Fishel Shines in “Dancing with the Stars” Season 34 Premiere

Boy Meets World star Danielle Fishel made her ballroom debut on Dancing with the Stars Season 34 premiere Monday night, performing a tango alongside partner Pasha Pashkov.

The 44-year-old actress joined 13 other celebrities competing for the coveted Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy as the hit ABC dance competition returned for its 20th anniversary season. Fishel, partnered with professional dancer Pasha Pashkov, performed a tango to Kelly Clarkson’s “Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You)” during the two-hour premiere broadcast.

Cancer Journey Motivated DWTS Participation

Fishel’s decision to join the show stems directly from her recent breast cancer treatment experience. The actress was diagnosed with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) in August 2024, undergoing a lumpectomy, revision surgery, and 20 rounds of radiation.

“The minute I was done with my cancer treatment, I thought to myself, ‘If this has shown me anything, it has shown me that I am not experiencing enough joy in my life,’” Fishel explained. She described her daily routine as “performing tasks and being there for my family and being there for work” but questioned “Where’s the fun?”

When approached about DWTS, Fishel said joining the show “was just the fastest” she’s ever said “yes”. Her 2025 mantra became “saying yes to this year,” making the dance competition the perfect opportunity to embrace more joy and fun in her life.

Boy Meets World Support System

Fishel’s former co-stars provided strong support for her DWTS journey. Will Friedle and Rider Strong, who co-host the “Pod Meets World” podcast with Fishel, attended the premiere alongside Lance Bass, Fishel’s former prom date and NSYNC member.

The actress revealed she “broke her NDA” by immediately calling Friedle and Strong about her casting to coordinate scheduling conflicts with their shared podcast. However, she noted they didn’t offer dance advice since “neither one of them have any dance experience either”.

Fishel expressed hope that William Daniels, who portrayed beloved teacher Mr. Feeny on Boy Meets World, might also attend future shows.

Partnership with Professional Pasha Pashkov

Fishel praised her professional partner Pasha Pashkov’s teaching abilities, describing him as “the best teacher” and saying she’s adopted his approach like “a sponge”. Pashkov complimented Fishel’s focus and natural dance abilities, stating she “has everything to be a dancer” including being “flexible, strong, balanced, coordinated”.

The pair described their working relationship as being “locked in” from the start, with Fishel noting she “didn’t think there was a match to my perfectionism but there is”. Pashkov confirmed their immediate chemistry, saying “She came in locked in. She came in today so focused”.

Health-Focused Preparation

Drawing from her cancer recovery experience, Fishel prioritized self-care during DWTS preparation. She established non-negotiable routines including stretching every morning and night, staying hydrated during intense rehearsals, and incorporating cold plunges for muscle recovery.

“I definitely am going to have to start routines,” Fishel admitted, acknowledging the physical demands of the competition. Her focus on health reflects lessons learned during her cancer treatment about prioritizing well-being alongside professional commitments.

New Podcast Launch

Concurrent with her DWTS participation, Fishel launched “Danielle With the Stars” podcast on September 3. The show features interviews with current and former contestants and professional dancers, with Fishel planning to record episodes immediately after live shows to capture fresh insights about performances, wardrobe issues, and behind-the-scenes moments.

Season 34 of Dancing with the Stars continues Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET on ABC and Disney+, with episodes available for streaming on Hulu the following day. The season features 14 celebrities including Olympic gymnast Jordan Chiles, influencer Alix Earle, and reality stars from “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives”.