The American TV hit, “Dancing with the Stars,” was inspired by the British version entitled “Strictly Come Dancing,” a BBC original, which has been distributed worldwide. Australia was actually the first country to create an adaptation of the program. According to the magazine, “Television Business International,” it is the most popular show in all its different versions, worldwide. Some of the dances performed on “Dancing with the Stars” include the Cha Cha, Foxtrot, Jive, Mambo, Paso Doble, Quickstep, Rumba, Samba, Tango and Viennese Waltz.

Back when ballroom dancing was in its heyday, people admired the talents of such dancing icons as Fred Astaire and Gene Kelly. In those days, many parents and grandparents would have given their life-savings to be able to dance on the silver screen with them. In “Dancing with the Stars,” professional ballroom dancers get to dance with (and teach) celebrities, while being critiqued on their performances by a panel of judges. Viewers vote for their favorites and the couple with the lowest score (judges and viewers combined) is eliminated. The rest go on to dance again the following week.

Television viewers watch the couples dance week after week, until all have been eliminated, except the best two or three couples. They perform two dances each, including solos, until one couple emerges the winner. The American show is hosted by Tom Bergeron and Samantha Harris and is in its seventh season. This season began airing in September and featured 13 stars, including Cloris Leachman, who at 82. is one of the show’s oldest competitors. The stars dance with professionals, who choreograph the couple’s dance routines and teach them how to make the winning moves.