Dancing With the Stars pro dancer Daniella Karagach has shared insights into the unique challenges of teaching celebrity contestants the art of ballroom dancing. Beyond just choreographic skills, Karagach emphasizes the importance of patience and understanding the psychological aspect of learning. In a recent episode of the podcast Danielle With the Stars, Karagach discussed how her experience helps her tailor her teaching methods to each contestant’s learning style.
“It takes a lot of patience and understanding of how to have them develop,” Karagach explained. Before joining the show, she spent a decade teaching dance to both adults and children, which equipped her with a specific approach to instruction. She clarified that ballroom dancing relies heavily on structure and technique, and she utilizes a “fundamental book” to guide her students through the basics.
However, navigating the diverse learning styles of new contestants each season presents its own challenges. “One person comes in and takes critique great, another person can’t have any critique,” she noted. This means that her role often extends beyond teaching to also providing emotional support, akin to that of a therapist.
Karagach’s current partner, Dylan Efron, has made the teaching experience particularly rewarding. “[Dylan is] one of the easiest people I’ve ever dealt with on the show,” she remarked, praising his genuine desire to succeed. Efron reciprocated the praise, reflecting on his initial struggles but crediting Karagach with boosting his confidence during their practice sessions. “She had faith in me before I had faith in me,” he admitted, highlighting her commitment to ensuring they bothe achieve optimal performance.
Since joining Dancing With the Stars in season 28, Karagach has partnered with a range of celebrities, including notable names like Nelly, Iman Shumpert—who won the competition in season 30—and Jason Mraz. This season, her partnership with Efron adds to her impressive roster.
Viewers can tune in to see their progress on Dancing With the Stars, airing Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET on ABC or streaming on Hulu. Karagach’s journey on the show showcases not only her dance prowess but also her dedication to fostering her partners’ confidence and skill, illustrating the profound impact that teaching and learning can have in the world of dance.