When Dwight Howard traded his sneakers for dancing shoes, the world knew something electric was about to happen on Dancing With The Stars. The 6’10” former NBA center, known for his dominance on the court, is now stepping into a new arena-this time, under the bright ballroom lights alongside one of the most formidable dancers in the game, Daniella Karagach.

Karagach, a fiery 31-year-old Brooklyn native, isn’t just any dancer. She’s a seasoned champion, an Emmy-nominated choreographer, and a master of turning athletes into graceful contenders. Dwight Howard is in good hands, but make no mistake, this partnership won’t be a simple walk through choreography. Karagach is known for pushing her partners to their limits, and Howard, famous for his explosive athleticism, is about to find out just how much rhythm he can muster.

Daniella’s journey with Dancing With The Stars began quietly in season 28, where she danced without a celebrity partner. But by season 29, she was center stage, dancing her way to near-victory alongside rapper Nelly. It wasn’t until season 30, however, when she teamed up with another NBA star, Iman Shumpert, that she truly cemented her legacy. Against all odds, Karagach and Shumpert took home the coveted Mirrorball Trophy, making Shumpert the first former NBA player to ever win the show. Now, all eyes are on her as she tries to pull off an encore performance with Dwight Howard.

While Howard’s power on the basketball court is undeniable, Karagach has a different kind of power-one that’s honed through years of intense competition and countless titles. She’s a seven-time U.S. 10-Dance and Latin Champion, a feat few can claim. Her dance journey began in 2009 with her partner, now husband, Pasha Pashkov. Together, they’ve dominated the world stage, representing the U.S. at the 2009 World Games and gracing shows like World of Dance and So You Think You Can Dance.

But it’s not just her impressive resume that makes Karagach a force to be reckoned with-it’s her ability to bring out the best in her partners. She’s danced with the best of them, and now, she’s taking on the challenge of transforming Howard’s towering frame into something graceful and rhythmic. The basketball legend may have handled some of the NBA’s fiercest competition, but ballroom dancing is an entirely different beast.

Daniella Karagach’s journey of grit, family, and the pursuit of a second Mirrorball

Karagach, the daughter of Moldovan immigrants, has always been one to defy expectations. Her success in the dance world wasn’t handed to her; it was earned through grit, resilience, and an unshakable belief in her craft. That same intensity is what she brings to the dance floor, and it’s what Howard will need to match if he hopes to survive the competition.

Off the dance floor, Daniella and Pasha share a personal life as dynamic as their professional one. The two tied the knot in 2014 after five years of dating, and in 2023, they welcomed their daughter, Nikita Sofia Pashkova. But even parenthood hasn’t slowed Daniella down. She’s back for season 33, laser-focused on taking another NBA star to the top.

As the competition kicks off on September 17, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Karagach is chasing her second Mirrorball Trophy, and Howard is looking to prove he’s more than just a basketball powerhouse. Can this unlikely duo rise to the occasion, or will the pressure of the ballroom be too much to handle?

The dance floor has seen plenty of stars, but there’s something about this partnership that feels electric. With Karagach’s track record of turning athletes into dance sensations and Howard’s sheer determination, season 33 of Dancing With The Stars promises to be one of the most thrilling yet.