Tatyana Ali and her professional partner, Jan Ravnik, delivered an emotional performance during Dedication Night on Dancing With the Stars. They paid tribute to the late James Avery, who famously portrayed Philip Banks, the beloved patriarch and father figure to Ali and co-host Alfonso Ribeiro’s characters on the hit 1990s sitcom The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.
For this special routine, Ali and Ravnik performed a graceful Viennese waltz to Nancy Wilson’s classic track “(You Don’t Know) How Glad I Am.” Adding a personal touch, Ali pre-recorded her own vocals for the song, noting that jazz music and Nancy Wilson were favorites of Avery.
The performance carried immense emotional resonance. Alfonso Ribeiro, who won Season 19 of the competition and currently co-hosts the show, joined his longtime friend and on-screen sister during the closing moments of the routine. The routine concluded with Ali and Ribeiro embracing on stage as a photograph of Avery appeared on the screen behind them, bringing both the audience and judges to tears.
A Lasting Bond From The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air
Avery played Philip Banks-affectionately known as “Uncle Phil”-for all six seasons of The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air from 1990 to 1996. The actor passed away in December 2013 at the age of 68 following complications from open-heart surgery. Throughout rehearsals, Ali spoke candidly about the profound impact Avery had on her life and career, describing him as a crucial mentor and teacher.
“He was the heart of our show in so many ways. He loved the arts, and he taught me about all of the artists he thought I needed to know. I wouldn’t be who I am today as a performer, as a woman, without him being in my life,” Ali shared during rehearsals.
Judge Carrie Ann Inaba praised the touching routine, expressing how honored she felt to witness the longtime friends sharing the ballroom floor. The judges awarded the pair a score of 32 out of 40, marking their highest score of the evening.
Embracing the DWTS Journey
Ali admitted that learning ballroom dance from scratch has been a humbling experience, comparing herself to a “baby bird” navigating a completely foreign world. However, her partnership with Jan Ravnik-a former dancer from Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour-has resonated strongly with viewers, making them fan favorites week after week.
Beyond the technical demands of the choreography, Ali has embraced the digital community surrounding the show. She regularly interacts with fans through social media and her weekly behind-the-scenes diaries. Her Dedication Night performance stands as a powerful tribute to her enduring love for James Avery, ensuring that the legacy of television’s favorite father figure continues to inspire new generations.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tatyana Ali’s DWTS Tribute
Who did Tatyana Ali dedicate her Dancing With the Stars dance to?
Tatyana Ali dedicated her Viennese waltz to her late Fresh Prince of Bel-Air co-star and mentor, James Avery, who played Uncle Phil on the hit sitcom.
Did Alfonso Ribeiro participate in the dance?
Yes, Alfonso Ribeiro-Ali’s former on-screen brother and current DWTS co-host-joined Ali and her partner Jan Ravnik on the dance floor during the closing moments of the routine.
What song did Tatyana Ali use for her Dedication Night performance?
Ali danced to Nancy Wilson’s classic song “(You Don’t Know) How Glad I Am,” and she personally pre-recorded her own vocals to accompany the performance.
What score did Tatyana Ali and Jan Ravnik receive?
The emotional routine earned Ali and Ravnik a score of 32 out of 40, marking their best score of the night.
