Tom Bergeron, Derek Hough and More Celebrate DWTS' 20th Anniversary originally appeared on Parade.
The ballroom dancing show Dancing With the Stars premiered on June 1, 2005. To mark the 20th anniversary of the long-running competition series, several cast members, past and present, took to social media to share their memories.
Former host Tom Bergeron, who was unceremoniously fired from the show after season 28, posted a photo to his Instagram stories of himself from the premiere standing alongside fellow host Lisa Canning, who would only host the show for the first season. In the caption, he wrote, "Lisa looked nervous. I looked like I could use a tailor."
Indeed, Bergeron's suit is quite large. Here's the photo below:
Pro-turned-judge Derek Hough posted an Instagram reel of himself from season 5 — and wow, does he look like a baby! — and wrote, "Wow! 20 years of @dancingwiththestars, what an incredible journey. This show means so much to me, and to all the people, so many people who have poured their hearts into making it what it is today.
"But what truly makes it special is the incredible audience and fans who’ve embraced it year after year, sharing it with their families, and kept it alive. Hearing stories of parents, kids, grandparents all coming together to watch and bond over the show is a reminder that this is more than just a dance competition; it’s a shared experience that unites us in so many ways. Who would have thought a Latin ballroom dancing show would become the largest dance show in the world, spanning over 40 countries and evolving into one of the biggest entertainment shows ever. It’s a true blessing, especially considering the initial doubts from so many who thought it wouldn’t work. Now, 20 years later, it’s thriving, bigger, and better than ever.
"I’ve literally grown up on this show, joining at 22, and it’s been an honor to see it evolve and thrive. Here’s to celebrating dance and the incredible community that makes it all possible."
On the official Dancing With the Stars Instagram, pro Val Chmerkovskiy wrote in a comment, "❤️❤️❤️20 years! Remarkable accomplishment for so many, on stage and behind it. Couldn’t be more proud to be a part of it, in some way or another, from the very beginning."
"What a ride 🙌 congratulations to our entire team for continuing to raise the bar and be exceptional for 20 years! This is more than a show it’s a family ❤️," wrote pro-turned-host Julianne Hough.
Pro Britt Stewart wrote, "Absolutely incredible! 20 years of DANCE!! Congratulations to everyone who has been involved over the past 20 years. I’m so grateful to have so many memories in THE @dancingwiththestars ballroom ❤️🪩💃🏾✨."
"Congrats to everyone on such an amazing achievement! 🙌 insane to think of all the memories I have watching and dancing on the show! ❤️," wrote pro Brandon Armstrong.
Pro Lindsay Arnold wrote, "20 years!! 😭 I remember watching that first episode on my couch when I was 11 years old and feel so grateful to have been a part of this show!"
"I literally don’t know how I got so fortunate. The laughs we’ve had! The moments of celebration, dancing together and being a team. It’s shaped my life! This show is so full of joy!! I like to remember all the celebs faces after they finish dress rehearsal, I remember David Ross finishing his foxtrot and his face was priceless! 😂 The show has taught me so much. And if there’s one thing I’ve learnt, it’s this: Yes, the show is about dance, but really it’s about the people. These incredible individuals that open their hearts on national TV and shake it till they get a 10 (or try to!!!), all the while supported by their ballroom coach (us pros!) who half the time don’t know whether to laugh or cry and honestly we usually end up doing both!! This show is about people who do their best, and the people who support them," wrote pro Emma Slater.
Dancing With the Stars returns in the fall of 2025 for season 34.
