"Dancing With the Stars" Celebrates Hanukkah with Groundbreaking Performance

ABC's "Dancing With the Stars" (DWTS) made history this week by featuring its first Hanukkah-themed performance during its holiday special on December 2, 2025. The segment, choreographed by Jewish dancer Alan Bersten, was set to the song "Miracle" by Matisyahu and showcased elements of Jewish culture, including the hora dance and visual representations of a menorah and dreidels. Bersten, who expressed pride in creating this representation, stated, “Hopefully, a Jewish kid can watch this and they can feel proud,” highlighting the significance of visibility for Jewish youth in mainstream media.

'Dancing With the Stars' Features Its First Hanukkah Dance – KvellerMEAWWWorld Israel News

The performance was marked by its thoughtful choreography, which included spinning sequences reminiscent of dreidels and dancers linking arms to form a menorah. Val Chmerkovskiy, another Jewish dancer, participated in the routine, further emphasizing the communal spirit of the performance. Bersten's approach aimed to celebrate Jewish traditions while making the dance accessible and enjoyable for a diverse audience. The choice of Matisyahu's music added a contemporary touch, blending cultural significance with modern appeal.

MEAWW

The Hanukkah dance quickly became the standout moment of the holiday special, garnering significant attention and praise online. Viewers noted that this performance not only celebrated Hanukkah but also marked a shift towards more authentic Jewish representation in television. The inclusion of such a segment reflects a broader trend in media to embrace diverse cultural narratives, moving beyond traditional holiday themes predominantly focused on Christmas.

'Dancing With the Stars' Features Its First Hanukkah Dance – Kveller

Alan Bersten shared his gratitude on social media, stating, “I am so proud of this one... to be able to create a dance for Hanukkah on the biggest show on TV means the world to me.” Show host Alfonso Ribeiro praised the performance, calling it a “wonderful reminder that the holiday season is for everyone.” This sentiment resonated with many viewers, particularly within the Jewish community, who felt represented and celebrated through the performance.

'Dancing With the Stars' Features Its First Hanukkah Dance – Kveller

While the Hanukkah performance was widely celebrated, some long-time fans of DWTS noted that the holiday special included segments of previously aired material, which may have detracted from the novelty of the event. However, the focus on a Hanukkah dance was largely viewed as a positive step towards inclusivity in a show traditionally dominated by Christmas-themed content.

MEAWW

• “Hopefully, a Jewish kid can watch this and they can feel proud,” — Alan Bersten, Dancer

'Dancing With the Stars' Features Its First Hanukkah Dance – Kveller

• “Beautifully done, and a wonderful reminder that the holiday season is for everyone,” — Alfonso Ribeiro, Show Host

'Dancing With the Stars' Features Its First Hanukkah Dance – Kveller

The inclusion of a Hanukkah performance in "Dancing With the Stars" not only highlights the importance of representation in entertainment but also serves as a cultural milestone for Jewish audiences, fostering a sense of pride and visibility in a predominantly Christian holiday landscape.

MEAWW