When Jen Affleck teamed up with pro dancer Jan Ravnik for Disney Night, the live audience at ABC’s Glendale studio felt like they’d been whisked straight into Agrabah.
The duo’s jazz routine on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, aired at 8:00 PM ET on ABC and streamed simultaneously on Disney+. Set to Robin Williams’ iconic rendition of “Friend Like Me” from 1992’s Aladdin, the performance quickly became one of the night’s standout moments, racking up 2.3 million TikTok views in its first 24 hours.
Background: The Disney Night Tradition
Since its debut in Season 23, Disney Night has become a staple of Dancing with the Stars Glendale, California. Each year, celebrities swap ballroom shoes for movie‑magic, drawing on beloved soundtracks to win audience votes. This year’s theme, announced in early September, called for “classic Disney anthems re‑imagined,” and producers promised “bigger sets and brighter lights.”
The show is produced by BBC Studios Los Angeles Productions in partnership with The Tyra Banks Company. Executive producers Tyra Banks and Jesse Ignjatovic oversaw the week‑long Disney marathon, making sure each routine honored its source material while still delivering competitive edge.
The Jazz Routine: A Genie Comes to Life
Ravnik choreographed the entire piece, opting for a high‑energy jazz style that mirrored the Genie’s mischievous flair. The stage itself was transformed into a sprawling version of Agrabah—arched lanterns, sapphire‑hued drapery, and a massive, glitter‑clad “magic lamp” at center stage. As the opening brass riff burst, Affleck launched into a series of rapid‑turns, hip‑sways, and lifted jumps that echoed the film’s iconic dance numbers.
“We wanted the audience to feel the Genie’s personality—incredible, unpredictable, and instantly recognizable,” Ravnik explained in a post‑show interview. The routine lasted 2 minutes 12 seconds, a tight window that demanded flawless timing. The pair hit every syncopated beat, and their chemistry sparked moments when Affleck seemed to literally “rub” the lamp, causing a burst of pyrotechnic fireworks that cascaded over the set.
Key Facts
- Song: “Friend Like Me” (Robin Williams vocal)
- Genre: Jazz routine (2 min 12 sec)
- Set design: Agrabah‑themed, built on the ABC lot in Glendale
- Viewer response: 2.3 million TikTok views in 24 hrs
- Result: Affleck & Ravnik advanced to Dedication Night
Judges’ Reaction and Scoring
The judging panel—though not named in the broadcast recap—issued a unanimous nod to the pair’s “stage presence and showmanship.” In DWTS scoring parlance, that translates to high marks for performance, musicality, and overall impact. The routine earned a combined score of 28 out of 30, edging out the closest competitor by two points.
One of the judges (the veteran ballroom maestro) noted, “You captured the comedic spirit of the Genie while still delivering technically crisp jazz. That balance is rare on a competitive floor.” The comment highlighted how the routine managed a delicate dance‑between theatrical storytelling and the strict demands of a ballroom competition.
Social Media Surge
Within an hour of the live broadcast, the official DWTS TikTok (@officialdwts) posted a 15‑second clip of the lamp‑burst moment. According to internal analytics reported by Best Entertainment on October 8, the clip amassed 2.3 million views, 150 k likes, and a flood of comments riffing on the “Genie vibes.”
Twitter trends reflected the same enthusiasm, with the hashtag #DWTSDisneyNight spiking to 12,400 mentions during the airing. Even alumni of past seasons chimed in, recalling their own Disney Night performances and praising Affleck’s fearless commitment.
What’s Next for Affleck and Ravnik?
The next episode, dubbed “Dedication Night,” aired on October 14, 2025. The pair swapped jazz for a Viennese Waltz to “Rescue” by Lauren Daigle, dedicated to Affleck’s mother, Maria. The emotional shift demonstrated the duo’s versatility—one night they’re channeling a cheeky Genie, the next they’re honoring family with graceful elegance.
Voting remained open until 11:59 PM ET on October 8, allowing fans to influence who stays, who goes. Affleck and Ravnik survived the Disney Night elimination, advancing to the November 25 season finale where the ultimate champion will be crowned.
Behind the scenes, the production team continues to fine‑tune set pieces for upcoming themes, hinting at a “Space‑Age” episode later in the season. As the competition narrows, experts predict that the remaining couples will need to balance technical prowess with storytelling—a formula that Affleck and Ravnik have already proven they can master.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did the judges score the Disney Night performance?
The routine earned a combined 28 out of 30, with judges highlighting the pair’s stage presence, musicality, and flawless execution of the jazz choreography.
What was the viewership response on social media?
Official TikTok clips hit 2.3 million views in the first 24 hours, the #DWTSDisneyNight hashtag trended with over 12 k mentions, and fans flooded the show’s Instagram with GIFs of the Genie‑inspired moves.
When and where is the next episode airing?
Dedication Night aired on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, at 8:00 PM ET on ABC and streamed on Disney+. The episode featured a Viennese Waltz dedicated to Affleck’s mother.
Who are the executive producers behind DWTS Season 34?
The season is overseen by Tyra Banks and Jesse Ignjatovic, who manage both creative direction and production logistics.
What is the significance of Disney Night for the competition?
Disney Night pushes contestants to blend technical dance skill with theatrical storytelling, often becoming a fan‑favorite episode that can sway public voting and set the tone for the rest of the season.