Aly Raisman Takes 'DWTS' Lead With Dance Inspired by 2012 Olympics
Aly Raisman wowed the audience on Monday's episode of "Dancing with the Stars," resulting in the Olympian earning the night's highest scores.
During last night's "Best Year of My Life" episode, celebrity contestants shared the most memorable moment in their lives through special performances.
Earning 27 points out of a possible 30, Raisman and her professional dance partner Mark Ballas jumped to the top of the leader board on Monday with their contemporary dance.
The 18-year-old Olympic gymnast danced a routine that was inspired by her time at the 2012 London Summer Olympics.
"I'm very proud of you," said "DWTS" judge Carrie Ann Inaba of the performance. "Perfection of movement is all you know, but contemporary dance is about perfection of emotion. This dance had perfect movement and perfect emotional connection. It was profound."
Among the audience members were Raisman's Olympic teammates Kyla Ross and Gabby Douglas.
"I'm excited that this is the show they'll be at because it's all about the Olympics," said Raisman while speaking to USA Today.
As for her career as a gymnast, Raisman said she hopes that her "DWTS" experience will help her on the floor.
"I'm excited to bring some cool moves I've learned on the show to my floor routine," said the gymnast.
Trailing right behind Raisman with 26 points this week is country music singer Kellie Pickler and her partner Derek Hough. The pair danced the rumba. Tying in second place also with 26 points, Zendaya and her partner Val Chmerkovskiy danced the samba.
The lowest scores of the night went to "Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" star Lisa Vanderpump and boxer Victor Ortiz. Both celebrity contestants earned only 18 points.
Season 16 of "DWTS" is in its fourth week with its next elimination scheduled for tonight. The series airs on ABC Mondays at 8 p.m. EST and Tuesdays at 9 p.m. EST.