Actress Danielle Fishel has officially made her “Dancing with the Stars” debut, and we’re sure fans are already buzzing with excitement. Best known for her role as Topanga Lawrence on “Boy Meets World,” she took to the ballroom floor in Season 34’s premiere episode tonight, showcasing her growth and determination.
Making A Joyful Return
After completing treatment for an early form of breast cancer (DCIS a.k.a. ductal carcinoma in situ), Danielle sought out a new chapter filled with joy. She told People in an exclusive, “I was feeling healthy, I was looking healthy. But I went in for my mammogram and they said it looked suspicious and the results are abnormal. I was not expecting in any way that it was going to find anything. It was really shocking.”
Joining “Dancing with the Stars” was the perfect opportunity to embrace her new post-treatment life. Fishel wanted to “say yes” to things in life after what she had gone through. And honestly? We can’t blame her. “When they asked me to do this, I was like, ‘This is the perfect way to cap it off’,” the star explained.
Getty (Kevin Winter for iHeartRadio)Behind the Scenes with Danielle Fishel
Partnered with professional dancer Pasha Pashkov, Danielle has been preparing rigorously for the competition. She shared that as part of her routine “stretching has become a non-negotiable,” along with staying hydrated and incorporating cold plunges for muscle recovery (People).
The journey to the ballroom isn’t without its challenges. Danielle and Pasha have been putting in long hours to perfect their routines. Despite the grueling training sessions, it seems Danielle is remaining positive and focused, embracing the process with enthusiasm. She even described herself as a “sponge” and wanting to “learn from everybody here,” when speaking on Good Morning America.
The Moment to Remember
Danielle’s first dance performance on “Dancing with the Stars” was a testament to her hard work and dedication. Her energy, grace, and passion were evident, leaving viewers excited for what’s to come in the competition.
Her and Pasha danced to “Stronger” by Kelly Clarkson. Bruno Tonioli said she had wonderful movement, while Derek Hough commented on people crushing on her and called her dance a “breath of fresh air.” Sadly Carrie Ann Inaba was ill and did not appear on the show tonight.
The judges were quick to decide what they thought of the performance. Both Derek and Bruno each gave them a 6, for a total of 12 points. No replacement judge for Carrie was added, so the scores from the judges were out of a 20 total points.
As the season progresses, it’s clear that Danielle Fishel is not just on “Dancing with the Stars.” Instead she’s embracing it wholeheartedly, bringing her unique blend of joy, resilience, and charm to the dance floor.
“Dancing with the Stars” airs Tuesdays at 8:00pm ET on ABC, with streaming available via Disney+.
