Is perfecting dance moves tougher than military training? Dwight Howard is almost down to complain to his dance partner on Dancing with the Stars. The former NBA player is pushing himself harder than ever for the celebrity competition. He has teamed up with an incredibly supportive teammate. She has gone to great lengths to work with him. Yet, there’s one thing about his partner’s methods that’s truly testing his limits.

In every other episode, we see the former Orlando Magic star show off a new skill. But in the process, he has had to endure some tough and unusual exercises. His dance partner, Daniella Karagach, recently showed one of his routines. In her IG story, Howard was seen doing a wrist exercise that can improve his “wrist mobility” for the lifts in their choreography. 

As Karagach checked in on him, Howard explained the drill and why it was necessary, a little ‘done with the practice’ expression on his face. Her response? “That’s not anything crazy.” The 8x All-Star walks up to her with a smirk to hint at the efforts he has been putting in. 

The duo will be performing an Argentine Tango inspired by James Hinchliffe and Sharna Burgess’ dance in season 23 for their next showcase. It is going to be a little special, not just for the duo, but the entire show as they celebrate the 500th episode of Dancing With the Stars. Some of this practice and Karagach’s insistent push will do good for Howard. Because, apart from their routine, the participants will also be tasked with a ‘think-on-the-feet’ challenge. They will have 5 minutes to prepare for a dance and style allotted on the stage.

Dwight Howard holds a few expectations as the show returns after a two-week hiatus. More so, having grown each episode, thanks to rigorous practice. Considering his NBA training and his experience in Special Forces, Howard is no stranger to pushing his limits and he will need to do just that after the standard he set during the Halloween episode. 

Dwight Howard and Danielle Karagach’s first achievement in DWTS

The former Lakers star and Karagach had a lot to juggle while performing on Dancing with the Stars. Howard had to be present in New York for legal proceedings related to a fraud case. But he also needed to attend rehearsals. 

To arrange his schedule, Karagach flew all the way to New York to ensure he wouldn’t miss practice. Their dedication paid off during the Halloween-themed horror night, where their contemporary dance to Ring Around the Rosie by District 78 earned them the season’s first perfect 10 from the judge, Carrie Ann Inaba. With a combined total of 31, the duo ranked 3rd that evening. 

Much credit goes to Karagach’s choreography, which included jaw-dropping lifts and moves that only a partner standing 6’10” could execute. In a conversation with Woman’s World Magazine, she said, “We did tricks that you probably can’t do with someone shorter.” Her experience of winning with Iman Shumpert has clearly helped, as she creatively adapted to show their best performance.

If the former Los Angeles Lakers star continues this momentum and garners a little more love and support, the Mirrorball Trophy might just be within reach.