Dancing With The Stars contestant Iman Shumpert and his partner, Daniella Karagach, were thrilled to receive their first perfect score of the season during Horror Night. After weeks of scores that put them toward the bottom of the leaderboard, they were ecstatic to receive four 10’s. They wowed the judges, the audience and the viewers at home with their stunning acrobatic routine. Dressed in red jumpsuits, the couple performed an incredible contemporary dance, which was inspired by the movie Us. Iman and Daniella danced to the song most associated with the movie, “I Got 5 on It (Tethered Mix)” by Luniz featuring Michael Marshall. The eerie atmosphere of the routine captured the DWTS Horror Night theme perfectly. The dance was impressive and acrobatic, with Iman lifting Daniella effortlessly. At 6-foot 5-inches, Iman towers over 5-foot 5-inch Daniella, but in this dance, the height difference worked to their advantage as they mesmerized the audience with Daniella’s captivating choreography.
When the dance was over, the judges and audience jumped to their feet in a rousing standing ovation. Carrie Ann Inaba called the dance genius and said that they transported the audience to another world. She said it was “sheer perfection,” and the couple matched and danced as one. Len Goodman said that Daniella “came up with the most brilliant concept” and “produced a dance that made Iman look fantastic. It was tight, it was together, it was terrific.” Derek Hough jumped onto the judges table, howling with delight. He said he was speechless, and it was a moment on the show that people will watch “over and over and over again.” Bruno Tonioli said that he was ”totally transfixed” and it was ”your masterpiece performance.” Iman then scored his first 10’s of the season and his first ever perfect score with 40 points out of 40. Derek joked that he wanted to score it an 11. Iman gave all of the credit to Daniella for challenging him with this dance.
In an interview with ET backstage after the show, Iman discussed his feelings about the dance. He said, “To finally get a chance at something so challenging, it feels like a huge accomplishment.” The routine required a massive amount of trust and precision from the partners because of the lifts and acrobatics. Iman was in awe of Daniella’s courage to allow him to try such advanced techniques, especially since he has never danced before. He shared, ”I’m just really impressed she had the bravery to come up with that dance.” Daniella added, ”I said, ‘You’re gonna grab me by my neck and you’re gonna throw me.’“ Iman laughed, saying, “I didn’t tell her I wanted to do that!” The partners clearly have a chemistry that allowed them to create one of the most impressive dances in the show’s history.
When asked how he prepared for the dance, Iman shared that the moves were a natural progression from playing with 5-year-old Iman Jr., his daughter with wife Teyana Taylor. He joked, “A lot of that stuff we kind of already do. Probably not [swinging] her by the feet that much but the standing on the shoulders and stuff.” Iman has spoken many times about how his two daughters, Iman Jr. and 1-year-old Rue Rose, have inspired and motivated him throughout the competition, but this was something entirely new. As he moved Daniella through the air, the power and precision he exhibited proved that he has a passion for perfection. Daniella has also been re-energized as she told ET, ”We’re ready to win!“
During Horror Night, Iman and Daniella performed one of the most memorable routines in Dancing With The Stars history. They impressed not only the judges, the audience and the viewers at home but also themselves. Their perfect score after weeks of landing near the bottom of the leaderboard is inspiring. Iman and Daniella have become the new frontrunners to win this season.
Dancing With The Stars airs Mondays at 8pm on ABC.
Source: ET
