Image Source: The Hollywood Reporter
Amber Glenn and Ezra Frech are bringing an unexpected sense of teamwork to season 35 of Dancing With the Stars. Although they are competing in separate couples, the Olympic and Paralympic champions say they have become close allies while navigating the pressure of the ballroom.
Frech, a Paralympic gold medalist and track-and-field star, discussed the experience in a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter. He said the support he has received from Glenn, professional dancers Daniella Karagach and Pasha Pashkov, and the show’s fans has helped make the demanding competition feel less overwhelming.
Amber Glenn and Ezra Frech Find Strength as DWTS Teammates
Frech is partnered with Karagach, while Glenn is dancing with Pashkov. The professional dancers are married, creating a unique connection between the two celebrity-athlete partnerships. Frech described the four competitors as being on the same team, even while they pursue individual chances at the Len Goodman mirrorball trophy.
“Amber and I are teammates in this,” Frech told the publication, emphasizing the friendship that has developed throughout the season. He said having someone else who understands the athletic mindset, public expectations and intense rehearsal schedule has been especially meaningful.
The pair’s bond has also become a popular topic among viewers. Some fans have jokingly suggested that Glenn and Frech follow a Hunger Games-inspired strategy and split the trophy if they both reach the finale. Frech laughed off the idea but admitted it would be special if both athletes made it to the November 24 finale.
A Powerful Push for Disability Representation
Frech’s journey carries significance beyond the competition. If he wins, he would become the first amputee champion in the history of the American version of Dancing With the Stars. He said that possibility is one of the main reasons he agreed to join the series.
Frech has pointed to previous contestants including Amy Purdy, Daniel Durant and Noah Galloway as examples of performers who expanded disability representation on the show. He hopes his own participation will help audiences see disabled athletes and performers in a broader, more inclusive way.
“Getting the opportunity to make the finale, to win the show, to get to represent the disabled community in that way and become the first amputee to win DWTS would be very, very special,” Frech said.
That message is already reaching younger viewers. Frech has shared that children with disabilities have posted videos of themselves watching and cheering for him. One video featuring a young child with a hand difference particularly moved the athlete, who said those moments fuel his determination in the ballroom.
Frech Balances DWTS With His Athletic Future
While Frech remains focused on dance, he is also preparing for the next Paralympic cycle. For now, however, his training routine is centered on protecting his body during the physically demanding rehearsal process.
A mentor, Heinrich Popow, previously competed on the German version of Dancing With the Stars. Popow, who is also an amputee and a former gold medalist in Frech’s event, advised him not to overtrain outside the studio. Frech said he is doing some weightlifting but is being careful to avoid unnecessary injury.
His partnership with Karagach has also produced important lessons. Frech said her guiding philosophy is to “trust the process.” That advice has helped him approach each performance one week at a time rather than focusing too far ahead on the final result.
Disney Night Brings a Prince Eric-Inspired Performance
For Disney Night, Frech and Karagach performed a samba inspired by The Little Mermaid and the song “Under the Sea.” The concept was partly influenced by social media fans who compared Frech’s slicked-back hairstyle to Prince Eric.
Frech said the performance was among the more difficult challenges of his season, following a salsa routine he had previously found demanding. Still, he described the experience of performing live as his favorite part of the show and called season 35 “electric.”
Dancing With the Stars season 35 airs Tuesdays at 8 p.m. on ABC and Disney+, with episodes streaming the following day on Hulu. As the competition moves toward its finale, viewers will be watching closely to see whether Amber Glenn and Ezra Frech can continue their impressive runs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Amber Glenn and Ezra Frech partnered together on DWTS?
No. Amber Glenn is partnered with Pasha Pashkov, while Ezra Frech is paired with Daniella Karagach. However, the two athletes describe themselves as teammates during the competition.
Who is Ezra Frech?
Ezra Frech is a Paralympic gold medalist and track-and-field athlete. He is competing on season 35 of Dancing With the Stars.
Could Ezra Frech become the first amputee to win DWTS?
Yes. If Frech wins the season, he would become the first amputee champion in the American version of Dancing With the Stars.
When is the DWTS season 35 finale?
The season 35 finale is scheduled for November 24, 2026.
