The 20th anniversary celebration of Dancing with the Stars delivered one of the most memorable opening performances in the show’s history, and much of the credit goes to Derek Hough. As fans celebrated two decades of ballroom magic, Hough crafted a breathtaking opening routine that honored the past while embracing the future of the long-running dance competition.
From emotional tributes to iconic moments from past seasons, the anniversary choreography quickly became one of the most talked-about performances among DWTS fans. Here’s everything you need to know about Derek Hough’s anniversary choreography and why viewers are calling it one of his finest works.
Derek Hough Choreographed the DWTS 20th Anniversary Opening
For the milestone “20th Birthday Party” episode, Derek Hough served as the lead choreographer for the opening number.
Rather than creating a traditional ballroom routine, Hough designed a performance that celebrated the evolution of Dancing with the Stars. The choreography blended classic ballroom styles with contemporary movement, showcasing how the series has grown over the past two decades while staying true to its roots.
The opening featured dozens of professional dancers performing in sync to a newly reimagined version of the iconic Dancing with the Stars theme music.
Derek Hough Reveals the Inspiration Behind the Anniversary Choreography
After the performance aired, Derek Hough shared new insight into the creative process behind the milestone opening number in a social media post submitted as part of his Emmy campaign.
Hough described choreographing the “20th Birthday Opening Dance Number” as “a dream” and said the performance was designed as a heartfelt tribute to the legacy of Dancing with the Stars.
He also revealed that he collaborated with longtime musical director Ray Chew to reimagine the show’s iconic theme song across multiple dance styles.
According to Hough, the opening number was intentionally crafted to celebrate every era of the series—from the original professional dancers to today’s generation of ballroom talent. The performance also included emotional moments honoring late head judge Len Goodman while welcoming former host Tom Bergeron back to the ballroom.
Hough wrote that the Emmy submission is “my heartfelt tribute to a show that means so much to me and to so many others,” while thanking the cast and crew who helped celebrate 20 years of Dancing with the Stars.
Reimagining an Iconic Theme
One of the biggest creative challenges was honoring a melody that audiences have associated with the show since its premiere.
According to Derek Hough, the creative team wanted to begin with the familiar theme before transforming it into something fresh and cinematic. The music gradually evolved throughout the performance, allowing the choreography to travel through different eras of the show.
The result was a seamless blend of nostalgia and innovation that longtime viewers immediately recognized.
Associate Choreographers Behind the Performance
Although Derek Hough led the creative vision, he was joined by talented collaborators who helped bring the routine to life.
The associate choreographers included:
- Hayley Erbert Hough
- Chase Haley Bowden
Together, they spent weeks developing formations, transitions, and storytelling elements that represented the history of the competition while maintaining the energy expected from a season premiere-style opening.
What Made the Choreography Special?
Unlike a standard opening routine, this performance told the story of Dancing with the Stars itself.
Several elements stood out:
- A newly reimagined version of the iconic DWTS theme song created with musical director Ray Chew.
- Choreography spanning multiple dance styles to reflect the show’s evolution.
- A tribute to the original professional dancers and the current generation of performers.
- An emotional tribute to Len Goodman.
- A special “welcome home” moment for former host Tom Bergeron.
- Large ensemble formations celebrating 20 years of Dancing with the Stars.
Rather than focusing on flashy tricks alone, the choreography emphasized storytelling, making it resonate with longtime fans.
A Tribute to the Show’s Legacy
The anniversary performance wasn’t simply about celebrating the current cast.
It also served as a tribute to everyone who helped shape Dancing with the Stars over the years.
Fans noticed heartfelt nods to beloved former host Tom Bergeron as well as a touching acknowledgment of legendary judge Len Goodman, whose influence on ballroom dancing remains central to the show’s identity.
Those emotional touches helped transform the opening from a dance routine into a celebration of the show’s history.
Fans Praised Derek Hough’s Vision
Shortly after the performance aired, social media filled with praise for Derek Hough’s choreography.
Many viewers described the opening as:
- One of the best opening numbers in DWTS history.
- A perfect balance of nostalgia and innovation.
- Emmy-worthy choreography.
- A beautiful tribute to twenty years of ballroom excellence.
Fans particularly appreciated how every transition felt intentional and how the routine celebrated both longtime viewers and newer audiences.
Behind the Scenes: The Creative Vision
One of the most interesting details Derek Hough shared is that the music itself was rebuilt specifically for the anniversary performance.
He worked alongside musical director Ray Chew to transform the familiar Dancing with the Stars theme into a score that could move through different styles and eras of dance. Hough even joked that he may eventually share the “hilarious original video pitch” he sent Chew during the planning stages.
These behind-the-scenes details highlight just how much thought went into creating an opening number that celebrated the show’s past while looking toward its future.
Why Derek Hough Was the Perfect Choice
Few people are more closely connected to Dancing with the Stars than Derek Hough.
Throughout his career, he has become one of the franchise’s defining figures thanks to his creativity, technical excellence, and ability to tell stories through movement.
His accomplishments include:
- Six Mirrorball Trophy victories as a professional dancer.
- Multiple Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Choreography.
- Years as both a competitor and judge on Dancing with the Stars.
- Numerous acclaimed opening numbers and special performances.
His deep understanding of the show’s history made him the natural choice to choreograph such an important milestone celebration.
Can You Watch the Anniversary Opening?
Yes.
The anniversary opening performance is available through official Dancing with the Stars social media channels, including clips shared by Derek Hough across Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube. Fans can also watch the full episode through Disney+ and Hulu, depending on regional availability.
The performance has since accumulated millions of views across platforms, with many fans returning to watch it multiple times.
Final Thoughts
Creating a dance that represents twenty years of television history is no easy task, but Derek Hough delivered an opening number that felt both timeless and fresh.
By combining elegant ballroom choreography, emotional storytelling, modern staging, and heartfelt tributes, he created a performance worthy of one of television’s most successful dance competitions.
For longtime fans, it was a reminder of why Dancing with the Stars has remained a beloved series for two decades. For newer viewers, it was an unforgettable introduction to the passion, artistry, and history that continue to define the ballroom.
Whether you’re a lifelong DWTS fan or discovering the show for the first time, Derek Hough’s anniversary choreography stands as one of the franchise’s most memorable performances.