Simone Biles, the celebrated gymnastics icon, transitioned from the mat to the dance floor in her highly anticipated debut on Dancing With the Stars. While gymnastics and dance are distinct disciplines, Biles’ first performance with partner Sasha Farber exceeded expectations, proving her athleticism and adaptability extend beyond the gymnastics arena. Her tango was not just good for a first-timer; it was a standout performance of the night, immediately positioning her as a strong contender in the competition. Fans and judges alike were captivated, wondering if Dancing With the Stars might need to introduce medals just for her dance prowess.
In the pre-performance video package, Simone expressed both excitement and a touch of nervousness about learning to dance professionally with Sasha. Acknowledging her Olympic triumphs, she subtly hinted at the pressure to maintain her high standard of performance on DWTS, where audiences expect nothing less than her best. This anticipation set the stage for a performance that needed to impress, and Simone was clearly up for the challenge.
Any doubts about Simone’s ability to shine on Dancing With the Stars were quickly dispelled. Even if her initial performance had been less polished, her endearing personality would have undoubtedly won over fans. However, there was no need for such allowances. Judge Len Goodman didn’t mince words, declaring Simone and Sasha’s tango “The dance of the night,” a high accolade on the very first episode.
Performing their tango to “Untouchable” by Tritonal and Cash Cash, Simone and Sasha immediately commanded attention. Simone’s movements were fluid and graceful, demonstrating a natural aptitude for dance. Notably, the routine was a pure tango, free of any gymnastics tricks. While incorporating her signature flips might have been tempting, Simone instead focused on mastering the tango’s intricacies, proving her quick learning abilities. Impressing Len Goodman on the first night is a strong indicator of a promising journey on DWTS.
Simone attributed her performance confidence to the presence of Laurie Hernandez in the audience. Laurie, a Dancing With the Stars Season 23 champion and Simone’s teammate from the 2016 Rio Olympics “Final Five” gymnastics team, was there to offer her support. Simone admitted to channeling her “inner Laurie,” drawing inspiration from her friend’s past DWTS success.
Prior to the dance, Simone charmed viewers with her candidness about the adjustments to partnered dancing, particularly the close physical contact required in tango. Her initial giggles and blushes about the necessary closeness quickly transformed into confident strides on the dance floor. The judges’ scores reflected her rapid progress and skill, awarding her eights across the board, culminating in a total of 32 out of 40. This impressive score was among the highest of the night, solidifying Simone Biles and Sasha Farber as a duo to watch closely throughout this season of Dancing With the Stars. Their debut performance signaled that they are serious contenders with the potential to go far in the competition.
