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- Permission first: reaching out to Barbara Avery
- Designing the tribute: a blend of dance and song
- Alfonso Ribeiro’s involvement and on-set emotion
- Memories of James Avery and what he meant to the cast
- Judges’ reaction and scoring
- Key facts at a glance
- Behind the scenes: rehearsals and reflections
- Where and when to watch
Tatyana Ali turned a Dancing With the Stars routine into a deeply personal moment this week, honoring her late co-star James Avery with a musical ballroom tribute. She made clear the gesture was made with respect and care, saying she first secured the blessing of Avery’s widow before moving forward.
Permission first: reaching out to Barbara Avery
Before rehearsals began, Ali contacted Barbara Avery to explain her plans and ask for approval. She said the widow was supportive once she knew the details. Ali insisted she would not have performed without Barbara’s blessing.
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Designing the tribute: a blend of dance and song
Ali teamed with professional partner Jan Ravnik to craft a Viennese waltz tribute. Rather than a pure dance number, she sang live during the performance, adding a personal layer to the choreography.
Elements that made the moment distinct
- Music: “(You Don’t Know) How Glad I Am,” originally sung by Nancy Wilson
- Dance style: Viennese waltz
- Vocal presence: Ali provided her own singing
- Special guest: Alfonso Ribeiro joined on the ballroom floor
Alfonso Ribeiro’s involvement and on-set emotion
Ali invited her TV brother, Alfonso Ribeiro, to participate in the tribute. The two actors shared screen history as siblings on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, and Ribeiro described being part of the routine as a personal blessing.
Memories of James Avery and what he meant to the cast
Both performers reflected on Avery’s role in their lives. Ali framed him as a mentor and guiding presence who taught her the value of artistry and generosity. Ribeiro echoed that Avery was a pivotal figure and praised his warmth and intelligence.
Judges’ reaction and scoring
The performance earned a 32 out of 40 from the judges. Feedback noted the emotional weight of the tribute and the technical quality of the dance and vocals.
Key facts at a glance
- Honoree: James Avery, best known for The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air
- Performer: Tatyana Ali with pro Jan Ravnik
- Guest: Alfonso Ribeiro
- Song: “(You Don’t Know) How Glad I Am”
- Score: 32/40
- Avery’s passing: 2013, complications after open-heart surgery
Behind the scenes: rehearsals and reflections
Ali said every rehearsal felt surreal. Seeing Ribeiro step into the studio transported the pair back to their early careers, making the moment both nostalgic and cathartic. She emphasized that performing and singing the tribute was a rare chance to merge personal memory with public art.
Where and when to watch
New episodes of Dancing With the Stars air Tuesdays at 8 p.m. on ABC and Disney+. Episodes become available to stream on Hulu the next day.
