Full Breakdown
Disney Night on Dancing with the Stars: Week 4 Recap
10/8/2025, 11:57:21 AM
Overview of Disney Night
On October 7, 2025, "Dancing with the Stars" celebrated its annual Disney Night, coinciding with the 70th anniversary of Disneyland. The episode featured 11 remaining couples performing routines inspired by beloved Disney films and attractions. The night was marked by impressive performances, record-breaking viewer engagement, and a shocking elimination.
Key Performances and Scores
The evening began with Dylan Efron and Daniella Karagach performing a quickstep to "Life Is a Highway" from *Cars*, earning a score of 23 out of 30. Judge Derek Hough dubbed Efron the "quickstep king," praising his improvement. Following them, Danielle Fishel and Pasha Pashkov danced a quickstep to "I Wan'na Be Like You" from *The Jungle Book*, receiving a score of 21.
Alix Earle and Val Chmerkovskiy delivered a Viennese waltz to "Once Upon a Dream" from *Maleficent*, impressing the judges with a score of 24. Hilaria Baldwin and Gleb Savchenko performed a quickstep to "Cantina Band" from *Star Wars: A New Hope*, achieving a score of 23. Despite positive feedback from judges, including Bruno Tonioli's praise, Derek Hough noted the routine lacked sufficient quickstep elements.
Whitney Leavitt and Mark Ballas topped the leaderboard with a foxtrot to "The Room Where It Happens" from *Hamilton*, earning the first 9 of the season for a total score of 25. Other notable performances included Jordan Chiles and Ezra Sosa's quickstep to "Special Spice," which also scored 24, and Jen Affleck and Jan Ravnik's jazz routine to "Friend Like Me," which received a score of 23.
Elimination Shock
At the end of the night, the bottom three couples were announced: Hilaria Baldwin and Gleb Savchenko, Andy Richter and Emma Slater, and Danielle Fishel and Pasha Pashkov. In a surprising turn, it was Baldwin and Savchenko who were eliminated despite their respectable score. Baldwin expressed gratitude for the experience, stating, "This has been an incredible experience. I'm so grateful to all of you."
Official Statements & Responses
Following the elimination, Gleb Savchenko praised Baldwin, calling her a "superhero" and an "incredible mom," highlighting her dedication throughout the competition. Baldwin's elimination sparked mixed reactions from fans, with some expressing relief while others were disappointed by the outcome.
Why It Matters
Disney Night not only showcased the contestants' dancing skills but also highlighted the emotional connections many have with Disney's legacy. The high viewer engagement, with over 40 million votes cast, underscores the show's popularity and the competitive nature of the season. The elimination of a high-profile contestant like Baldwin raises questions about viewer voting dynamics and the impact of prior controversies regarding her dance experience.
What's Next
As the competition moves forward, the remaining couples will prepare for Dedication Night, where they will perform routines inspired by personal stories and tributes. The stakes are high, and the pressure to deliver compelling performances will only increase as the season progresses.
