Daniella and Dwight reveal how they turned Halloween night on DWTS into a season highlight
As the lights dimmed and suspense built in the ballroom on Dancing With the Stars Halloween night, fans waited with bated breath to see what Daniella Karagach had in store for her towering partner, NBA star Dwight Howard. With her track record of captivating choreography, Daniella knew the pressure was on, especially after her unforgettable Halloween dance with Iman Shumpert which helped them clinch the mirrorball trophy. Yet, in an exclusive interview with Woman’s World, Daniella revealed how she embraced Dwight’s unique qualities and crafted a one-of-a-kind routine, ultimately winning the first perfect 10 of the season and setting the bar even higher.
“I felt a lot of pressure, but at the same time they’re two completely different people,” Daniella shared, comparing and contrasting her creative process with both Dwight and Iman. “Just because they both play basketball doesn’t mean they’re the same person—and Dwight is way taller! So it’s a different challenge, but we worked together on things we could and couldn’t do and I definitely used the opportunity for his height in this one.”
Daniella and Dwight’s Halloween dance wowed the crowd and judges
The dance, a powerful homage to Halloween’s spooky spirit and Dwight’s fear of the bogeyman, featured not only intricate footwork but a series of breathtaking lifts and spins that highlighted Dwight’s athletic prowess. Daniella’s clever choreography took advantage of his height and strength, creating moves that seemed tailor-made for Dwight’s frame. “We did tricks that you probably can’t do with someone shorter. It was really fun,” Daniella told Woman’s World shortly after their performance, a dance that had her in tears during the judges’ praise.
From the beginning of their partnership, Daniella and Dwight adopted a shared philosophy that set a positive tone for their weeks of grueling training. Dwight revealed to Woman’s World after their incredible contemporary performance how they approached their rehearsals with a focus on manifestation, a theme they returned to repeatedly in the days leading up to the performance. “We’ve been talking all week about the power of words and how manifestation is real,” Dwight said. “Our motto was, ‘Wouldn’t it be nice if we had our best dance tonight?’ It’s something we kept coming back to, especially with everything we faced this week.”
Their meaningful partnership motivates Daniella and Dwight
Despite the challenges, both dancers emphasized the importance of positivity in their partnership. That bond resonated in their performance, a testament to the trust they’ve built as a team. As the night unfolded, it was clear to everyone in the ballroom that Dwight’s commitment and Daniella’s vision had created something truly special.
For Daniella, the night was about more than choreography; it was a celebration of creativity and teamwork. The cherry on top? The duo’s electrifying performance struck a chord with the judges, who praised not only the originality of the routine but also Dwight’s impressive growth. Judge Derek Hough commented on how well Dwight managed the intricate footwork and lifts, while Carrie Ann Inaba awarded the couple the first 10 of the season.
As the crowd erupted in applause and the score of 10 flashed on the screen, Dwight and Daniella shared a triumphant hug, reveling in the accomplishment. Daniella beamed as she looked back on the performance, expressing pride in their work, while Dwight’s look of genuine shock at his impressive score had the entire ballroom on its feet.
The partnership between Daniella and Dwight highlights not only the magic of Dancing With the Stars but the power of collaboration. With their mutual respect and belief in each other’s abilities, they’ve quickly become a fan-favorite duo. For Daniella, each dance is an opportunity to push creative boundaries and celebrate her partner’s strengths. And for Dwight, it’s a chance to embrace a new challenge and grow in unexpected ways.
As the competition heats up and the stakes get higher, fans are eager to see what the duo will bring to the ballroom next. As for what’s up next for Dwight? Thanks to an off week due to the 2024 presidential election on Tuesday, November 5, he’ll finally be able to have a day off—a much needed break after eight straight days of rehearsal.
With such a memorable Halloween performance, Daniella and Dwight have proven they’re a force to be reckoned with. From tackling new challenges to achieving the season’s first 10, they’re dancing their way into the hearts of audiences everywhere. Watch their full performance below:
