Okay, dance fam, we need to talk about the little gift Emma Slater just dropped on us. If you haven't seen it, stop reading and go watch the never-before-seen contemporary routine she just shared from her season with James Van Der Beek on *Dancing with the Stars*. I'll wait.
...Right? Chills. Actual chills.
For context, this was from James's heartbreaking season where he was eliminated the same week his wife suffered a miscarriage. The dance they performed on the show that week was a powerful, raw Viennese Waltz to "Hold On" by Chord Overstreet. It was iconic, emotional, and rightfully scored a perfect 30.
But this? This unseen contemporary piece is the other side of that emotional coin. It feels less like a performance for judges and more like a private conversation set to movement. The song is haunting, the lighting is stark, and the choreography is pure, unfiltered storytelling.
**Here’s what makes this clip so incredibly powerful:**
1. **It’s a Glimpse Behind the Curtain.** We always see the polished, camera-ready final product on Monday nights. This is the raw material. This is the studio work where the emotion is first mined, shaped, and translated into steps. You can see them *finding* it. The trust is palpable.
2. **Emma’s Choreographic Voice Shines.** We know Emma as a brilliant Latin and Ballroom technician, but this is a stunning showcase of her range. The lines, the fluidity, the use of negative space and contact—it’s contemporary with a ballroom dancer’s precision and partnership ethos. It’s breathtaking work.
3. **It Honors the Partnership.** This isn't just a "star" being led by a "pro." This is two artists creating something meaningful together. James’s commitment and vulnerability are what make the choreography land. You can tell this was a safe space for real expression during an unimaginably tough time.
**Why sharing this now matters:**
In an era of 15-second dances and viral trends, this is a beautiful reminder of what dance at its best can be: a vessel for human experience. It’s not about the tricks (though the technique is flawless); it’s about the truth.
Emma sharing this years later feels like closing a loop. It’s an act of artistic preservation, saying, "This moment mattered too. This work was valid." It gives fans a deeper appreciation for that entire journey and cements that season as one of the most authentically emotional in the show’s history.
So, thank you, Emma, for trusting us with this piece of art. It’s a masterclass in how partnership, empathy, and exquisite choreography can create something that resonates long after the music stops.
**What do you think, dance fam? Does this change how you view that iconic season? Let’s talk in the comments.**
