Spooky season officially took over the ballroom, and let me tell you, Dancing With the Stars was serving thrills, chills, fabulous costumes, and some seriously killer choreography!
On Tuesday, October 27, Dancing With the Stars Season 35 transformed the ballroom into a Halloween spectacular for its highly anticipated Horror Movie Night. The remaining celebrity contestants and their professional partners brought legendary horror films to life through dramatic performances, eerie music, and theatrical storytelling.
And just when we thought we’d survived all the scares, the evening ended with a shocking double elimination that had everyone talking!
Between the dramatic dances, guest judge Shirley Ballas keeping the contestants on their toes, and Julianne Hough stepping out in a jaw-dropping vintage designer gown, there was plenty to discuss!
Horror Movie Night Brings the Drama to the Ballroom
The ballroom was transformed into a spooky cinematic playground as the couples performed routines inspired by some of Hollywood’s most memorable horror films.
Joining the judges’ panel was ballroom legend Shirley Ballas, who also serves as a judge on Dancing With the Stars: The Next Pro.
And baby, Shirley wasn’t playing around with those scores!
Known for her sharp eye and technical expertise, she brought some tough critiques to the competition, making an already nerve-racking evening even more intense.
With the competition heating up and the Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy getting closer, every step, turn, and dramatic finish mattered.
Tatyana Ali Channels Sinners With a Powerful Paso Doble
One of the performances that caught my attention came from The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air actress Tatyana Ali and her professional partner Jan Ravnik.
The pair delivered a dramatic paso doble inspired by the vampire film Sinners, dancing to “I Lied to You” by Miles Caton.
Now, you already know I love a good movie-inspired performance, especially when the costumes, music, and choreography come together to tell a story!
Tatyana embraced the intensity of the paso doble, bringing passion, attitude, and theatrical flair to the ballroom.
Judge Carrie Ann Inaba praised the performance as Tatyana’s most powerful and passionate dance yet, recognizing how fully she committed to the character and choreography.
The couple earned 28 out of 40 points, bringing their combined score to 60 out of 80 when added to the previous week’s results.
I loved seeing Tatyana step outside her comfort zone and take on something so dramatic. The paso doble is all about strength, confidence, and commanding the dance floor, and this was certainly a memorable moment in her ballroom journey.
Shocking Double Elimination Sends Tyler Cameron and Jackson Olson Home
Just when everyone thought the biggest scares of the night were over, the competition delivered its most frightening twist!
Tyler Cameron and Sharna Burgess, along with Jackson Olson and Emma Slater, were eliminated during the final moments of Horror Movie Night.
Talk about a Halloween nightmare!
The double elimination came after the previous week’s emotional Dedication Night, when all 10 remaining couples were declared safe.
However, there was a catch!
Scores and viewer votes from Dedication Night carried over and were combined with the results from Horror Movie Night, determining which two couples would be sent packing.
That meant the contestants had twice as much riding on their performances, and unfortunately, Tyler and Jackson found themselves at the end of their ballroom journeys.
I always hate seeing contestants leave, especially after watching them put so much time, energy, and heart into learning these dances.
But that’s the thing about Dancing With the Stars. You can deliver a memorable performance and still find yourself in danger when those viewer votes are factored in!
With Tyler and Jackson eliminated, eight couples remain in the race for the coveted Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy.
And from the looks of things, this competition is only getting more intense!
Julianne Hough Steals the Fashion Spotlight in Vintage Tom Ford for Gucci
Okay, fashion lovers, can we please have a moment for Julianne Hough?
Because while the contestants were busy bringing horror movie characters to life, Julianne was delivering a little vintage Hollywood glamour of her own!
The Dancing With the Stars co-host stepped out in a stunning vintage black gown designed by Tom Ford for Gucci’s Fall/Winter 2004 collection.
And when I say this dress was smoking, I mean it!
The dramatic black silk design featured a plunging V-neckline, beautifully ruched detailing, delicate panels of silk chiffon and satin, and a fitted silhouette that hugged her figure.
But the real showstopper was the tiered high-low mermaid hemline, complete with gorgeous fringe embellishments that added movement and drama.
The gown also featured an open back with delicate ties, giving it that sultry, sophisticated early-2000s designer appeal.
The vintage piece is also described as an iconic 2004 Victoria’s Secret-era black silk gown.
I absolutely love when celebrities pull fabulous archival fashion pieces instead of always reaching for something brand-new!
Tom Ford’s Gucci era was known for its bold glamour, sensual silhouettes, and unforgettable runway moments, and this dress captured that aesthetic beautifully.
Julianne looked elegant, sexy, and perfectly dressed for a night of Halloween drama.
The black-on-black styling was sophisticated without being overdone, and the fringe gave the look just enough theatrical flair for the occasion.
Fashion verdict? A fabulous vintage moment!
Tami’s Take: Halloween Glam, Ballroom Drama and a Few Broken Hearts!
I have to say, Horror Movie Night is one of those Dancing With the Stars themes that really allows the contestants to get creative!
I love seeing the elaborate costumes, dramatic makeup, and storytelling that go into these performances. It’s almost like watching a mini Broadway production with a spooky twist!
Tatyana Ali’s Sinners-inspired paso doble was definitely one of the performances that stood out to me. I enjoy watching contestants grow more confident each week, and it’s especially fun when they get to embrace a completely different character.
And speaking of characters, Julianne Hough was giving us a whole fashion moment in that vintage Gucci gown! You know I couldn’t let this recap go by without discussing the dress. The plunging neckline, gorgeous silhouette, and fringe detailing were everything!
As for the double elimination, whew! That was a lot to take in for one evening.
I know this is a competition, but I always feel for the contestants when their ballroom journey comes to an end. Learning choreography week after week, performing live, and putting yourself out there takes courage.
With only eight couples left, the stakes are getting higher, and I can’t wait to see who continues to improve as we get closer to the finale.
One thing is for sure: Horror Movie Night gave us fabulous fashion, fierce choreography, and enough ballroom drama to keep us talking until next week!
Now I want to hear from you!
Were you surprised by Tyler Cameron and Jackson Olson’s double elimination? What did you think of Tatyana Ali’s paso doble? And most importantly, are you loving Julianne Hough’s vintage Gucci fashion moment as much as I am?
(Disney/Christopher Willard)
