Danielle Fishel Reveals What ‘Bothers’ Her About Her ‘DWTS’ Elimination
Danielle Fishel Shares Her Frustration Over ‘DWTS’ Elimination
Danielle Fishel, beloved actress and former Dancing With the Stars (DWTS) contestant, recently expressed her disappointment about how her elimination was portrayed on the show. On November 7, Fishel took to Instagram to reveal that the deeply personal story behind the choreography she performed with her dance partner, Pasha Pashkov, was completely omitted from the broadcast. This omission left her feeling that an essential part of her journey and message was lost on the audience.
The 44-year-old actress explained that before their performance, Pashkov asked her what story she wanted to tell through their dance, which was set to Aerosmith’s iconic song “Dream On.” Fishel chose a powerful theme: the impossible and often contradictory standards society places on women. She wanted their routine to reflect the pressure women face to balance work, family, appearance, and aging, all while being judged no matter what choices they make.
The Story Behind the Dance: A Message on Women’s Struggles and Strength
Danielle Fishel’s chosen narrative for the dance was deeply personal and resonated with many women. She shared with Pashkov that their story should highlight the unrealistic expectations placed on women both by society and themselves. “If we pursue work outside the home and have a family, we’re told we should be with our kids more,” Fishel explained. “If we stay home, we’re told we don’t work and are uninteresting. If we’re too thin, we’re told to eat a burger, and if we gain weight, we’re told to get off the couch.”
Her message also touched on the scrutiny women face regarding aging and beauty standards. “When we get Botox or fillers, we’re accused of not aging gracefully, and when we age naturally, we’re called old and ugly,” she added. This candid reflection on societal judgments was meant to be the emotional core of their performance.
Adding even more depth to the dance, Fishel revealed that her breast cancer diagnosis in 2024 profoundly influenced her perspective. She wanted to incorporate the realization that life is precious and unpredictable, emphasizing the importance of living authentically and pursuing one’s dreams despite external pressures. “Life is short, and we never know when we’re living our last day or dancing our last dance,” she poignantly stated.
Despite Pashkov’s enthusiasm for the concept and his choreography designed to embody these themes—where he represented the noise, judgments, and criticism, and Fishel’s character learned to rise above them—the show’s final edit excluded this crucial backstory. Fishel expressed her frustration that none of these sentiments were shared with viewers during the broadcast.
Why the Omission of Her Story Matters
The absence of this narrative in the televised package was more than just a missed opportunity for storytelling—it was a significant loss for Fishel personally and for the audience who could have connected with her message. “That’s the part that bothers me the most,” she wrote in the comments section of her Instagram post. She emphasized that Pashkov’s choreography was intentionally crafted around the idea of confronting and overcoming societal expectations, a theme that was completely erased from the show’s presentation.
Fishel elaborated that the dance was meant to show a journey: initially struggling against the noise of criticism and judgment, then learning to live with it and rise above it. “You can’t stop or change it, but you can adjust how you respond or react,” she noted. This empowering message, which could have inspired many viewers, was unfortunately left on the cutting room floor.
Her elimination came after scoring 34 out of 40 points from judges Carrie Ann Inaba, Bruno Tonioli, Derek Hough, and guest judge Flavor Flav on November 4. Despite the high score and positive feedback, Fishel and Pashkov were sent home, marking the end of her DWTS journey.
Reflecting on Her DWTS Experience and Looking Forward
Following her departure from the competition, Danielle Fishel shared a heartfelt video on Instagram from her “Danielle With Stars” podcast. She expressed a mix of emotions about her exit, acknowledging how much the experience meant to her. “Tonight was my last night, it was my last dance. I was eliminated and I have such a wide range of emotions,” she said.
Fishel also expressed gratitude for her partnership with Pashkov, calling herself lucky to have had him as her dance partner. The experience, while bittersweet, was a significant chapter in her life, one that challenged her physically and emotionally.
Her openness about the personal story behind her dance and the frustration over its omission sheds light on the complexities of reality TV editing and the importance of authentic storytelling. Fans and followers have shown support for Fishel’s courage in sharing her truth and hope that future seasons of DWTS will highlight contestants’ stories more fully.
Conclusion
Danielle Fishel’s candid revelation about what bothered her most regarding her Dancing With the Stars elimination highlights the importance of storytelling in competitive performances. Her desire to share a meaningful message about the pressures women face and the strength it takes to rise above them was unfortunately lost in the show’s editing. However, her honesty has sparked conversations about authenticity and representation on reality TV.
If you found Danielle Fishel’s story inspiring, be sure to follow her journey on social media and listen to her “Danielle With Stars” podcast for more insights. Stay tuned for more updates on your favorite DWTS stars and behind-the-scenes stories by subscribing to our newsletter today!
