“Dancing With the Stars” All-Stars Reunite to Pay Tribute to Len Goodman

Dancing With the Stars Pros Honor Len Goodman With Emotional Ballroom Routine

A Tribute to Len Goodman

On the latest episode of Dancing With the Stars, the beloved reality dance competition paid tribute to their forever head judge, Len Goodman. The episode, which coincided with the show’s “Most Memorable Year” week, featured a heartfelt ballroom routine choreographed by married pros Val Chmerkovskiy and Jenna Johnson, dedicated to the late Len Goodman.

A Love for Ballroom

The dance, set to Henry Mancini’s classic “Moon River,” celebrated Goodman’s passion for ballroom dancing. It was a poignant performance that brought together multiple former pro dancers, including Kym Herjavec, Anna Trebunskaya, Karina Smirnoff, Edyta Sliwinska, Tony Dovolani, Louis van Amstel, Maks Chmerkovskiy, and Mark Ballas. Current judge Derek Hough and host Julianne Hough also joined the number, creating a powerful display of talent and emotion.

A Tribute to a Legend

The routine was preceded by a heartwarming mashup video featuring all the dancers sharing their favorite memories with Goodman. The video served as a testament to the impact Goodman had on the show and its participants. As the routine came to a close, Goodman’s voiceover reminded everyone that “All good things have to come to an end,” leaving judges Carrie Ann Inaba and Bruno Tonioli visibly moved to tears.

The Legacy of Len Goodman

Len Goodman was an integral part of Dancing With the Stars since its debut, serving as the show’s head judge. Known for his sharp critiques and British charm, Goodman’s expertise in ballroom dancing made him a respected figure in the industry. His presence on the show brought ballroom dancing to mainstream television and helped millions of viewers appreciate the art form.

Goodman’s passing in April at the age of 78 was a great loss for the Dancing With the Stars community. His retirement announcement at the end of the previous season marked the end of an era, leaving behind a legacy that will be cherished by both the show’s participants and its devoted audience.

A Mirrorball Trophy in Goodman’s Honor

In a fitting tribute to Goodman, cohosts Alfonso Ribiero and Julianne Hough announced during the Season 32 premiere that the winning couple would be awarded the Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy. This special honor recognizes Goodman’s contributions to the show and ensures that his legacy will be remembered in each season.

Moving Forward with Love and Light

While many former and current pros came together to honor Len Goodman, one notable absence was pro dancer Cheryl Burke. In a post on the social media platform Threads, Burke revealed that she was not invited to be a part of the tribute. Nevertheless, she expressed her support and love for her former colleagues and shared a touching video on Instagram, paying tribute to Goodman’s impact on her life and the ballroom community.

Cheryl Burke competed on Dancing With the Stars for 26 seasons, making her absence from the tribute all the more striking. Regardless of the omission, Burke’s heartfelt sentiments showcase the respect and admiration that the dancers hold for Goodman.

A Lasting Impact

Len Goodman will forever be remembered as the face of ballroom dancing on television. His unwavering commitment to preserving the integrity of the art form and his ability to bring joy to millions of viewers have left an indelible mark on the ballroom community and beyond. Through his years on Dancing With the Stars, Goodman touched countless lives and inspired a new generation of dancers.

As the show continues without Goodman, his spirit will undoubtedly be felt in every dance and critique. The tribute to Goodman serves as a reminder of the profound impact one person can have, and the importance of honoring those who have shaped our lives and passions.

The legacy of Len Goodman will live on through each new season of Dancing With the Stars, as dancers strive to embody the grace, elegance, and passion that he championed throughout his career. His influence will continue to inspire both the professionals and the aspiring dancers who dream of following in his footsteps.

We can only hope that the ballroom community and the world at large will carry forward Goodman’s dedication to the art form, ensuring that his contributions are never forgotten.