Zendaya’s Time on Dancing With the Stars: Shaking Up the Ballroom

Introduction

Zendaya first appeared on season 16 of Dancing With the Stars in 2013. She was just 16 years old at the time, and quickly became a fan favorite. Her enthusiasm and talent for dance was evident from the start, and she quickly became a frontrunner in the competition. By the end of the season, Zendaya had earned the title of runner-up alongside partner Val Chmerkovskiy. Since then, she has gone on to become a household name, with her career in music, film, and television. But her time on Dancing With the Stars still stands out as one of her most memorable moments.

A Look Back at Zendaya’s Time on Dancing With the Stars

One of the most iconic moments of Zendaya’s time on Dancing With the Stars was when she and Val performed the jive to “Put the Gun Down” by ZZ Ward. The routine was fast-paced and full of energy, and showcased Zendaya’s natural ability as a dancer. Judge Bruno Tonioli commented that it was “the jive that could not be stopped.” It earned them a perfect score, and is still remembered today as one of the best performances of the season.

In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Zendaya spoke about her time on the show and her experience in the ballroom. When asked what she learned from her time on the show, she said: “I learned so much about myself and my confidence. I never really thought of myself as a dancer before this. I just went into it thinking I could learn something new. And I did. I learned to move my body in ways I never knew I could. It opened my eyes to a whole new world.”

Reflections on Zendaya’s Impact on DWTS and Beyond

Zendaya’s appearance on Dancing With the Stars marked a shift in the show. As the youngest contestant ever, she brought a unique energy to the ballroom, and her enthusiasm and talent inspired viewers around the world. Many young viewers were inspired to take up dance, and many of those same viewers are now professional dancers themselves.

Zendaya’s presence on the show also helped to open up the conversation about representation in the ballroom. For the first time, viewers saw someone who looked like them competing in a traditionally white, European style of dance. This gave viewers a sense of belonging, and showed them that they too could participate in the art form.

Since appearing on the show, Zendaya has gone on to have a successful career in music, film, and television. She has been nominated for several awards, including Emmy and Grammy Awards, and continues to use her platform to speak out about issues of representation and equality.

Conclusion

Zendaya’s time on Dancing With the Stars was a defining moment in her career, and left a lasting impression on the show and beyond. Her enthusiasm and talent for dance shook up the ballroom and inspired viewers around the world. She helped to open up the conversation about representation in the ballroom, and her success since then has shown viewers that anything is possible.