‘Jack of All Trades’ is usually a term associated with athletes but when it comes to sports. However, Dwight Howard has been setting the stage on fire with his dance moves. When the NBA star stepped onto the ‘Dancing with the Stars’ floor, few expected the 6’10” basketball legend to move with such grace and rhythm. His transformation from hardwood heavyweight to dance floor dynamo came largely through the expertise of his professional partner, Daniella Karagach. However, behind the dazzling performances and visible on-screen chemistry lay a challenging partnership that took an emotional toll on the seasoned dance professional.

In the recent episode of Lightweights Podcast with Joe Vulpis, Karagach revealed the behind-the-scenes struggles that plagued their partnership during Season 31 of the popular dance competition. Despite their apparent synergy on camera, the professional dancer disclosed developing significant anxiety due to the unpredictable nature of their rehearsal schedule.

“So it wasn’t like we were traveling and then we had a 5-to-9 rehearsal. It was we were traveling we had a 5 to 9 rehearsal but he would only show up till 7 to 8 and then because he didn’t know himself what the schedule would be. So, it was just so all over the place that by the time I got to him, it was like he wasn’t there and I was so exhausted as well so it was not productive and basically those 2 days or 3 days that we had to train, it wasn’t like we were all there. Cause by the time we got from the airport to the home and we finally had two days in LA both of us were cooked so it was just like, it was so much in so little time and usually what happens is that I get to plan on my choreo and if something doesn’t work I can change it and I think I started developing anxiety,” said Karagach about the reason behind developing anxiety.

The pro dancer who had earlier won the show with the NBA star Iman Shumpert, also stated that earlier usually the contestants used to travel to their pro trainers for rehearsals but this time the dancer duo had to travel to New York since Howard had to resolve something. It can be speculated that the former Orlando Magic Star had to go to New York because of the legal case that has been going on regarding the incident when he was cheated of $7 million by a group of men regarding the purchase of the Atlanta Dream team.

“Calvin Darden, Jr. exploited the trust of former NBA players Dwight Howard and Chandler Parsons, using elaborate lies and deception to line his own pockets with millions. This conviction serves as a stark reminder that financial deceit will not be tolerated. This Office remains committed to pursuing those who exploit others, and we will work tirelessly to ensure that justice is served,” said US Attorney Damian Williams regarding the case.

However, despite the continued struggles in the rehearsals, the duo has amazed everyone with their jaw-dropping performances. Their electric performances, including their memorable jazz routine to “When Can I See You Again” which earned them a standing ovation, showcased Howard’s unexpected agility and Karagach’s brilliant choreography. They scored a total of 22 out of 30 points during the first week of their performance which was only second to the top score of the night. Now after the fifth week, they have a total of 125 points. But even though Karagach was overwhelmed by the routine schedule, she really admired one quality in Howard.

Daniella Karagach impressed with Howard’s fatherly duty

Previously Karagach had lauded Howard for his presence of mind during the dance competition as he had forgotten his dance moves midway during his performance on 3rd week. Instead of panicking, he came up with his own dance moves. Similarly, now, the pro dancer is touched by Howard’s fatherly duties.

During the same podcast, Karagach explained how it felt to rehearse with the former NBA player when she shared a heartwarming anecdote about a time when Howard had to miss a rehearsal due to a commitment. “I was panicked and I’m like how I’m gonna make this work with someone so tall and we started two days after GMA because his kids had a game, he didn’t want to miss their game in which I was like that is so sweet, I would probably do the same and he’s such a great dad, I was really happy that he got to spend some time with his kids before the season started,” said Karagach during the podcast.

The former NBA center has five kids that he shares with five different mothers. He has three sons, Braylon, Dwight III, and David, and two daughters, Layla and Jayde. Karagach, even after talking about the rehearsal struggles, found this gesture incredibly sweet, highlighting Howard’s unwavering dedication to his role as a father.