Overview of Lisa Vanderpump’s Dancing with the Stars Journey
Lisa Vanderpump, a longtime cast member of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, joined Dancing with the Stars in Season 21 as a professional dancer partnered with actor and reality personality Juan Pablo Di Pace. In Season 22, she returned with actor and model Milo Manheim, advancing to the semifinals. Season 23 saw her paired with former NFL wide receiver Rashad Jennings, reaching the finals and finishing in third place. Across these seasons, Vanderpump balanced her restaurant and business ventures with intensive rehearsals and televised performances, showcasing resilience and strong technique in ballroom and Latin styles. Her DWTS arc reflects her commitment to competition while maintaining her brand as a hospitality entrepreneur.
Seasons and Celebrity Partners
Season 21: Juan Pablo Di Pace
Vanderpump’s first season featured partner Juan Pablo Di Pace, a reality star known for appearing on The Bachelor franchise. They performed a variety of dances, including the cha-cha-cha, foxtrot, and jive. The pair earned consistent mid-range scores, with Vanderpump demonstrating steady rhythm and polished choreography. They were eliminated in the fifth week of competition, finishing in 10th place overall.
Season 22: Milo Manheim
In Season 22, Vanderpump was paired with Milo Manheim, an actor recognized for his role in the Disney Channel series Z-O-M-B-I-E-S. This season emphasized upbeat, energetic routines such as the salsa and paso doble. Vanderpump and Manheim impressed judges with sharp lead/follow mechanics and expressive presentation. They advanced to the semifinals before being voted off, ultimately placing in the top six.
Season 23: Rashad Jennings
Teaming with former NFL running back Rashad Jennings in Season 23 marked a high point in Vanderpump’s DWTS run. They tackled challenging routines including the tango, samba, and Argentine tango. Their consistent weekly improvements and showmanship led to a third-place finish in the competition. This season underscored Vanderpump’s technical growth and ability to handle complex choreography under high pressure.
Performance Highlights and Scores
Across three seasons, Lisa Vanderpump accumulated a range of scores reflecting steady improvement and occasional standout nights. Judges praised her posture, footwork, and endurance, particularly in faster Latin numbers. While not a celebrity with the highest winnings, her consistency and professional demeanor resonated with audiences and judges alike. Key performances include strong tango and foxtrot interpretations that became memorable moments for DWTS viewers.
| Season | Celebrity Partner | Placement | Notable Dances | Highest Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season 21 | Juan Pablo Di Pace | 10th | Cha-cha-cha, Foxtrot, Jive | 26 |
| Season 22 | Milo Manheim | 6th | Salsa, Paso Doble, Viennese Waltz | 29 |
| Season 23 | Rashad Jennings | 3rd | Tango, Samba, Argentine Tango | 30 |
Training and Preparation
Vanderpump balanced DWTS rehearsals with her roles as a restaurant owner and businesswoman, requiring disciplined time management and physical conditioning. Her training typically included daily rehearsals focusing on technique, stamina, and choreography retention. She worked closely with professional choreographers to refine timing, lifts, and artistic presentation. This level of preparation helped her maintain a competitive edge across three seasons and adapt to varied dance styles.
Audience Reception and Legacy
Lisa Vanderpump’s DWTS tenure contributed to her public persona as a resilient, detail-oriented performer willing to step outside her comfort zone. Fans appreciated her perseverance, particularly as she tackled physically demanding dances later in her career. While she did not secure a win, her third-place finish in Season 23 remains a notable achievement. Her participation reinforced the show’s appeal among viewers who follow crossover celebrity stories from reality television and sports into dance competition.
Comparison With Other Housewives on DWTS
Within the Real Housewives franchise, Vanderpump’s DWTS journey stands out for its sustained multi-season involvement and progressive improvement. Compared to some peers who competed for shorter periods, her commitment over three seasons—adapting to new partners and choreography—demonstrates a distinctive level of dedication. This sustained visibility contrasts with one-off appearances by other franchise cast members, making her arc a reference point for long-term engagement with the show.
Key Takeaways
- Longevity: Participated in three DWTS seasons with different partners, showing adaptability.
- Performance: Achieved a third-place finish in Season 23, with top-tier scoring in later years.
- Preparation: Balanced business responsibilities with intensive training and choreography rehearsals.
- Style: Excelled in ballroom and Latin dances, particularly tango, foxtrot, and samba.
- Legacy: Reinforced her public profile as a determined, disciplined competitor beyond reality television.
Lisa Vanderpump’s involvement in Dancing with the Stars reflects a well-executed crossover from reality television to competitive performance. Her consistent improvements, professional partnerships, and high-level choreography provide a durable example of how established personalities can succeed in a physically demanding televised competition.