Episode 2 of “Dancing with the Stars” Season 34 has Dylan Efron back in the ballroom and all eyes are on how he’ll follow up his buzzworthy debut. Younger brother of actor Zac Efron, Dylan has quickly made a name for himself this season, not just because of his family ties, but because he’s proving he’s got both charm and rhythm on his side.
The video from his latest performance shows Dylan settling into the competition with more confidence, smoother lines, and the kind of stage presence that could take him pretty far. There’s no denying he’s leaning into the challenge. And that enthusiasm makes his growth stand out, even after only two weeks.
The Judges Comments & His Scores
In Episode 2, Dylan Efron and pro-partner Daniella Karagach performed a samba to “The Macarena” by Los Del Río. And the judges’ feedback was interesting, to say the least.
Here’s what they thought of Dylan and Daniella’s performance:
- Carrie Ann Inaba said, “I’ve never seen a contestant quite like you… It’s not just thrusting.” She gave a score of 7/10.
- Derek Hough told Dylan, “It’s very impressive to see that whisk motion… you also gave us a samba roll. I want to see more power.” He issued them a 6/10.
- And Bruno Tonioli reacted with the single word response saying, “Snake-hip-wonder.” He held up a 7/10.
That means their score for this week is 20/30. That gives them a 2-night total of 30, securing Dylan’s placement near the middle of the pack.
Fans Got a Sneak Peek Pre-show
Earlier in rehearsals, his samba practice clip (seen below) gave fans a sneak peek at his progress. The control in his frame, paired with his athletic build, helps him hit movements with power while still keeping the dance fluid. And the performance video confirms what that rehearsal hinted at: Dylan’s on the right track. He’s stepping into the spotlight with a sense of ownership.
One of the most striking things is just how much Dylan seems more himself in this dance. Last week during his Cha Cha performance it was obvious a bit of nervousness crept in. But in Episode 2 it seems he’s finding his groove. Posture sharper, arms more intentional, extensions longer. It’s not just executing steps; he’s selling the performance.
What the Fans Are Thinking
Of course, there are still places where Dylan can sharpen up in the coming weeks (if he makes it through the double-elimination tonight). But watching this episode, you can already see the difference between week one and now. Did you miss his premiere performance? Check out our live recap here.
While the judges’ scores hold weight, the real buzz always comes from the audience at home. Fans are already taking to social media to share their thoughts on Dylan Efron’s performance, and it’s clear he’s making an impression. These comments show just how invested viewers are in his “DWTS” journey.
UPDATE: The results are in and Dylan Efron is… SAFE. He’ll compete once more on next week’s “TikTok Night” (per Palm Beach Post) with a whole new dance.
“Dancing with the Stars” Season 34 airs Tuesdays at 8:00pm ET on ABC and Disney+, with episodes available the next day on Hulu.
