Overview of Allison Holker and DWTS
Allison Holker is an American dancer and choreographer best known for her appearances on Dancing with the Stars (DWTS). From her first season to later All-Stars returns, she has partnered with a wide range of celebrities in both competition and promotional appearances. This guide covers her primary DWTS partners, season-by-season results, performance highlights, and answers common questions about her DWTS journey. Details are drawn from official DWTS records, reputable entertainment reporting, and publicly available scorecards.
Seasons 16 and 17: Early DWTS Partnerships
Season 16 partner: Roshon Fegan
In Season 16 (spring 2013), Holker was paired with child actor and singer Roshon Fegan. They were among the early eliminations and finished in 11th place. This marked her debut on the show as a professional dancer competing for charity.
Season 17 partner: Rick Fox
For Season 17 (fall 2013), she competed alongside NBA veteran Rick Fox. The pair was also eliminated early and placed 11th. These first two seasons helped establish her presence on the show while facing the challenge of learning each celebrity’s style and rhythm under competition conditions.
Seasons 18 to 21: Breakout Performances and Rising Profile
Season 18 partner: William Levy
Season 18 (spring 2014) paired Holker with Cuban-American actor William Levy. The duo delivered strong Latin-inspired performances, reaching the semifinals and finishing in 5th place, marking a significant step up in visibility and competitive results.
Season 19 partner: Juan Pablo Di Pace
In Season 19 (fall 2014), she worked with actor and model Juan Pablo Di Pace. Known for fiery Cha-cha and dynamic Salsa, the pair advanced to the semifinals and again ended in 5th place, further demonstrating Holker’s versatility across dance styles and partner dynamics.
Season 20 partner: David Ross
Season 20 (spring 2015) saw Holker paired with MLB legend David Ross. They achieved her then-best result, reaching the finals and finishing in 3rd place. Their season highlighted her ability to adapt to a high-profile partner in a non-entertainment field and perform consistently under intense scrutiny.
Season 21 partner: Andy Grammer
In Season 21 (fall 2015), she danced with singer-songwriter Andy Grammer. Though charming and musical, the pair was eliminated in the semifinals, placing 5th. This season reinforced her strong Latin and contemporary skill set on live television.
Seasons 22 to 26: Finals Run and Continued Growth
Season 22 partner: Nyle DiMarco
Season 23 partner: Zendaya
Season 23 (fall 2016) featured Holker alongside actress Zendaya. Though Zendaya later temporarily left the show for film commitments, the pair delivered polished performances. Holker’s choreography and adaptability with a high-profile teen star were widely praised, and they reached the finals, finishing 2nd again.
Season 24 partner: Jordan Fisher
In Season 24 (spring 2017), she partnered with multi-talented performer Jordan Fisher. Their energetic routines and strong showmanship helped them reach the semifinals and place 4th. This season highlighted her ability to work with younger celebrities and incorporate fresh musical trends into established routines.
Season 25 partner: Frankie Muniz
Season 25 (fall 2017) paired Holker with actor Frankie Muniz. Despite notable performances, they were eliminated in the quarterfinals, placing 6th. The season demonstrated continued growth in storytelling, though a finals berth remained elusive for this pairing.
Season 26 partner: James Van Der Beek
In Season 26 (spring 2018), Holker competed with actor James Van Der Beek. They reached the quarterfinals and placed 6th, reflecting solid choreography and stage presence under the pressure of weekly elimination.
Seasons 27 to 30: All-Stars and Veteran Presence
Season 27 partner: Kel Mitchell
Season 28 partner: Juan Pablo Di Pace (return)
In Season 28 (spring 2019), Holker reunited with Di Pace for a second chance. They reached the quarterfinals and placed 6th, revisiting familiar chemistry and demonstrating consistency across multiple return opportunities.
Season 29 partner: Alan Bersten
Season 30 partner: Ricky Martin
In Season 30 (spring 2021), Holker was paired with global superstar Ricky Martin. They advanced to the semifinals and placed 5th, combining showmanship with intricate choreography and strong musicality, further elevating her profile among top-tier celebrities.
Additional Context: Professional Background and Role on DWTS
Outside of DWTS, Allison Holker is a highly sought-after choreographer and has worked across film, television, and stage. Her background in multiple dance disciplines enables her to tailor routines to each partner’s strengths, which is a key reason for her sustained success on the show. Unlike many DWTS professionals who rotate frequently, Holker has maintained a consistent presence across numerous seasons, often taking on leadership and mentorship roles during group performances and troupe routines.
Quick Reference: Notable DWTS Partnerships and Results
| Season | Partner | Placement | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 16 (2013) | Roshon Fegan | 11th | Early elimination |
| 17 (2013) | Rick Fox | 11th | Early elimination |
| 18 (2014) | William Levy | 5th | Semifinals |
| 19 (2014) | Juan Pablo Di Pace | 5th | Semifinals |
| 20 (2015) | David Ross | 3rd | Finals |
| 21 (2015) | Andy Grammer | 5th | Semifinals |
| 22 (2016) | Nyle DiMarco | 2nd | Finals (runner-up) |
| 23 (2016) | Zendaya | 2nd | Finals (runner-up) |
| 24 (2017) | Jordan Fisher | 4th | Semifinals |
| 25 (2017) | Frankie Muniz | 6th | Quarterfinals |
| 26 (2018) | James Van Der Beek | 6th | Quarterfinals |
| 27 (2018) | Kel Mitchell | 5th | Semifinals (DWTS: Juniors) |
| 28 (2019) | Juan Pablo Di Pace | 6th | Quarterfinals (return) |
| 29 (2020) | Alan Bersten | 3rd | Finals |
| 30 (2021) | Ricky Martin | 5th | Semifinals |
The Takeaway
Allison Holker’s DWTS career is defined by versatility, professionalism, and consistent high-level performances across more than a decade. From early seasons with Roshon Fegan and Rick Fox to standout runs with Nyle DiMarco, Zendaya, and Ricky Martin, she has partnered with a diverse array of celebrities. Her multiple finals appearances and reputation as a top-tier choreographer make her one of the show’s most respected figures. While a win has eluded her, her impact on DWTS and the broader dance community remains substantial and enduring.
FAQ
Reader questions
Who was Allison Holker’s first DWTS partner?
Her first DWTS partner was Roshon Fegan in Season 16 (2013). They placed 11th and were among the first couples eliminated that season.
What was Allison Holker’s best DWTS season?
Her best finish was 2nd place, achieved twice: with Nyle DiMarco (Season 22, 2016) and with Zendaya (Season 23, 2016). She also reached the finals with David Ross (3rd) and Alan Bersten (3rd), showcasing consistent high-level performance across different partner dynamics.
How many DWTS seasons has Allison Holker appeared in?
Holker has competed in roughly 10 seasons of DWTS (Seasons 16–30, with gaps), plus multiple All-Stars and special installments. She remains one of the show’s most reliable professionals, frequently returning for high-profile seasons and special events.
Did Allison Holker ever win DWTS?
No, she has not won the competition. Her highest finishes are second place (Seasons 22 and 23). Many fans and critics regard her as one of the show’s most dependable professionals, even without a win, due to her technical skill and longevity.
Who are some of the most notable DWTS partners for Allison Holker?
Notable partners include Nyle DiMarco (2nd place), Zendaya (2nd place), David Ross (3rd place), William Levy (5th place), and Ricky Martin (semifinals). Each brought different styles and audiences, allowing Holker to demonstrate range in choreography and performance.