Why Ezra Frech's week 3 DWTS routine is his hardest yet
Ezra Frech's DWTS week 3 foxtrot is his most difficult routine yet because the slower tempo leaves no momentum to carry each step, forcing precise control on a prosthetic leg designed for bounce and speed, pro partner Daniella Karagach explained ahead of Yacht Rock Night. The Paralympian will dance "Just the Two of Us" after tying for first in week 2.
Key Takeaways
- Ezra Frech and Daniella Karagach will perform a foxtrot to "Just the Two of Us" on Yacht Rock Night.
- Karagach called the slower style harder because there is no momentum to carry the next step.
- Frech said he must avoid being "skippy" or "bouncy" on a prosthetic leg built for that motion.
- The pair scored 21 out of 30 in week 2 and sat in a three-way tie atop the leaderboard.
- Thirteen celebrities remain as Dancing with the Stars season 35 continues on ABC and Disney+.
Why is Ezra Frech's week 3 DWTS foxtrot so hard?
According to Entertainment Weekly, Frech and Karagach are preparing a foxtrot to "Just the Two of Us" by Grover Washington Jr. featuring Bill Withers for Tuesday's Yacht Rock Night. Thirteen celebrities are still in the competition.
"It's definitely different. It's harder because it's slower. So, there's no momentum to carry the next step," Karagach told Extra. "You always have to control each and every single step you take."
Frech said he is "working hard on making sure that each step is really controlled." That precision is especially demanding with his prosthetic leg. The Paralympic gold medalist added that he has to "work on not being skippy" or "bouncy on a leg that's, kind of, designed for that."
How did Ezra Frech DWTS week 2 set him up as a frontrunner?
On Viral Hits Night, Frech and Karagach delivered a cha-cha to Flo Rida's "Low" and earned a 21 out of 30, tying for first with Jenna Dewan and Olympic figure skater Amber Glenn, ABC News reported.
Judge Carrie Ann Inaba reacted with, "What the Frech, Ezra?! You can move!" Derek Hough said he was "in awe," while Bruno Tonioli called the performance "fab-u-lous." After the routine, Karagach told EW she had not heard a crowd like that "in years," and Frech said the cheers were so loud he "felt my body vibrating."
Just Jared noted prediction markets moved Frech into first place after week 2, citing a 26% chance of winning. Frech, who was born with congenital limb differences, has also been inspired by fellow Paralympian Amy Purdy's earlier DWTS run.
What should fans watch for on Yacht Rock Night?
Frech said the early fan support "feels great" and that he "definitely" sees improvement since week one. "I feel like we're making a lot of progress," he told Extra via EW. He added that as long as he and Karagach prepare as well as possible, he is content regardless of the result.
Karagach, a season 30 Mirrorball champion with Iman Shumpert, is married to Pasha Pashkov, who partners Glenn. For more Streaming & TV Alerts, follow live coverage as Frech tests whether controlled foxtrot footwork can match his explosive week 2 buzz.
Dancing with the Stars airs Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET on ABC and Disney+, with episodes streaming the next day on Hulu.