Last night, **Dancing With the Stars** transformed its ballroom into a glittering spectacle reminiscent of the Academy Awards, captivating audiences with brilliant performances that earned a slew of standing ovations. Choreographer **Brandon Bieber**, known for his work on Broadway and as co-choreographer for the upcoming **Kiss of the Spider Woman**, highlighted that while the costumes and set shimmer, it is the dancers themselves who convey the true essence of drama.

"Dance transcends language; it showcases the capabilities of the human body," Bieber asserted in a conversation with Yahoo Entertainment, emphasizing the cultural significance of dance in film and its impact on contemporary pop culture.

Bieber, whose past projects include hit series like **Fosse/Verdon** and **American Horror Story**, notes the deep intertwining of cinema and dance, particularly how classic dance styles like the cha-cha and rumba became iconic through films. "What you see performed on stage finds its roots in cinematic dance," he explained, pointing out that these art forms have been essential in shaping popular culture throughout the decades.

Among the memorable performances of the evening was Olympian **Ilona Maher** and professional dancer **Alan Bersten**, who wowed the judges and audience alike. Actress **Chandler Kinney** paired with **Brandon Armstrong**, while Olympian **Stephen Nedoroscik** teamed up with **Rylee Arnold**, and reality star **Phaedra Parks** danced with **Val Chmerkovskiy**. All left a mark with their captivating routines.

However, not everyone was fortunate enough to continue in the competition. The night was marked by the emotional exit of **Tori Spelling** and **Anna Delvey**, both eliminated after their respective performances. Spelling dedicated her rumba to her children, sharing a heartfelt message about following dreams, while Delvey, under unique legal circumstances due to her conviction, humorously remarked about her experience post-elimination.

Brandon Bieber pointed out that the Oscars-themed episode served as a reminder of the rich cultural heritage of American cinema and dance. "From Gene Kelly to Fred Astaire, these stars were revered not just for their acting but their dance prowess," he explained, creating a compelling narrative around the unexpected thrill of seeing non-dancers step into the spotlight.

One standout moment was the emotional visit of actor **Eric Roberts**, the only Oscar nominee in the competition, to the Academy Museum. Watching a clip of his nomination from **Runaway Train** brought back memories of a life-changing experience, as he reflected on the dreams that had been fulfilled.

The nostalgic vibe was further amplified by **Reginald VelJohnson**, who brought laughter to the crowd as he addressed the enduring debate about whether **Die Hard** is a festive classic or not. VelJohnson dedicated his performance to close friend **Bruce Willis**, currently battling dementia, touching the hearts of many viewers.

Brandon Bieber also discussed dance styles suitable for beginners, particularly emphasizing the tango and rumba, which focus more on personality than rigorous technique. He believes that the joyous spirit of dance enables even the novice to shine, reinforcing unity and resilience among participants.

"Dance is timeless," Bieber remarked, underscoring the power of movement to bridge divides and foster connection amidst global challenges.

Fans eager to catch more dazzling dance performances can watch **Dancing With the Stars** every Tuesday at 8 p.m. ET on ABC, although viewers should note a break in the airing schedule during the upcoming vice presidential debate. The show will return with exciting back-to-back episodes soon.

As the competition heats up, the viewers are left wondering: which stars will rise, and which will face elimination in the next thrilling turn of events? Don’t miss out on the Hollywood magic unfolding live every week!