DANCING WITH THE STARS

DIsney Night: Magic, emotion, and a little bit of karma

I’ll be honest: I wait for Disney Night every year like it’s a national holiday. There’s something about seeing grown adults twirling around dressed like cartoon royalty that just fills my heart with joy. But this season? It HIT different. Between Alix Earle’s stunning transformation, Jordan Chiles’ heartfelt tribute, and Scott’s infectious “Bop to the Top” energy, I was glued to my screen. And yes — I was ECSTATIC when Hilaria finally went home. 

Let’s start with Alix Earle, because DIVA! She was phenomenal. I didn’t expect her to pull off something so emotional and commanding, but her waltz to “Once Upon a Dream” was everything. She looked like a dark Disney queen straight out of Maleficent, and she finally seemed like she belonged on that stage. You could tell she wasn’t just trying to look pretty — she was acting, she was feeling, and she had real chemistry with Val. It was one of those rare routines that gives you chills. I think that was her breakout moment. 

Then, there was Jordan Chiles, who just radiates joy every single week. Her dance inspired by The Princess and the Frog was the definition of pure happiness. She’s got that athletic sharpness from her gymnastics background, but this time she also brought so much heart.

Her quickstep was clean, full of personality, and her smile could have powered all of New Orleans. The way she paid tribute to Tiana, Disney’s first Black princess… felt genuinely powerful. You could see how much it meant to her, and that authenticity made the dance shine even more. 

And don’t get me started on Scott and his High School Musical salsa to “Bop to the Top.” That was just a fun number. The outfits, the camp, the nostalgia, I couldn’t stop smiling. He leaned all the way into it, and Rylee’s choreography perfectly balanced humor with technique. It was the kind of dance that doesn’t need a perfect score to win hearts. 

Now, as for Hilaria’s elimination… I’m not going to lie — I cheered. She wasn’t terrible, but every week felt the same. So, when her name got called, it was like a collective sigh of relief across the fandom. The competition is tighter without her, and I’m here for it. 

All in all, Disney Night gave us everything: magic, emotion, nostalgia, and a little bit of karma. DWTS is truly back in its golden era, and I cannot wait to see who takes the crown next.