‘Absolutely Groundbreaking’: Drag Queen Scores High Praise on 'Dancing With the Stars'

Tierin-Rose Mandelburg
September 20th, 2022 1:18 PM

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I told you not to watch the Dancing With The Stars premiere back in early September. I should have taken my own advice. 

D.J. “Shangela” Pierce, has graced the world with “her” presence on this season's DWTS. Shangela, a drag queen, received roaring reviews for her performance last night … for her status as a drag queen however not for the dancing itself. 

 

 

The premise of a dancing show should be, well, dancing but this year the show focused more on the dramatics and less on the skill. 

Last night’s premiere featured Shangela with “her” partner, Gleb Savencho dancing to “When I Grow Up” by the Pussycat Dolls. Interesting song choice for a 40-year-old man who still plays dress-up. 

The judges LOVED the performance and each scored the couple with a seven and used the show, which was streamed live on Disney+, to push the progressive narrative. 

On the episode, Shangela said: “Out of drag, I’m pronouns he/him, and in drag, she/her.” Again, I thought we stopped playing dress-up by age ten. 

Shangela’s partner, Savencho was thrilled to be dancing with another male. “I’m excited that I’m gonna be the first male pro dancing with another male celebrity partner,” he said. Though, I think he got the pronouns wrong. Honestly, I’m not sure. 

After the performance, instead of talking about the dancing itself, the show host said “You are the first drag queen performer on this show and it is absolutely groundbreaking.” Meanwhile other celebrities and their partners including Jordan Sparks and Charli Damilio beamed and clapped for their Drag Queen competitor. 

"It was so incredibly special because I think about all the queens that ever wanted to be in this space that never got the opportunity," Shangela told People after her performance. "Maybe by seeing me and seeing how we just showed up as our true authentic self tonight and were accepted and cheered on, that they know that they can do it, too."

I understand that TV shows need to dramatize storylines to keep people entertained, but this show is about dancing, not progressivism. Not to mention, DWTS switched over to air on Disney+ which is geared for younger people. Shangela doesn’t present as the best role model for kids to have. 

On Instagram, the DWTS page commented “we want to be you.”
 

 

I think I speak for us all when I say, no, no we don’t.

On Twitter, other drag queens endorsed Shangela in the competition. 

Our “girl” ??? I am truly so confused. 

Dancing  With The Stars can choose to cast whoever it wants but pushing it on a platform that is directed towards kids is disheartening. This is just another one of Disney’s attempts to attack our kids and the reviews indicate that is the goal. 

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