From the Floor Exercise to the Dance Floor: Jordan Chiles' Routines That Stole the Show
- Alyssa Klauminzer
- 3 hours ago
- 4 min read

Just like that, another season of "Dancing with the Stars" has concluded!
Olympic gold medalist gymnast Jordan Chiles and her pro partner Ezra Sosa finished in third place and stole the show each time they touched the dance floor. Chiles was the highest-placing gymnast on the show since Season 23 champion Laurie Hernandez.
I'm still trying to process knowing that I won't see the dynamic duo of Chiles and Sosa on my TV every Tuesday. So, to help with that, I want to relive some of my favorite moments from them this season.
Here are my favorite dances from Jordan Chiles and Ezra Sosa.

Hot take: I liked the prop! I think Sosa's concept for the dance and use of the bungee was unique and creative, and Chiles' core strength allowed her to execute the dance well with it. I also loved when they danced in sync (I mean, come on, look at that double stag jump!). The artistry and storytelling of this dance were really underrated and underscored.

On Dedication Night, Chiles dedicated her dance to her father, and Sosa taught both of them a Viennese Waltz. This routine was so precious, and Sosa took a step back to let the dance be a special father-daughter moment. Sosa reposted a TikTok of a father and daughter using the dance at the daughter's wedding, and Chiles said that was exactly what their dance was for.

I would be lying if I said I didn't cry during this routine. Sosa played the role of anxiety, while Chiles had to overcome it, which was such an interesting idea, and the story was told so well. The dance was intense, but viewers could also feel how much it allowed Chiles to have an outlet to express her emotions.

I was so excited when I found out Chiles would be dancing to "River Deep – Mountain High" on Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Night. Chiles tumbled onto the scene, and the dance showed off her power and flexibility, but also proved how strong of a performer she is. This was one of those dances that had me yelling, "What more do you want from her?!" after it received two 10s and two 9s. Chiles truly embodied Tina Turner, and she and Sosa absolutely lit up the dance floor.

This dance changed me for good. And I might be biased (this was my favorite couple dancing to my favorite "Wicked" song after all), but this dance should've had the first perfect score of the season. While many people thought she should've had "Defying Gravity," I feel like this song and dance style allowed viewers to see a different and softer side to a powerful performer. Chiles made a difficult dance look elegant and effortless, and I will always be holding space for this rumba.

Chiles is no stranger to getting perfect scores for her routines, but it was so exciting to see her finally get her first one on "Dancing with the Stars"! Her floor routine during the 2024-25 NCAA season was set to a Prince medley, so I knew she was going to shine on Prince Night. The dance was packed with difficulty, but Chiles looked like a pro. Sosa played to her strengths, flexibility, and agility, making for one of the best dances of the season.

I'll say it: this was the best non-freestyle dance this season! The paso doble is an incredibly intense dance, and Chiles nailed it. All of the staple elements of the dance style, especially the in-sync knee walks, were so satisfying. Chiles was so fierce and looked so in her element, and she shone so bright during the finale.

I've lost count of how many times I've watched Chiles' freestyle. It was the best freestyle of the season, and one of the best on the entire show. Sosa's choreography (and this was his first freestyle on the show!) was brilliant and put Chiles at the center, letting the dance be all about her. The freestyle featured songs from Beyoncé and Normani (which Chiles used in her freshman floor routine), and Normani joined her in the dance. The performance was empowering, and Chiles looks so in her element, dancing with her whole heart. This dance showed the world that Jordan Chiles is that girl!
It was so exciting watching Jordan Chiles grow as a performer and shine in a new light across millions of screens every week. And she did it all while being a full-time student-athlete! Congratulations to Chiles and Sosa on an amazing season!
The NCAA gymnastics season is right around the corner, so make sure to cheer on Chiles again in her senior year with the UCLA Bruins!
Edited by: Kelly Cassette












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