When viewers say “strictly dances this week”, they refer to the routines performed on the show during that week, including which dance styles are assigned, which celebrities and professional dancers are partnering, which songs they’re dancing to, and how the performances are scored and voted on. In other words: the full weekly package of performances.
Key elements embedded in “dances this week”
Dance style: Each week the couples perform a specific style (e.g., rumba, tango, American Smooth).
Song/music choice: The track that underpins the choreography.
Choreography/theme: The way the dance is woven into a theme (sometimes dictated by the show).
Scoring/judging: How judges score the performance, often accompanied by commentary on technique, expression and connection.
Public vote / Results: Which couple ends up in the bottom two (or more) and may face a dance-off.
Progression/elimination: Which couples advance and which couple leaves the show that week.
So, when you’re looking at “strictly dances this week”, you’re looking at all of these facets—style, music, performance, scores, results.
Why it’s significant for viewers
It helps you follow competition progress: understanding who’s safe, who’s at risk.
It informs predictions: which couples might excel based on style or theme.
It enriches viewing: noticing technique, connection, and scoring patterns.
It empowers home-viewers to engage: if you’re a dancer or fan you can replicate styles or critique performances.
Understanding the structure of each week on the show
Here is a breakdown of the weekly cycle of the show, what to expect, step-by-step.
Announcement of dance styles and songs
At the start of the week (often mid-week) the show reveals which dance style each couple will perform, and sometimes the music choice is also revealed. For instance, for the 2025 Halloween Week the songs and dances were confirmed ahead of time.
Rehearsal and training
Each celebrity and professional dancer pair rehearse during the week. They work on technique, choreography, musicality and performance. A large part of the viewer interest is how the celebrity improves or struggles.
Live show – performance night
On the performance night (Saturday in the UK for the show) all couples perform their assigned dance before the judges. They are scored by judges and also exposed to the public vote. The performance can include themes, props, costumes, and sometimes showdance elements.
Results show – elimination & dance-off
On the results show (typically Sunday) the bottom couples (based on judges’ scores + public vote) may perform again in a dance-off. Judges then decide who goes home. For example, in Week 6 of 2025 the bottom two fought it out and one couple was eliminated.
Next week’s preview
After elimination, the show previews the next week’s theme, songs and hints at what will come next. Viewers often speculate based on recent performance trends.
Definitions of common dance styles you’ll see this week
Here are definitions of key ballroom and Latin styles that appear frequently in the weekly show.
Latin styles
Cha-cha-cha: A fast-paced Latin rhythm with syncopated steps—counted “2-3-cha-cha-cha”. Strong hip action and Latin flair.
Samba: Originating in Brazil, features bounce action, lively hip movement and rhythmic rhythm in 2/4 or 4/4 time.
Rumba: A slower Latin dance emphasising hip sway, connection and romanticism. In competition it’s often the “dance of love”.
Paso Doble: Dramatic and bold, modelled on the bull-fighting motif; strong lines, sharp movements, high drama.
Jive: Up-tempo swing-Latin dance. Jumping, energetic and fun, often used for big show pieces.
Ballroom styles
Waltz (including Viennese Waltz): Graceful, flowing dance in 3/4 time (or faster in Viennese); emphasises rise and fall, smooth movement.
Foxtrot: Smooth, progressive, gliding movements across the floor, often with a “slow-slow-quick-quick” rhythm.
Quickstep: Fast foxtrot-style dance with hops, skips and dynamic movement.
American Smooth: A variant of ballroom combining waltz, foxtrot and quickstep with open hold and greater freedom of movement.
Tango (Ballroom/Argentine): Full of drama, staccato movement, strong character. Ballroom tango has sharp footwork; Argentine tango emphasises close connection and improvisation.
American jive / Showdance / Couple’s Choice: These are competitive variants and freestyle types where choreography may blend styles and allow creativity.
How to spot technique and quality
When watching a dance this week, look out for:
Posture and frame (especially in ballroom).
Footwork clarity (especially in Latin).
Rhythm and timing with the music.
Connection between partners (physical and emotional).
Expression and performance quality (not just steps).
Floorcraft (how they move across the floor, avoid collisions).
Musicality (whether movements match accents, phrasing).
By understanding what each style demands, you’ll be better equipped to appreciate the dances this week and evaluate performances.
Practical tips for watching and engaging with “dances this week”
Whether you’re viewing as a casual fan, dance-enthusiast or aspiring dancer, here are hands-on tips to get more out of each week’s performances.
Pre-show preparation
Check which dance style and song each couple will perform this week. Knowing the style helps you anticipate what to expect.
Listen to the song in advance if possible (when revealed) to familiarise yourself with rhythm and mood.
If you dance yourself, warm up and try some basic steps of the style—this enhances your viewing appreciation.
During the performance
Focus on one technical element each couple may perform (e.g., hip action, rise and fall, connection) rather than watching everything all at once.
Notice costuming and theme – sometimes a strong concept adds to the dance but can also distract.
Watch the judges’ reactions carefully – they often highlight what to look for (or what went wrong).
Post-performance analysis
Compare the scores with your own perception: did you agree with the judges? Why or why not?
Pay attention to which couples are praised for improvement or criticised for consistency – trends often indicate future performance.
Engage online (social media) if you wish, but be mindful: public vote is only part of progression – judges count a lot.
Dancing at home
If you want to try the routines: pick a simplified version of the week’s style.
Break the routine down: Step by step work the basic pattern, then add styling and character.
Practice to the actual song if available – that’s how you’ll feel the same rhythm the couples used.
Record yourself dancing and watch back – seeing yourself helps recognise mistakes or strengths.
Predicting and understanding elimination
High scores don’t always guarantee safety: public vote is key (as seen when a high-scoring couple falls into the dance-off). For example, in Week 6 one couple did very well but still faced danger.
Consistency matters: a couple that regularly scores well and connects with viewers is generally safer.
If a couple’s style this week is not their strong one (e.g., a Latin specialist given a ballroom style), they may be vulnerable.
Recent trends in 2025: What’s new on the dance floor this week
Here are some of the notable changes and trends we’ve seen in recent weeks — including this week — on the show.
Themed weeks becoming more elaborate
From “Icons Week” to the Halloween Week, the show is leaning into more ambitious themes. For instance, Week 6 in 2025 had a Halloween theme, with various high-concept routines.
This means each week not only tests dance technique but creativity, storytelling and showmanship.
Song choices blending genres and eras
In 2025 the show is choosing songs that span decades and genres, making the dance routines more eclectic. As noted, the Halloween Week song list included “Creep” by Radiohead, “The Fifth” by Beethoven, etc
This expands the audience appeal and challenges routines – you might have a ballroom dance to a rock song, or a Latin routine to a dramatic classical piece.
Celebrity improvement arcs and narrative emphasis
The production and commentary around the show are highlighting improvement stories: those novices who started weak but have elevated their performance this week. Viewers are more drawn to storylines of growth rather than just technical perfection.
For example: certain celebrities have been noted for showing “massive improvement” in rehearsa-and-performance leading into their week’s dance.
Judging and scoring dynamics changing
In 2025 there appears more openness to performances that value expressive storytelling and partner connection, not just flawless footwork. Judges often mention “connection” and “emotion” increasingly.
Also, the interplay between judges’ scores and public votes remains pivotal: a perfect technical score can still lead to risk without public support.
Social media + home-dancing tie-in
With more home viewers dancing along, there’s a growth in “at-home challenges” or social-media posts matching that week’s style. The show occasionally references viewer participation, making the “dances this week” moment part of a wider online event.
How to evaluate and score “dances this week” like a judge
If you’d like to rate the dances yourself each week, here’s a structured step-by-step guide to evaluating them.
Dance style identification
Confirm the style performed (e.g., tango, rumba, quickstep).
Know what the style typically demands (see definitions above).
Note whether the couple seems at ease or stretched by the style.
Technical assessment
Look at:
Posture/frame: Is the body well-aligned (ballroom) or appropriately relaxed (Latin)?
Footwork clarity: Are steps crisp, clean, in time?
Timing/rhythm: Are they dancing on the beat, matching musical accents?
Body action: Hip action in Latin, rise/fall in waltz, sharp action in paso doble.
Floor craft: Are they moving confidently across the floor, avoiding collisions or blocked paths?
Performance & expression
Connection between partners: Are they in sync physically and emotionally?
Characterisation: Are they portraying the mood of the dance and the music?
Costuming/theme integration: Does the look support the dance or detract?
Engagement: Are they holding interest, projecting to the audience, using facial expression and body language?
Choreography & staging
Does the routine build in interest (beginning/middle/end) rather than just repeat steps?
Are lifts, changes of direction, levels (low/high) used appropriately for stage impact?
Does the choreography fit the music – accents, phrasing, emotional highs/lows?
Is staging used well (centre floor, sides, group sections) or does it feel stuck?
Overall impact & scoreboard prediction
After the dance, ask: Did this couple look like one of the strongest this week?
How might judges respond: were there mistakes, did the partner shine, was the style new to them?
Consider the public appeal: did the dance entertain, did the audience respond?
Predict score: Based on all factors, estimate how judges may score. Then compare to actual results.
Reflection & next-week potential
Did the couple improve from last week? Improvement is often rewarded.
Did they show weakness in one specific area? This may be a vulnerability next week.
What style might they get next week? If the upcoming style suits their strengths, they could rise. If it’s outside their comfort zone, there’s risk.
By following these steps each week you can engage more deeply with “strictly dances this week” and develop your own viewer-rating system.
Why and how the public vote matters this week
Understanding the interplay between judges’ scores and the public vote is key when following the show each week.
Judges’ scores
The professional judges assign marks (e.g., out of a fixed scale) based on performance. These scores contribute to the leaderboard for the week. High scores often reflect technical and performance excellence, but they do not guarantee safety from elimination.
Public vote
After performances, viewers are invited to vote for their favourite couples. These votes are aggregated with the judges’ scores to determine bottom couples. A couple might receive high judges’ marks but still lag in public popularity and become vulnerable. For example, during Week 6, the public vote played a crucial part, even for high-scoring couples.
Dance-off
Couples in the bottom based on combined judge/public results participate in the dance-off. The judges then decide who to save. This means that viewer engagement matters: if a couple connects well with the audience, that extra backing can make the difference this week.
Practical takeaway for viewers
Critique scores and performances, but also think: Who is the audience voting for, and why?
Emotional storylines, novelty, improvement arcs often drive public votes as much as technical polish.
A consistent high-score routine might still be less “voted for” if the audience doesn’t feel a connection or novelty.
When assessing “dances this week”, keep an eye both on technique and on audience response (social media chatter, standing ovations, judges’ comments referencing audience reaction).
A step-by-step guide to using this week’s dances to improve your own dancing or appreciation
Whether you’re a dancer yourself or a fan who wants to deepen your viewing, this week’s dances offer a chance to learn. Here’s a guide:
Choose a dance style from this week
Pick one of the styles performed this week (e.g., rumba, American Smooth). If the style is new to you, read its definition (see above) and watch a professional example.
Break down the basic pattern
Find the basic steps of the style (for example: rumba – basic box step + hip motion; American Smooth – forward-back, side steps, open hold). Practice the fundamentals at a slow tempo.
Practice with the music
Use the song from the show (if available) or a similar track. Practice the basic pattern to the rhythm, gradually matching timing and phrasing.
Add styling & character
Once you’re comfortable, add the style’s character (romantic for rumba, bold for paso doble, flowing for waltz). Practice expression, connection (with a partner or imaginary).
Re-watch the couple’s performance this week
After you’ve practiced, re-watch the couple’s routine from the show:
Identify where they used the basic pattern and where they embellished.
Notice transitions between steps, use of space, levels, staging.
See how they matched music accents and phrasing – can you feel those beats?
Spot where you might improve based on their weaknesses (judges’ comments often note these).
Record & review your attempt
Film yourself dancing your version of the style. Then compare with the show’s couples: where was your timing off? Where was your styling not as strong? Make notes.
Plan for next week
Look at which style may be assigned next week (sometimes announced). If you know your week’s style ahead, start preparing in advance. Use the momentum from this week’s dance to raise your own game.
FAQ
How do I find out which dance style each couple is doing this week?
Usually the show releases the song and style assignments mid-week via official announcements or press releases. Check official show social media, entertainment news features or the programme’s website for the weekly schedule.
Why does a couple with a perfect score still risk elimination?
Because scoring is only one part of the process. The combined result of judges’ scores and public votes determines whether a couple falls into the bottom two (or more). If the public vote is weak, even a high score might not be enough to guarantee safety.
What can I look out for when judging the technical quality of a dance this week?
Focus on posture, frame, timing, footwork clarity, partner connection, expression, and how well the choreography fits the music. For example, in a rumba you’d expect strong hip action and a romantic feel; in a quickstep you’d expect glide, lightness, syncopation.
How important is the theme and song choice for a couple’s performance this week?
Very important. A compelling song and creative theme can elevate a routine beyond just steps and technique. It can help the audience connect, and influence judges’ perception of performance quality. However, the theme cannot compensate fully for weak technique.
How can I use “dances this week” to improve my own dancing?
By choosing the weekly style, practising its basics, using the show’s couple performance as a model, then filming yourself and assessing your timing, expression and connection. Focus on one or two areas of improvement each week, and build from the fundamentals to the show-style performance level.
Final Thoughts
“Strictly Dances This Week” is more than simply watching celebrities waltz or tango on live television—it’s about understanding the mechanics of dance styles, the art of performance, the strategic component of scoring and votes, and the evolving trends that shape each week’s show.
By being equipped with knowledge of style definitions, evaluation steps, practical tips, and awareness of this season’s 2025 dynamics, you’ll not only enjoy the show more fully but engage with it as an informed viewer or even an aspiring dancer.
So next time you watch a routine, you’ll recognise the difference between technique and artistry, follow the progression of the couples, identify risks and strengths, and perhaps pick up a step or two for your own dancing journey. The dance-floor awaits.
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