across styles to build a versatile skill set.
- Practice timing with a metronome to improve musicality and rhythm accuracy.
- Seek feedback from mentors or coaches to identify and refine weak areas.
- Embourage stage storytelling to create emotional resonance beyond technical steps.
FAQ
Reader questions
Who won DWTS 2017 and who was their partner?
Gleb Savchenko won DWTS 2017 with professional partner Emma Slater.
What scoring system was used in DWTS 2017?
Judges awarded points for technique, timing, presentation, and interpretation, with the total score determining weekly standings and elimination outcomes.
Which routine from 2017 is most remembered by viewers?
Gleb Savchenko’s emotionally charged Viennese Waltz, often cited for its storytelling and near-flawless execution, remains a fan favorite and judges’ highlight. The finale combined judge scores and viewer votes, with Gleb Savchenko securing the championship through strong overall performance metrics and audience support.