Love & War

week 5: dedication night

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After a magical Disney Night performance, Frankie Gomez and Val Chmerkovskiy were gearing up for an entirely different kind of routine in Week 5: Dedication Night. The mood shifted from lighthearted fun to deep emotion as Frankie prepared to honor her late mother and father. This week, the pair would be performing a contemporary routine to a hauntingly beautiful cover of Billie Eilish's "When the Party's Over," sung by Lewis Capaldi. 

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In rehearsals, the weight of the routine was palpable. Frankie entered the studio already feeling the gravity of the dance. 

Val approached the routine with sensitivity and care. "This dance is about channeling your emotions and telling your story," he said. "Contemporary is raw. There's no hiding behind technique or steps. I want you to feel everything and let it pour out through your movement."

Frankie nodded, but it was clear the process would be emotionally taxing. Early rehearsals were tough. Frankie struggled to balance the vulnerability of the routine with the pressure of performing it perfectly. "It's hard not to get lost in the memories," she admitted during a break. "I just keep thinking about them and wishing they could see me now."

To help her navigate the emotional intensity, Val invited Rob to join them in the studio.

Val's confessional

"Sometimes you need someone who grounds you. Rob's presence can help remind Frankie of the love and pride her parents would feel if they were here."

Rob's arrival brought a sense of comfort to the space. "You're doing amazing," he told her, taking her hands. "They'd be so proud of you, Frankie. Just dance for them."

With Rob's support and Val's guidance, Frankie began to tap into her emotions in a way she hadn't before. Each rehearsal grew more powerful as she found a way to merge her grief with her artistry.

Frankie's Confessional

"When I was younger, Tuesdays were reserved for Dancing with the Stars. My dad and I would dancing around the living room, trying to mimic whatever was on screen, and my mom would laugh til she couldn't breathe. I hope if they could've seen me now, they would be proud. Esto es para ti, mamá y papá."

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The night before the live show, Frankie and Rob took some time to themselves one quiet evening. They walked hand-in-hand through a nearby park, the autumn leaves crunching under their feet. Frankie's shoulders, tense from the week's rehearsals, began to relax as she leaned into Rob.

"I'm scared," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. "What if I can't do it? What if I mess it up?"

Rob stopped walking and turned to face her, gently brushing a strand of hair from her face. "Frankie, you're incredible. This isn't about being perfect. It's about showing them your heart. And you have the biggest heart of anyone I've ever known."

She looked down, her eyes glistening. "I just want them to be proud of me."

Rob tilted her chin up so their eyes met. "They already are. And so am I. You've turned all the pain you've been through into something beautiful. That's what they'd want for you."