While victory on Season 25 of “Dancing with the Stars” went to another talented contestant, Lindsey Stirling’s participation was a resounding win for pursuing lifelong passions and overcoming personal obstacles. Although fellow members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Lindsay Arnold and her partner Jordan Fisher, ultimately claimed the Mirror Ball trophy, Stirling’s journey resonated deeply with audiences and showcased her incredible talent beyond the violin. For Stirling, this experience was about more than just winning; it was about fulfilling a childhood dream and embracing a new facet of her artistry.
From a young age, Stirling harbored a desire for both violin and dance lessons. As she recounted in a pre-finale video segment, financial constraints led her parents to prioritize violin, a decision that set her on the path to becoming the globally recognized dancing violinist we know today. “I begged my parents for not only violin lessons but dance lessons and they couldn’t afford both,” Stirling explained, highlighting the early sacrifice that shaped her artistic journey. Choosing violin at the time, however, didn’t diminish her passion for dance; it merely placed it on hold, waiting for the right moment to resurface.
As Stirling entered college, the demanding nature of pursuing the violin professionally began to take its toll. She described feeling “burnt out” and experiencing a period of depression, intertwined with a battle with anorexia. This challenging phase led to isolation and self-doubt. “I just became so isolated because I pushed out everything that was important just so I could try to disappear,” Stirling revealed, underscoring the severity of her struggle. It was during this “darkest time” that Stirling turned back to her faith, rediscovering a sense of self-worth and the belief in a loving God, which became crucial to her recovery and artistic resurgence.
Stirling’s journey to “Dancing with the Stars” was also marked by early career setbacks. Her appearance on “America’s Got Talent” brought harsh criticism, with judge Sharon Osbourne famously declaring, “I don’t think what you’re doing right now is enough to fill a theater in Vegas.” Despite such discouraging feedback and the prevailing industry opinion that her fusion of violin and dance was “too different,” Stirling persevered. She embraced the burgeoning platform of YouTube to share her unique artistry directly with the world. This bold move proved transformative, catapulting her to international fame and proving her critics wrong. “The very reason people said I would never succeed is the very reason people come to my shows,” Stirling stated, celebrating her distinctiveness as her greatest strength.
On the “Dancing with the Stars” finale, Stirling and her partner, Mark Ballas, delivered two stunning performances that earned perfect scores from the judges. They reprised their Jive to “Jitterbug,” showcasing their evolved technique and chemistry, and presented a captivating fusion of Tango and Cha Cha, demonstrating their versatility. Judge Carrie Ann Inaba praised Stirling’s unique “star quality,” noting, “There’s something so pure and beautiful and you draw us in so intimately and you have become such a brilliant dancer.” Bruno Tonioli lauded her multifaceted talent, affirming, “You are a wonderful performer, not only with the ‘ole fiddle but with your feet as well.” Adding to the celebratory atmosphere, Stirling also performed her Christmas song, “Christmas C’mon,” with Becky G during the episode, further showcasing her diverse talents.
Throughout her “Dancing with the Stars” experience, Stirling consistently expressed deep gratitude. Behind-the-scenes footage captured her encouraging fellow contestants, reflecting her positive and supportive spirit. For Lindsey Stirling, “Dancing with the Stars” was more than a competition; it was the culmination of a childhood dream, a platform to explore dance, and an opportunity to express profound gratitude. As she returns to her world tours, Stirling takes with her not only the dance lessons she once longed for but also the cherished memories and growth from her remarkable “Dancing with the Stars” journey.
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