Ezra Frech Tied for First in Dancing With the Stars
The athlete reached the top of the leaderboard during the show's second week, shifting season-long projections.
Updated on Sept. 23, 2026 in Dancing
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Ezra Frech secured a score of 21 out of 30 for his Cha Cha performance during the program's Viral Hits Night. Following this performance, his probability of winning the entire season has risen to 26%.
Why it matters
Frech’s participation highlights the ongoing legacy of adaptive athletes in high-profile movement and performance competitions. He draws direct inspiration from Amy Purdy, who competed on the same show a decade ago.
In the week two competition, Ezra Frech earned a score of 21 out of 30, tied with Jenna Dewan and Amber Glenn. Current projections now place his likelihood of winning the season at 26%, surpassing other competitors.
The players
Ezra Frech
An athlete currently competing on Dancing With the Stars who is noted for his public influence on adaptive participation.
Daniella Karagach
A professional dancer and partner to Ezra Frech on the show.
Amy Purdy
A former competitive athlete who appeared on the show in 2014 and serves as an inspiration for current contestants.
The details
During Viral Hits Night, Frech performed a choreographed Cha Cha with partner Daniella Karagach to the song Low. Judges evaluated the performance using a standard numerical scoring system based on technical execution and artistic expression. These scores serve as the primary metric for advancement in the ballroom competition.
Timeline
Amy Purdy competed on the show in 2014.
Ezra Frech performed in week two on September 22, 2026.
Health Landscape
Frech’s appearance reflects the broader trend of integrating adaptive athletes into mainstream performance-based television. This inclusion follows the precedent set by the historical inclusion of adaptive athletes on Dancing With the Stars, which began a decade ago.
For those interested in the benefits of dance, professional assessments often highlight improved coordination and cardiovascular endurance. If you are looking to integrate similar movement patterns into your own routine, discuss safe participation with your physician.
The takeaway
Movement and artistic performance remain powerful tools for personal expression and public representation. Monitoring how physical goals translate into long-term habits is a valuable practice to discuss with a physical therapist or doctor.
Further reading
Learn more about the intersection of performance and movement in our United States Dancing section.
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