For the first time in Dancing with the Stars history, the show’s hosts didn’t just introduce the night’s competition — they became the competition. Julianne Hough and Dick Van Dyke stunned millions with a fiery Cha-Cha-Cha to Jennifer Lopez’s “Let’s Get Loud,” delivering an opening number that instantly went down as one of the most iconic moments in DWTS history.
From the moment the music started, the energy in the ballroom was electric. Julianne, dazzling in a glittering red ensemble, commanded the floor with her trademark precision and passion, while Dick Van Dyke — at 99 years old — moved with joy, rhythm, and spirit that defied every expectation. Together, they embodied pure celebration.
As the beat intensified, the pair’s chemistry took center stage. Their synchronized spins and cheeky smiles had the audience roaring with delight. Each step carried both nostalgia and newness — a bridge between generations that celebrated the timeless magic of dance.
When the routine ended, the ballroom erupted into a standing ovation. Confetti filled the air, judges were on their feet, and the crowd’s cheers seemed to shake the walls. “That,” one audience member shouted, “is how you start a show!”
Social media lit up almost instantly. Fans flooded platforms like X and Instagram with clips of the performance, calling it “unreal,” “pure joy,” and “the greatest opener in DWTS history.” Many praised Van Dyke’s unmatched vitality, while others called Julianne “a force of nature” for matching his energy move for move.
Backstage, the cast and crew were just as moved. One insider revealed that the moment the duo finished, dancers and pros erupted in applause behind the scenes. “It was inspiring to watch,” the source shared. “Everyone was emotional. Dick reminded us all why we fell in love with dance in the first place.”
For Julianne, sharing the floor with one of Hollywood’s most beloved legends was an honor. “It felt like magic,” she said in a post-show interview. “To dance with someone who’s been inspiring generations for decades — it’s something I’ll never forget.”
As for Dick Van Dyke, the performance proved yet again that age is no barrier to artistry. With his signature smile and boundless energy, he delivered a reminder that joy, rhythm, and spirit never fade. “It’s all about having fun,” he said afterward. “And tonight, we sure did.”
The historic duet didn’t just open a new episode — it opened a new chapter in Dancing with the Stars legacy. Fans are already calling for an encore, but one thing’s certain: Julianne Hough and Dick Van Dyke just set the ballroom ablaze, and no one will ever look at an opener the same way again.
