Dancing with the Stars: Themed Nights Schedule - Week-by-Week breakdown

Clarence Jul 14, 2026

Get ready to groove to the rhythm of your favorite tunes, as Dancing with the Stars (DWTS) rolls out its glitzy theme nights! Each theme week promises an electrifying fusion of dance styles, breathtaking costumes, and unforgettable performances. So, let's dive into the dazzling lineup of DWTS theme nights and their schedules.

a man and woman dancing on the dance floor
a man and woman dancing on the dance floor

The show kicks off with a thrilling Premiere Night, setting the stage for the season with spectacular solos and dynamic duo performances. From then on, every Monday night will be a unique dance adventure, celebrating everything from iconic movie soundtracks to the hottest hits from the past decades. Buckle up as we explore the dance floor's journey through these mesmerizing theme nights!

two people dancing on stage with lights in the background
two people dancing on stage with lights in the background

A Night at the Movies

Audience members and viewers at home can expect movie magic when DWTS pays tribute to the silver screen. From timeless classics to modern blockbusters, each couple will bring cinematic stories to life through dance. Prepare for a star-studded gala where Hollywood glamour meets competitive Latin and ballroom dancing.

Dwts season 34
Dwts season 34

Some memorable movie theme nights in the past have included "Maria von Trapp meets the dance floor in 'The Sound of Music'" and a spine-tingling tango that whisks viewers away to the mysterious streets of "Schindler's List". The diversity of movie genres means that the dance style and choreography vary widely, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats all night long.

Bollywood Nights

Daniella Karagach & Dwight Howard
Daniella Karagach & Dwight Howard

Get ready to feel the heartbeat of millions, as DWTS celebrates the vibrant world of Bollywood! This thrilling theme night brings a splash of color and energy to the ballroom floor, with explosive performances set to the rhythm of Indian music. From the seductive belly rolls of the Bollywood salsa to the exhilarating speed of the Bollywood jive, couples will leave no stone unturned to master the intricate footwork and dramatic flair expected of this iconic dance style.

Movie stars of the past like Govinda and Madhuri Dixit have even made special appearances to perform live on stage, judging from the sidelines, or offering candid advice backstage. And let's not forget the stunning, bejeweled costumes – a true feast for the eyes! The mesmerizing beats of the dhol drum and the rich history of Indian dance make this theme night an unforgettable experience for both contestants and DWTS fans alike.

Lip Sync Battle: The Dance-Off!

Dancing With The Stars Date Night
Dancing With The Stars Date Night

Lights, camera, action! For one exhilarating theme night, DWTS transforms into a pulsating dance-off inspired by the original Lip Sync Battle phenomenon. Contestants will join forces with celebrity coaches or professional dance partners to flawlessly lip-sync to classic party anthems, while their bodies move in perfect sync with the music. Think of it as a high-stakes game of charades, but with more glitter, more heat, and more drama!

The key to a successful Lip Sync Battle performance? Timing is everything. Contestants must master the art of expressing emotion without making a sound, while also executing complex dance routines that tell a story and engage the audience. The pressure is on, as they compete for the audience's laughter, cheers, and, ultimately, votes. With epic song choices ranging from '90s boy bands to girl power anthems, there's always something to love about this theme night.

Decades Night: A Journey Through Time

a pink calendar with the dates for july and june in different languages, including numbers
a pink calendar with the dates for july and june in different languages, including numbers

Pack your dancing shoes and join DWTS as we travel back in time for aaram-l fluid nights of glitz, glam, and groove! Each season of DWTS plays host to at least one Decades Night, celebrating iconic music, dance styles, and cultural milestones of the past century. From the roaring '20s to the disco era of the '70s, every decade brings its unique energy and flair to the dance floor.

Contestants will don retro-inspired outfits and channel their inner rebellious teen, Washed-up nostalgia, or groovy disco diva, as they perform fan-favorite dance-offs set to unforgettable hits from each era. Think Fred Astaire-inspired foxtrots, spirited '40s jitterbugs, revolutionary '60s quicksteps, and sultry '80s sambas. It's a heartwarming journey through the evolution of dance, music, and culture – and a testament to the enduring popularity of DWTS theme nights!

the contestants are all dressed up and ready to perform
the contestants are all dressed up and ready to perform
Wayne Brady and Witney Carson
Wayne Brady and Witney Carson
Dancing With The Stars, Season 34 BINGO
Dancing With The Stars, Season 34 BINGO
Dancing with the Stars Watch Party Ideas
Dancing with the Stars Watch Party Ideas
the schedule for the baseball game is shown in blue and white, with different teams on it
the schedule for the baseball game is shown in blue and white, with different teams on it
two women taking a selfie on the red carpet with their cell phones in hand
two women taking a selfie on the red carpet with their cell phones in hand
a woman is dancing in front of a purple wall with the words dancing with the stars on it
a woman is dancing in front of a purple wall with the words dancing with the stars on it
a man and woman standing next to each other in front of a crowd at a concert
a man and woman standing next to each other in front of a crowd at a concert
No explanation needed Live! #dwtstour #dwtslive #dancingwiththestars #dancingwiththestarstour
No explanation needed Live! #dwtstour #dwtslive #dancingwiththestars #dancingwiththestarstour

The Music of...

Inspired by their popular team-up shows, DWTS has played host to several theme nights dedicated to the musical genius of legendary artists like Michael Jackson, Prince, and Elton John. These nights are a tribute to the power of music to inspire and bring people together, as contestants embrace thelegacy of these extraordinary*' artists through unique dance routines.

From explosive Motown jives to serene ballroom waltzes, each performance captures the essence of the musical icon being honored. The costumes, set design, and even the Judges' Table transform to reflect the artist's style and legacy. Viewers can't help but feel the emotion and passion in every performance – proving that good music truly is timeless!

As DWTS continues to bust a move with each enchanting theme night, we can't wait to see what incredible performances await in the future. So, mark your calendars and keep those dancing shoes at the ready – because when it comes to DWTS theme nights, there's always something new and exciting just around the corner. See you on the dance floor!