Joey Fatone, the charismatic NSYNC star, made a memorable return to the ballroom in Dancing with the Stars All-Stars season 15. Having been a runner-up in season 4, fans were eager to see if Joey’s dance on Dancing with the Stars could once again captivate audiences and judges. This analysis dives into Joey’s strengths and weaknesses, particularly focusing on the debate around prior dance experience and how it played out in his All-Stars journey.
Joey’s initial run on Dancing with the Stars was defined by his infectious energy and undeniable showmanship. His second jive performance, set to “Jump, Jive, & Wail,” remains a highlight for many viewers. It perfectly encapsulates what Joey brought to the dance floor: pure entertainment.
Joey Fatone lifting Anya during a Dancing with the Stars performance, showcasing his improved technique and strength in lifts.
Conversely, his second cha-cha, performed to “Groove is in the Heart,” highlighted some of the technical challenges Joey faced. While still entertaining, it lacked the precision often demanded in ballroom dancing competitions. This contrast between entertainment and technique is central to understanding Joey’s Dancing with the Stars experience.
One of Joey’s greatest assets was his ability to command the stage. He consistently utilized the entire dance floor, making each movement expansive and impactful. This “moving big” style resonated with audiences and contributed to his entertainment value. However, this expansive movement sometimes came at the expense of technical accuracy. As a larger dancer, maintaining precision while executing large movements presented a challenge. Interestingly, this contrasted with fellow All-Star Drew Lachey, who often displayed excellent precision but perhaps lacked the same degree of expansive motion. In a competition setting, particularly with technically proficient dancers like Gilles Marini in the mix, judges are likely to prioritize technique and precision.
Another crucial aspect of Joey’s Dancing with the Stars journey was his partnership with Kym Johnson. While Kym expertly choreographed to Joey’s strengths as a performer, some routines in their original season seemed to prioritize style over fundamental steps. Their second cha-cha, in particular, faced criticism for lacking substantial basic content. While this stylistic approach might have been acceptable in a regular season, the heightened competition of All-Stars demanded a stronger emphasis on core ballroom technique. To succeed in All-Stars, Joey and Kym needed to demonstrate routines packed with solid, fundamental choreography that would impress the judges, especially the notoriously exacting Len Goodman.
A significant factor entering the All-Stars season was Joey’s recent experience in the Dancing with the Stars Vegas show. This raised the question: would this experience give Joey an edge? The obvious advantage was maintaining his performance readiness. Having been actively performing on stage, Joey likely possessed a strong stage presence and performance confidence. Furthermore, his involvement in the Vegas show, which included ballroom dancing, suggested he might be less “rusty” compared to other returning contestants who hadn’t danced since their original seasons. Reports even indicated that Joey had refined his technique and become adept at lifts, as seen in images from the Vegas show.
However, the Vegas show experience also presented potential drawbacks. Burnout was a significant concern. Having danced for over three months in Vegas prior to All-Stars, fatigue could become a factor as the season progressed. The demanding schedule of the televised show, with its weekly routines and intense pressure, differed greatly from the nightly repetition of the Vegas show. Moreover, the Vegas show was known to incorporate a broader range of dance styles, including hip-hop, jazz, and disco, resulting in a less “strictly ballroom” focus. The question remained: could Joey seamlessly transition back to the stricter ballroom standards of the Dancing with the Stars competition?
Verdict: Joey Fatone was undoubtedly a compelling contestant to watch in All-Stars. His inherent showmanship and improved technique from his Vegas experience made him a contender. However, to truly excel, refining his precision and ensuring his routines contained substantial ballroom content were essential. Kym’s choreography also needed to prioritize fundamental steps to satisfy the judges’ technical expectations. Ultimately, Joey’s journey in All-Stars would depend on balancing his natural performance ability with the technical demands of the competition.
What are your thoughts on Joey’s Dancing with the Stars journey? Did his showmanship outweigh his technical challenges? Share your opinions below!
