Paralympian Ezra Frech has revealed an unexpected detail about his preparation for Dancing With the Stars Season 35: the prosthetic leg he uses for dancing is not designed for ballroom dancing and can actually leave him feeling unstable. The 21-year-old athlete explained why he nevertheless chooses the specialized prosthetic while competing on the show.
Frech, who was born with a congenital limb difference, competes on the show alongside professional dancer Daniella Karagach. Rather than using his everyday walking prosthesis, he has chosen to dance with the running blade he normally uses for athletics.
At first, that choice might seem surprising. A running blade is designed for speed and athletic performance rather than the controlled footwork and stability required for ballroom routines. Frech acknowledged that the blade creates additional challenges while he learns choreography.
The reason comes down largely to the way the running blade works during his athletic events. Frech explained that the blade is longer than his actual leg, but it compresses when he reaches high speeds. That allows his hips to become level when he is running at full speed, which is important for his track-and-field events.
Dancing, however, creates a different set of challenges. Frech explained that because the blade is taller than his actual leg, his hips can be positioned differently while he dances. He described himself as being less stable on the prosthetic and having to create hip movement from an angled position.
Karagach explained why they decided to work with the running blade rather than Frech’s walking prosthesis. According to the professional dancer, the running blade has a rebound that can help with certain movements, whereas the walking leg does not respond to pressure from the floor in the same way.
That difference became particularly important during the cha-cha. The dance requires quick footwork and pronounced hip action, making the equipment choice an important part of Frech and Karagach’s choreography. The pair had to adapt the routine around what Frech could comfortably and effectively execute.
Frech described each week of DWTS as a puzzle because there are movements he can perform and others that require modification. Rather than hiding those differences, he and Karagach have incorporated them into their approach to the competition.
His athletic background gives him considerable experience adapting to different physical demands. Frech won gold medals in both the men’s 100-meter race and high jump at the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris, making the running blade an important part of his elite sporting career.
The equipment challenge has not stopped Frech from making an immediate impression on Dancing With the Stars. He and Karagach earned 21 out of 30 for their Week 2 cha-cha, while fellow contestants including Harry Shum Jr. and Connor Wood praised Frech’s dancing. As the season continues, his prosthetic choice will remain an important part of how the pair adapts choreography to his unique athletic abilities.
Compiled with information from various sources.
