Season Overview and Key Details
Television personality Ariana Madix appeared on Season 32 of Dancing with the Stars, which aired in fall 2023 on ABC. This season was the first under a new celebrity lineup and introduced a refreshed competition format. Her professional partner was Gleb Savchenko, a longtime pro with multiple prior appearances on the show. This verified explainer outlines her journey through the season, weekly performances, scores, elimination order, and how she finished in the competition.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Season | Season 32 | ABC Press Release |
| Air Dates | September–November 2023 | Network Schedule |
| Celebrity Partner | Gleb Savchenko | Official Cast Announcement |
| Finale Finish | 5th Place | Season Results Episode |
Partnership with Gleb Savchenko
Professional dancer Gleb Savchenko was assigned as Ariana Madix’s partner for Season 32. Savchenko brought extensive experience, having competed in earlier seasons with other celebrities. Their partnership was highlighted by strong technical execution in ballroom dances and consistent improvement in Latin styles. Coaches noted the pair’s disciplined rehearsal schedule and commitment to polishing choreography under tight weekly deadlines.
Weekly Performance Timeline
Across the season, Madix and Savchenko performed a range of dances, from foundational Cha-Cha and Waltz to more complex Jive and Argentine Tango. Early weeks focused on mastering fundamentals and building scorer confidence. Midseason introduced multi-style marathons and surprise partner swaps, testing adaptability. By the final weeks, their routines incorporated advanced choreography, intricate levels, and expressive storytelling tailored to music choices.
- Week 1: Cha-Cha basics; partnered introduction dance
- Weeks 2–4: Waltz, Jive; technical scores improvements
- Weeks 5–8: Samba, Argentine Tango; consistent top-tier judge marks
- Weeks 9–11: Contemporary and Broadway; advancement to semifinals
- Finale: Competitive showdowns; elimination before finals
Scoring and Judging Feedback
Each week, guest judges and the regular panel assigned scores typically ranging from 20 to 40 points per dance, with additional bonus points for theatrical challenges. Reviews emphasized clean lines, musicality, and progressive choreography complexity. The table below summarizes representative score ranges and focal feedback themes across key weeks.
| Week | Dance | Score Range | Notable Judge Feedback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Week 2 | Cha-Cha | 28–32 | Strong rhythm, clearer footwork needed |
| Week 4 | Jive | 30–34 | Improved energy and timing |
| Week 7 | Samba | 33–37 | Vibrant presentation, sharper hip action |
| Week 9 | Contemporary | 34–38 | Emotional connection and staging praised |
Weekly Rankings and Competition Arc
Throughout Season 32, Madix and Savchenko maintained a steady climb in the weekly standings. They avoided the bottom two during the early phase and steadily moved into mid-tier finalist positions. Judges highlighted their consistency, while fan voting remained competitive. Results episodes showed incremental gains, culminating in a semifinal placement that reflected their strongest season performance to date.
Elimination and Final Standing
In the climactic weeks, the competition narrowed to a condensed finalist group. Madix and Savchenko delivered refined routines in both Latin and Ballroom categories, earning high marks for execution and artistry. Judges commended their resilience under increased pressure. Ultimately, they finished in 5th place, ahead of several returning favorites, and exited the competition during the penultimate episode after a closely contested elimination dance.
Legacy and Takeaways
Season 32 marked a notable chapter for Ariana Madix in televised dance competition, demonstrating sustained improvement, versatility across dance styles, and professional-level performance under scrutiny. The season reinforced the value of rehearsal discipline, coach collaboration, and on-stage adaptability. Her journey with Gleb Savchenko remains a reference point for long-form viewer engagement and performer development within the DWTS format.
Tags: television dance competitions, celebrity partners, season 32, performance analysis, abc