**Dancing with the Stars Goes Spooky for Halloween Night**
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As the Halloween season descends upon the United States, the popular dance competition, *Dancing with the Stars*, is diving headfirst into the spirit of fright with its highly anticipated Horror Movie Night, set to air on 27 October. This themed episode promises to deliver spine-chilling performances, as the ten remaining celebrity contestants take on routines inspired by some of the most iconic horror films.


The stakes are ratcheted up this week, especially after the previous Dedication Night saw no teams eliminated. As host Alfonso Ribeiro noted, however, two couples will face the axe this week, increasing the pressure on participants as they strive to secure their place in the competition. Celebrity contestants will not only be looking to impress the judges but also hoping to charm the audience with their dance skills and thematic creativity.
Under the watchful gaze of judges Derek Hough, Bruno Tonioli, and Carrie Ann Inaba, the contestants will showcase their best moves set against the backdrop of haunting melodies. Notably, Shirley Ballas, the mother of professional dancer Mark Ballas, will join as a guest judge, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the evening.
The week’s performances will incorporate a variety of dance styles, with routines set to songs from well-known films that elicit chills and thrills. Contestants will partner with professional dancers, creating interpretations of iconic cinematic moments, heightening the drama both on the dance floor and in the viewing experience.
One exciting pairing includes Tatyana Ali from *The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air*, who will partner with Jan Ravnik to perform a paso doble. Their routine, inspired by the Oscar-nominated song “I Lied to You” from the upcoming film *Sinners*, is sure to captivate audiences and judges alike with its intensity.
Paralympian Ezra Frech and his partner Daniella Karagach will draw inspiration from the classic horror films *The Invisible Man*. Their jazz performance will be set to “Madness” by Ruelle, adding a clever twist to the theme as Karagach jokingly remarks on the invisibility aspect of their dance.
Another intriguing act features James Shum Jr. and Jenna Johnson, who have devised a contemporary routine drawing from the horror franchise *Saw*. The pair has selected “Toxic” by 2WEI for their performance, promising a chilling portrayal of the film’s eerie narrative surrounding moral dilemmas and psychological horror.
Figure skater Amber Glenn will bring her unique artistry to the competition alongside Pasha Pashkov, executing an Argentine tango to Clint Mansell’s “Perfection,” a track associated with the psychologically thrilling film *Black Swan*. This performance hints at fascinating creative nuances as Glenn takes to the dance floor with a treasured childhood memory tied to the song.
Coming from the world of reality television, Maura Higgins of *The Traitors* fame and Mark Ballas will explore the supernatural in their performance of “Cry Little Sister,” the famed theme from *The Lost Boys*. Their portrayal as vampires is set to create a dramatic visual experience for viewers as they tap into the film’s gothic mood.
Julia Stiles, who made her mark in the horror genre with a role in *The Omen*, will also grace the stage with partner Ezra Sosa. Their Argentine tango to “The Dogs Attack” showcases Stiles’ connection to the genre, as she acknowledges the classic nature of the original film while adding her flair to the new routine.
Additionally, Jenna Dewan and Val Chmerkovskiy will bring a fusion of Argentine tango to life with their performance set to “Uninvited,” inspired by overarching zombie film tropes. Meanwhile, comedian Connor Wood will tackle the contemporary dance style alongside Rylee Arnold, offering a unique aesthetic with a routine influenced by the chilling *Annabelle: Creation*.
Tyler Cameron, known from *The Bachelorette*, will embrace his role as he and Sharna Burgess gear up for a Viennese waltz to Annie Lennox’s “Love Song for a Vampire,” from *Bram Stoker’s Dracula*. Cameron admits to his fears of horror films but expresses excitement at stepping outside of his comfort zone for this performance.
Lastly, Savannah Bananas baseball player Jackson Olson will team with Emma Slater to dance a contemporary number inspired by *Joker*. Their choice of Frank Sinatra’s “That’s Life” will guide them through an imaginative portrayal that promises to be both stunning and unsettling, complete with trademark “Joker” facial expressions.
With an impressive lineup and a hauntingly rich theme, week seven of *Dancing with the Stars* is set to deliver not just exceptional dancing but an immersive experience that invites audiences to revel in the subtly horrific. Fans will not want to miss this thrilling episode as the remaining contestants strive to avoid elimination while embracing the spooky nature of Halloween.
