Uncertainty over permitted dance lifts on Dancing With the Stars has prompted professional dancer Sharna Burgess to call for clearer rules from the production and judging panel. On Thursday, October 15, Burgess addressed the controversy surrounding fellow professional Jenna Johnson and judge Carrie Ann Inaba after a samba performance featuring partner Harry Shum Jr. raised questions about how the competition defines an illegal lift.
The disagreement followed the show’s Super Bowl Night episode on Tuesday, October 13. During Johnson and Shum’s energetic samba routine, two troupe dancers helped Shum complete a backflip. Shortly after, Johnson appeared to lift one foot off the floor during a one-legged spin, prompting Inaba to flag a potential rules violation live on air.
The incident quickly sparked intense debate among fans and dance experts regarding whether troupe involvement constitutes an illegal lift under the strict ballroom standards traditionally enforced on the reality competition series.
Sharna Burgess Weighs In on the Controversy
Burgess expressed sympathy for both sides in a detailed TikTok comment regarding the broadcast. She acknowledged that the situation highlighted complex gray areas within the choreography guidelines, specifically raising questions about how troupe dancers’ involvement should be evaluated and treated under current show rules.
According to Burgess, the boundaries of what constitutes an acceptable move versus a penalized lift need explicit clarification. This ensures that both professional choreographers and celebrity contestants can compete on a level playing field without fear of unexpected penalties.
The DWTS Lift Regulations
Strict rules regarding lifts have long been a hallmark of traditional ballroom and Latin dance styles featured on Dancing With the Stars. In standard dances like the samba, tango, and waltz, traditional rules dictate that both partners must maintain contact with the floor, with minimal exceptions allowed for specific choreography.
- Traditional ballroom categories strictly forbid lifts during competitive routines.
- Latin dances permit certain transitional movements, but fully airborne tricks generally result in point deductions.
- Involvement from secondary or troupe dancers adds an extra layer of complexity to judging interpretations.
As the competition progresses and professional choreographers continue to push creative boundaries with complex staging and acrobatic elements, calls for transparent officiating-such as those voiced by Burgess-highlight an ongoing need for standardized rules in reality dance television.
