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Quizzes > Movies

Dancing with the Stars trivia: Test your DWTS memory

Quick, free DWTS quiz to test your TV knowledge. Instant results.

Editorial: Review CompletedCreated By: Simon CorrieUpdated Aug 27, 2025
Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art illustration for Dancing With the Stars trivia quiz on golden yellow background

This Dancing with the Stars quiz helps you see how much you remember from past seasons, pro partners, and mirrorball winners. Answer quick questions and get instant results to see where you shine. If you want more, try our dance quiz, explore Dirty Dancing trivia, or broaden your pop culture skills with an entertainment quiz.

Which network airs Dancing With the Stars?
CBS
NBC
ABC
FOX
Dancing With the Stars has aired on ABC since its premiere in June 2005, making it one of the network's flagship reality competitions. The series is produced by BBC Studios and Gower Studios for ABC and remains in the network's lineup. ABC's summer programming often features DWTS as a major ratings draw for celebrity fans.
Who was the original host of Dancing With the Stars?
Erin Andrews
Brooke Burke
Tom Bergeron
Tyra Banks
Tom Bergeron served as the original and long-time host of Dancing With the Stars from its debut in 2005 through Season 28. His tenure set the tone for the show's mix of humor, celebrity interviews, and live results format. Bergeron’s experience as a TV host helped establish DWTS as a major reality competition.
Which of these individuals has never served as a judge on Dancing With the Stars?
Carrie Ann Inaba
Bruno Tonioli
Len Goodman
Simon Cowell
Simon Cowell has never appeared on Dancing With the Stars. The show’s core panel has included Len Goodman, Bruno Tonioli, and Carrie Ann Inaba since its early seasons. Other rotating or guest judges have filled in occasionally, but Cowell has not.
In what year did Dancing With the Stars first premiere?
2004
2007
2006
2005
Dancing With the Stars premiered on June 1, 2005, marking ABC’s entry into the celebrity dance competition genre. The format was adapted from the British series Strictly Come Dancing. Since then, it has aired nearly every year with multiple themed weeks.
Who was the first Mirrorball Trophy winner on the show?
Drew Lachey
Sabrina Bryan
Kelly Monaco
Apolo Anton Ohno
Actress Kelly Monaco won Season 1 of Dancing With the Stars, taking home the very first Mirrorball Trophy in 2005. She danced alongside professional partner Alec Mazo. Her victory launched the show’s tradition of pairing celebrities with pro dancers.
Which ballroom dance style is characterized by fast kicks, flicks, and a Rock 'n' Roll feel?
Foxtrot
Waltz
Tango
Jive
The Jive is a fast-paced dance in the Latin category known for its energetic kicks, flicks, and jaunty style derived from Rock 'n' Roll. It is a recurring and popular style performed on DWTS. Judges look for sharp technique, timing, and bounce in this dance.
What is the name of the trophy awarded to the winners of Dancing With the Stars?
Golden Dance Cup
Crystal Shoe
Mirrorball Trophy
Champions’ Chalice
The winners of Dancing With the Stars receive the Mirrorball Trophy, a disco-ball–style award that has become the iconic symbol of the series. It reflects the show’s dance-floor aesthetic and competitive spirit. Each season’s champions proudly display the sparkling trophy.
Which professional dancer holds the record for the most Mirrorball Trophy wins?
Mark Ballas
Kym Johnson
Derek Hough
Cheryl Burke
Derek Hough has won six Mirrorball Trophies, making him the most successful professional in DWTS history. His victories span multiple seasons with different celebrity partners. His combination of choreography and teaching style has proven highly effective.
Dancing With the Stars is based on which British television series?
Dance Moms
Strictly Come Dancing
So You Think You Can Dance
Got to Dance
Dancing With the Stars is the American adaptation of the BBC series Strictly Come Dancing, which premiered in the UK in 2004. The format pairs celebrities with professional dancers in a weekly elimination competition. Both versions feature similar judging panels and themed performance nights.
Which Olympic athlete was the first to win Dancing With the Stars?
Apolo Anton Ohno
Kerri Walsh Jennings
Evander Holyfield
Michael Phelps
Short-track speed skater Apolo Anton Ohno won Season 4 of DWTS in 2007 alongside professional Julianne Hough. He was the first Olympic athlete to claim the Mirrorball Trophy. His athletic background and work ethic were credited for his success on the dance floor.
What is the maximum possible combined score under the current four-judge format?
30
40
20
50
Each of the four judges on DWTS can award up to 10 points per performance, making the highest combined total 40 points. The four-judge panel has been standard since Season 13. Scores are based on technique, performance, and presentation.
Who served as co-host alongside Tom Bergeron from 2006 to 2019?
Drew Lachey
Tyra Banks
Brooke Burke
Erin Andrews
Model and television personality Brooke Burke co-hosted Dancing With the Stars with Tom Bergeron from Season 3 in 2006 through Season 28 in 2019. She became a familiar face during results shows and special segments. Her outgoing style complemented Bergeron’s humor.
In which season did actress Jennifer Grey win the Mirrorball Trophy?
10
13
11
12
Jennifer Grey won Season 11 of Dancing With the Stars in 2010, partnering with professional Derek Hough. Their performance earned consistent high scores and audience votes. Grey’s journey became one of the most celebrated wins in the show’s history.
Which dance style performed on DWTS originated in Cuba?
Foxtrot
Rumba
Viennese Waltz
Samba
The Rumba is a romantic Latin dance that originated in Cuba, characterized by slow hip movements and Cuban motion. It has been a mainstay on DWTS since early seasons as part of the Latin dance category. Judges look for fluid movement and emotional connection.
Which non-ballroom dance genre was introduced as a specialty round in Season 15?
Hip Hop
Bollywood
Contemporary
Salsa
Season 15 featured the first Bollywood-themed specialty round, challenging couples to master traditional Indian dance moves and storytelling. This addition expanded the show's diversity of styles beyond standard ballroom and Latin dances. It proved popular with viewers and contestants alike.
What is a "Trio Challenge" on Dancing With the Stars?
A dance involving a third professional
A dance with three celebrities
A trio of judges scoring
A three-minute freestyle segment
The Trio Challenge requires each celebrity and their pro partner to add a second professional dancer into their routine, forming a trio. This format tests adaptability, spacing, and teamwork among dancers. It has become a popular twist in mid-season weeks.
Which pair was the first same-sex couple to compete on Dancing With the Stars?
Theresa Caputo & Louis Van Amstel
Johnny Weir & Britt Stewart
Adam Rippon & Cheryl Burke
JoJo Siwa & Jenna Johnson
In Season 30 (2021), Olympic figure skater Johnny Weir partnered with professional Britt Stewart, marking the first same-sex pairing on the U.S. series. Their partnership was applauded for inclusivity and representation. They reached Week 7 and showcased modern ballroom adaptations.
Under the current scoring system, what is the highest score a single judge can award?
10
8
6
12
Each judge on DWTS can award up to 10 points for a performance, based on technique, creativity, and presentation. Scores below 10 serve to differentiate levels of proficiency. The four-judge panel totals these individual scores for a maximum of 40.
Who won Season 12 of Dancing With the Stars?
Hope Solo
Kristi Yamaguchi
Star Jones
Hines Ward
NFL wide receiver Hines Ward and his professional partner Kym Johnson won Season 12 in 2011. Ward’s athleticism and Johnson’s choreography helped them secure the Mirrorball Trophy. Their victory marked the first time a former professional athlete who had played in the Super Bowl won the competition.
Who won Season 15 of Dancing With the Stars?
Kelly Osbourne
J.R. Martinez
Marissa Jaret Winokur
Nancy Grace
Actor and Army veteran J.R. Martinez partnered with Karina Smirnoff to win Season 15 in 2012. Martinez’s inspiring story and committed training earned high marks from judges and voters alike. He was the first Iraq War veteran to compete on the show.
Who was the first Mirrorball champion to never receive a perfect ten?
Kristi Yamaguchi
Kelly Monaco
Amber Riley
Drew Lachey
Kelly Monaco, who won Season 1, is the only champion to have never earned a perfect 10 from any judge during her championship run. Despite this, her consistent performances and audience votes led her to victory. It illustrates the balance between judges’ scores and viewer support.
Who replaced Tom Bergeron as host in Season 28?
Tyra Banks
Bruno Tonioli
Erin Andrews
Brooke Burke
Season 28 (2019) marked Tom Bergeron’s departure and the arrival of Tyra Banks as the new host. Banks brought a fresh style and pop-culture flair to the show. Her tenure began amid mixed reactions but quickly settled into the live format.
Which professional dancer joined DWTS after competing on the UK show Strictly Come Dancing?
Derek Hough
Kym Johnson
Pasha Kovalev
Mark Ballas
Pasha Kovalev, a professional from the UK series Strictly Come Dancing, joined the U.S. cast in Season 21 (2015). He brought his expertise from the British stage, partnering with celebrities like Vanessa Lachey. Kovalev’s transition showcased the close ties between the two versions.
Which Latin dance style on DWTS is known for its syncopated hip movements and carnival influences?
Mambo
Paso Doble
Samba
Cha-Cha-Cha
The Samba is a Brazilian dance famous for its syncopated hip action, rhythmic bounce, and carnival flair. It challenges couples to convey both rhythm and character. Samba routines are often show-stopping in DWTS Latin-themed weeks.
Which judge on DWTS is known for his flamboyant gestures and energetic commentary?
Carrie Ann Inaba
Len Goodman
Bruno Tonioli
Julianne Hough
Bruno Tonioli is celebrated for his lively facial expressions, flair for the dramatic, and enthusiastic feedback. A judge since Season 1, he has choreographed major music videos and films. Tonioli’s dynamic style often contrasts with Len Goodman’s traditional critiques.
What is the only round on DWTS that allows couples complete creative freedom with no specific choreography requirements?
Team Dance
Freestyle
Marathon
Trio Challenge
The Freestyle round is the finale highlight where couples perform without set rules or style restrictions. They can incorporate lifts, props, and cross-genre moves to wow judges and viewers. Freestyle often decides the Mirrorball winner.
What is the name of the endurance round where all couples perform the same style simultaneously?
Team Relay
Fusion Round
Instant Choreography
Marathon
In the Marathon round, all couples dance the same style at once, and judges eliminate them one by one until a winner remains. It tests stamina, consistency, and the ability to stand out under pressure. Marathon rounds have included Cha-Cha-Cha, Paso Doble, and Salsa.
Which season first introduced the Team Dance segment in Dancing With the Stars?
14
16
18
20
Season 16, which aired in 2013, was the first to feature the Team Dance segment. Couples were split into teams and performed group routines alongside their partners. This innovation added a strategic layer of collaboration and competition.
Who was the guest judge who filled in for Len Goodman during Week 5 of Season 15?
Carrie Ann Inaba
Julianne Hough
Derek Hough
Val Chmerkovskiy
Julianne Hough stepped in as guest judge for Len Goodman in Week 5 of Season 15 (2012) when Goodman was absent. Hough had previously been a professional competitor on DWTS before joining the judging panel that week. Her critique style reflected both performer insight and judging acumen.
Which professional dancer has made the most appearances as an All-Star partner on DWTS?
Sharna Burgess
Mark Ballas
Kym Johnson
Derek Hough
Mark Ballas holds the record for the most All-Star partner appearances, returning multiple times to coach and dance with new celebrities in later seasons. His versatility and choreography skills have made him a go-to choice for the All-Star format. Ballas’s presence exemplifies continuity across DWTS generations.
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Study Outcomes

  1. Recall iconic Dancing With the Stars trivia details -

    Accurately remember standout performances and behind-the-scenes tidbits from DWTS history to answer quiz questions with confidence.

  2. Identify champion couples and judges -

    Recognize top-scoring pairings and memorable judges to strengthen your dancing with the stars quiz expertise.

  3. Distinguish ballroom dance styles -

    Differentiate between waltz, tango, jive, and other styles featured on the show to enhance your ballroom dance quiz knowledge.

  4. Navigate the Dancing With the Stars trivia challenge -

    Use strategic approaches and time management to tackle trivia questions efficiently and boost your quiz accuracy.

  5. Apply trivia knowledge strategically -

    Leverage your recollection of routines, scores, and dance facts to answer diverse DWTS trivia questions with ease.

  6. Enhance your ballroom dance trivia repertoire -

    Expand your understanding of choreography, scoring criteria, and show milestones for a more comprehensive trivia skillset.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Evolution of the Show Format -

    Since its 2005 debut on ABC, Dancing With the Stars trivia has evolved from straightforward ballroom eliminations into a prime-time extravaganza combining celebrity - pro partnerships with live audience voting (source: ABC Official Site). Tracking rule changes - like the 2014 switch to two-judge eliminations - helps you predict twists in later seasons. Use a timeline mnemonic ("'05, '10, '15, '20") to anchor major format shifts.

  2. Scoring Mechanics and Voting Formula -

    Each judge awards 1 - 10 points per dance, summed into a maximum 30 before audience votes are factored in (source: Journal of Popular Television). The final ranking equals ½(JudgeScore% + AudienceScore%) - memorize it as "J+A over two" to recall the weight split. Understanding this formula is key to predicting which couples land in the dance-off.

  3. Core Ballroom & Latin Dances Mnemonics -

    DWTS features eight foundational styles: Waltz, Tango, Foxtrot, Quickstep (ballroom) and Cha-Cha, Rumba, Paso Doble, Samba (Latin), per World Dance Council standards. Use the acronym "WQFT RSPJ" (pronounced "WIFT rasp-Jay") to recall them all. Recognizing signature steps in each style can boost your trivia recall.

  4. Record-Breaking Performances -

    The first perfect 30 was scored by Apolo Anton Ohno's Season 4 jive, and only a handful of couples have since earned all-10s across three judges (source: Dancing With the Stars Official Records). Note landmark seasons - like Season 16's record-tying 60 perfect 10s for Derek Hough - to ace highest-score questions. Flashcards with date, couple, and dance help cement these milestones.

  5. Judges & Hosts Lineup Tricks -

    The core judging panel has included Len Goodman, Bruno Tonioli, Carrie Ann Inaba and Derek Hough, while hosts have rotated among Tom Bergeron, Erin Andrews and Alfonso Ribeiro (source: ABC). Remember "B-L-C-D" ("Bruno, Len, Carrie, Derek") to nail judge-lineup queries. A simple rhyme - "Tom, Erin, Alfonso cheer us on" - secures host recall in seconds.

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