DWTS Scoring System: How Are 'Dancing With The Stars' Judged?

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The scoring system on Dancing with the Stars (DWTS) can often seem mysterious to viewers. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of how contestants are judged, what the judges look for, and how the scoring impacts a team's journey on the show.

How the Scoring System Works

The Dancing with the Stars scoring system combines judges' scores and audience votes to determine which couple is eliminated each week. Here’s a detailed look at each component:

Judges' Scores

Each participating couple performs a dance routine judged by a panel of experts. Typically, there are three to four judges, each offering their professional assessment. Judges evaluate the routines based on several key aspects:

  • Technique: This includes footwork, posture, and proper execution of dance steps.
  • Performance: Judges look for charisma, connection with the audience, and storytelling through dance.
  • Choreography: The creativity and complexity of the routine play a significant role.
  • Overall Impression: How well the couple embodies the dance's spirit and musicality.

The judges assign scores on a scale, typically from 1 to 10. All scores are added up to give the couple a total score for the week. For example, if there are three judges and each gives a score of 8, the total score would be 24 out of 30. — Fred Blankenship's Wife: Who Is She?

Audience Votes

Viewers at home can vote for their favorite couple via phone, online, or through the official Dancing with the Stars app. These votes are crucial because they are combined with the judges' scores to determine each couple’s final standing.

The voting window usually opens after all couples have performed and remains open for a specific duration, often until a set time later in the broadcast or the following day. — Syracuse Vs Clemson: ACC Showdown!

Combining Scores and Votes

Once the voting window closes, the audience votes are tallied and converted into a numerical score. This score is then added to the judges' scores. The combined total determines the final leaderboard. — Take That Tickets: How Much Do They Cost?

The couple with the lowest combined score (judges' scores + audience votes) is usually at risk of elimination. However, the exact methodology can vary from season to season.

Factors Influencing Judges' Decisions

Several factors influence how judges score each performance:

  • Improvement: Judges often consider a couple's progress from week to week. Showing significant improvement can earn higher scores.
  • Difficulty: Attempting challenging steps and complex choreography can impress the judges, provided they are executed well.
  • Connection: Emotional connection and chemistry between the dancers can enhance a performance and sway the judges.

How Scores Affect Elimination

Each week, the couple with the lowest combined score typically faces elimination. However, there are often twists, such as:

  • Judge's Save: In some seasons, judges have the power to save a couple from elimination, usually only once per judge.
  • Double Elimination: On occasion, two couples may be eliminated in a single episode.

Conclusion

Understanding the scoring system can enhance your viewing experience, allowing you to appreciate the nuances of each performance and the strategic elements of the competition. Whether you're a long-time fan or a new viewer, knowing how the judges and audience contribute to a couple's journey makes Dancing with the Stars even more engaging.