Dancing with the Champs

Dancing with the Stars started out as a small summertime series, but with 25 million fans, it has cha-chaed its way into American hearts!

In the show, celebrities endure ballroom dancing boot camp with professional dance partners to prepare for the competition of a lifetime. After learning to foxtrot, mambo and jive, the 12 stars set out to impress judges Carrie Ann Inaba, Bruno Tonioli and Len Goodman. The competition is fierce, and in the end, only one couple becomes the ultimate dance champions!

Host Tom Bergeron attributes the show's success to its sense of fun. "It is a reality show without a mean bone in its body," he says. "There's no bug-eating or backbiting or anything like that."

Judge Carrie Ann says she thinks the show inspires viewers at home. "I definitely think it's about watching people who we look up to and aspire to be like getting out there and trying something new and really going for it," she says. "They're way outside their comfort zone, learning something new."

"Everybody can share this show. It doesn't exclude anybody," Bruno says. "We laugh and have a bit of tension, but it is a great variety show."