The Use of School Orchestras in Dancing with the Stars Shows
Dancing with the Stars has long been a beloved American television show that combines celebrity charisma with the excitement of competitive ballroom dancing. Since its debut in 2005, the program has grown into a cultural phenomenon, celebrated for its dazzling costumes, dramatic choreography, and live musical performances. In recent years, the inclusion of school orchestras in live shows and community outreach programs has added an exciting educational and artistic dimension to the series. This article explores the growing role of school orchestras in Dancing with the Stars, examining their impact on students, audiences, and the arts community.
1. A Brief Overview of Dancing with the Stars
Dancing with the Stars (DWTS) pairs professional dancers with celebrities who perform choreographed routines. Each week, couples perform in front of judges and a live audience, with the lowest-scoring pair being eliminated. The show is known not only for its entertaining format but also for its impressive live music performances, which traditionally have been provided by professional orchestras and bands. However, in recent years, DWTS has taken a new direction by inviting school orchestras to participate in select shows, especially during regional tours and community events.
2. Why School Orchestras?
The incorporation of school orchestras into Dancing with the Stars performances is rooted in several goals:
- Educational Value: It provides young musicians with real-world performance experience.
- Community Engagement: DWTS seeks to connect more deeply with local communities during national tours.
- Artistic Diversity: School orchestras bring fresh, local musical interpretations to each performance.
- Support for Arts Education: By featuring student musicians, DWTS helps promote the importance of funding for school arts programs.
3. How It Works: Integrating School Orchestras
When the Dancing with the Stars Live! tour visits a city, local high school or youth orchestras are sometimes invited to perform during certain segments of the show. The process typically includes:
3.1. Auditions and Selection
DWTS producers often collaborate with local school districts to identify talented orchestras. These groups may submit audition videos or have a history of performance excellence that makes them candidates for collaboration.
3.2. Rehearsal and Training
Selected students attend workshops and rehearsals with DWTS’s music directors. These rehearsals focus on timing, musical precision, and how to adapt to the fast-paced demands of a live dance show.
3.3. Live Performance
During the performance, school orchestras often play alongside professional musicians or handle musical segments on their own. Typical roles include:
- Opening numbers
- Background music for specific dances
- Special tribute performances
- Encore finales with full cast and dancers
4. Benefits for Students
Participating in a nationally recognized program like DWTS offers students unique opportunities:
4.1. Real-World Experience
Performing in a high-pressure, professional environment provides students with hands-on experience that can’t be replicated in a classroom. They learn about stage presence, professionalism, and the realities of musical performance in entertainment.
4.2. Motivation and Confidence
Being selected to perform at a DWTS show can be a tremendous confidence booster. It validates the hard work students put into rehearsing and shows them the possibilities of a future in the arts.
4.3. Exposure to Professional Mentorship
Working with the DWTS music team exposes students to industry professionals who can offer feedback, guidance, and inspiration for future career paths.
4.4. Collaboration and Teamwork
The experience emphasizes the importance of collaboration—not just within the orchestra, but with dancers, choreographers, and sound technicians. Students must adapt quickly and cooperate across disciplines.
5. Audience Reactions
Audiences have generally responded very positively to the inclusion of student musicians. Local pride plays a huge role: seeing children or teens from the community performing on stage adds an emotional and communal touch to the performance.
“It was amazing to see our local high school orchestra share the stage with national celebrities. It made the experience so much more personal and meaningful.” — Audience Member, DWTS Chicago Tour Stop
6. Examples of Successful Collaborations
6.1. San Diego Youth Symphony – 2023
In the 2023 DWTS tour stop in San Diego, the San Diego Youth Symphony was invited to perform during the show’s opening act. Their rendition of a modern pop medley wowed both the audience and professional cast.
6.2. Boston Arts Academy Orchestra – 2024
Boston Arts Academy’s orchestra joined the show during its East Coast leg in 2024. They accompanied a contemporary routine and played a specially arranged tango that added drama to the performance.
6.3. Lincoln High School Chamber Orchestra – 2025
In 2025, the Lincoln High School orchestra was featured during the DWTS Midwestern tour. Their performance during the “Golden Era” tribute was a highlight of the evening, earning standing ovations.
7. Challenges and Limitations
While the inclusion of school orchestras has brought many positives, it also presents challenges:
- Scheduling Conflicts: Student musicians must balance rehearsals with academic responsibilities.
- Logistics: Transporting instruments and coordinating practice spaces can be complex.
- Performance Pressure: The professional environment may be intimidating for some students.
- Equity Issues: Not all schools have orchestras or funding, limiting who can participate.
8. Educational Outreach Programs
DWTS doesn’t just feature student orchestras during performances; it also supports educational outreach. In some cities, the cast and music directors host workshops at local schools, offering:
- Q&A sessions about careers in music and dance
- Mini masterclasses with dancers and musicians
- Backstage tours for student groups
These outreach efforts help inspire the next generation of performers and support public interest in the performing arts.
9. Impact on Music Education
One of the lasting impacts of incorporating school orchestras is the increased visibility of music education. In an era when arts programs are frequently underfunded, high-profile appearances help highlight their value. Schools that have partnered with DWTS have reported:
- Increased enrollment in music programs
- Boosted morale among students and staff
- Greater community support for arts education funding
This ripple effect demonstrates that partnerships between entertainment platforms and educational institutions can foster long-term cultural enrichment.
10. Testimonials from Educators
“Our students were transformed by the experience. They saw how their hard work could lead to something big. It was a life-changing opportunity.” — Orchestra Director, Boston Arts Academy
“DWTS gave our kids a platform to shine—and they did. The professional environment pushed them to new levels of musicianship.” — Music Teacher, Lincoln High School
11. The Future of School Orchestras in DWTS
As DWTS continues to tour and evolve, it is likely that the program will further expand its partnership with youth orchestras. Plans for future seasons may include:
- Regional orchestra competitions with winners performing on tour
- Virtual collaborations with schools in remote areas
- Educational content that includes music tutorials from DWTS musicians
Such initiatives would deepen the educational impact of the show and ensure that even more students benefit from the connection between entertainment and education.
The inclusion of school orchestras in Dancing with the Stars performances has proven to be a meaningful innovation. It serves not only the artistic goals of the show but also the educational and developmental needs of young musicians. By bridging the gap between entertainment and education, DWTS has created a unique model that other productions could follow. The result is a celebration of talent, collaboration, and the power of music to bring communities together—one performance at a time.