Swayed by the Rhythm: 'Dancing with the Stars' and the Allure of Showmances

The intense and intimate nature of 'Dancing with the Stars' has fostered numerous relationships between celebrity contestants and professional dancers, leading to some lasting partnerships and even marriages.

The glitz and glamour of 'Dancing with the Stars' extends beyond the dance floor, as the show has been the catalyst for several romantic connections between celebrity contestants and professional dancers. The intense rehearsals, close proximity, and shared experiences create an environment ripe for sparks to fly.

Licensed marriage and family therapist Rachel Goldberg explains the psychological factors that contribute to showmances on 'Dancing with the Stars':

Swayed by the Rhythm: 'Dancing with the Stars' and the Allure of Showmances

* **Shared Goals:** Contestants and dancers share the common goal of excelling in the competition, creating an initial bond and camaraderie.

* **Physical Proximity:** The constant close contact and physical touch during rehearsals and performances trigger physical responses that enhance attraction.

Swayed by the Rhythm: 'Dancing with the Stars' and the Allure of Showmances

* **High-Pressure Environment:** The high-stakes nature of the show fosters a sense of shared anxiety, leading to bonding over shared experiences.

* **Emotional Intimacy:** The dancers become confidants, sharing big emotions like disappointment and excitement, creating an intimate connection.

Swayed by the Rhythm: 'Dancing with the Stars' and the Allure of Showmances

* **Attractive and Charismatic Participants:** The show features physically attractive and charming individuals with media-savvy personalities, further strengthening the chemistry.

* **Nikki Bella and Artem Chigvintsev:** The couple met on Season 25 in 2017, began dating in 2019, and married in 2022. They recently filed for divorce after an alleged domestic violence incident involving Chigvintsev.

Swayed by the Rhythm: 'Dancing with the Stars' and the Allure of Showmances

* **Matthew Lawrence and Cheryl Burke:** Matthew didn't compete on 'DWTS,' but met Cheryl through his brother's participation. They dated from 2007 to 2008 and later reunited in 2017, marrying in 2019. They divorced in 2022.

* **Derek Hough and Brooke Burke:** Though they never dated, Brooke Burke admitted she would have liked to have had a romance with Hough had she been single. She described their dance connection as being more intimate than making love in a bedroom.

Swayed by the Rhythm: 'Dancing with the Stars' and the Allure of Showmances

* **Alexis Ren and Alan Bersten:** Ren and Bersten had a brief relationship during Season 27 in 2018, but broke up shortly after the season ended due to distance.

* **Mario Lopez and Karina Smirnoff:** The couple dated after competing on Season 3 in 2008, but split after two years amid rumors of Lopez's infidelity.

Swayed by the Rhythm: 'Dancing with the Stars' and the Allure of Showmances

* **Kym Johnson and Robert Herjavec:** 'Shark Tank' star Herjavec and dancer Johnson met on Season 20 in 2015. They married in 2016 and have two children together. Johnson retired from 'DWTS' after the 2017 season.

The show's history of showmances highlights the transformative power of dance and the intense connections that can develop between celebrities and professional dancers. While not all relationships last, these partnerships have left an indelible mark on the world of entertainment and continue to fuel the fascination with the glamorous world of 'Dancing with the Stars.'

Swayed by the Rhythm: 'Dancing with the Stars' and the Allure of Showmances