After 19 years and 33 seasons, Dancing with the Stars reaches quite the achievement today with its 500th episode. Based on the British series Strictly Come Dancing, the American television phenomenon continues to take the world by storm, celebrating ballroom dancing with a wide range of celebrities from many walks of life.

Hosted by Alfonso Ribeiro & Julianne Hough and produced for ABC and Disney+ by BBC Studios Los Angeles Productions, Dancing with the Stars is arguably even more popular today than ever before, as the show has grabbed the attention of audiences of all ages, through its engaging social media presence, its wildly impressive production and by maintaining its clear objective to unify audiences through dance.

To celebrate this rare television milestone, I spoke with many of the creatives leading the way on our screens right now, to uncover their current outlooks surrounding this longtime beloved primetime show.

When asked what has kept Dancing with the Stars such a major staple within the television landscape, showrunner Conrad Green said, “Dance is a very powerful form of entertainment and the show is a great way of packaging it for TV. Ballroom dancing has rules, so the judging of it is easier to follow than more abstract dance styles. When you add the competition, the unpredictability of live TV, celebrities trying something they’ve never done before and the general warmth of the show, it’s a pretty compelling package. It’s also a great family show, and at a time when TV is getting more and more niche, there aren’t many shows left that many generations can watch together.”

Now at its 500th episode, the Dancing with the Stars judges Carrie Ann Inaba, Derek Hough and Bruno Tonioli also weighed in on what it means for them to continue to be a part of this show.

Inaba said, “It’s sort of unbelievable. I remember when we had our 100th episode and I thought that was such a feat. Back in the day, we were still kind of new in this world of reality, alternative programming, competition shows. No one had heard of Dancing with the Stars. I remember on day one, meeting (the late) Len (Goodman) and Bruno for the very first time and sitting at that panel together and having instant chemistry. We only had six episodes – we were this small, little show that no one knew was going to do well. I think it’s just such a testament to how beautiful dance is and that makes me so happy because dance has been my life.”

Tonioli added: “It’s like your true love – every time we see each other, we fall in love again. It means a lot to me because obviously, I was invited in Hollywood, which was beyond my wildest dreams 19 years ago. It’s a dream come true! It’s the passion that goes with it and how it’s not just me – I think everybody involved really believes in and loves the show.”

Hough, who is a 6-time Dancing with the Stars champion-turned-judge, said, “It’s the gift that keeps on giving. This show is so special and so unique. Even before I was on the show, I was just a background dancer on the tour. Then, getting the opportunity to be on the show and all the different partners I’ve had and all the different results, and now being a judge and the awards and the experiences. So much has happened, at least in my life, personally. I pretty much grew up on that show. I learned how to choreograph, I learned how to teach, I learned how to coach. It was this huge training ground and to think that it’s still here – and not just still here but thriving and literally being at the top of its game, better than ever in popularity.”

Growth is a big theme that this season’s celebrities, still in the running for the coveted mirror ball trophy, as well as the Dancing with the Stars judges, have noticed within themselves throughout their journeys with the show so far.

Super Bowl champion Danny Amendola said, “It’s definitely a journey – it’s a process. I love every minute of it, so it’s so fun to get out there and learn and observe – and I’m learning from the best, so it’s been a great experience.”

Olympic rugby player Ilona Maher said, “I think it’s really gotten me outside of my comfort zone. For years now, I’ve been playing rugby in my comfort zone – something that I’m so good at, that I’m so powerful at. I mean, this has tested me in so many ways and I think I was scared to do it because I knew it was going to be so hard, but truly, I think I’m just a braver person. I’m ready to take on more things – whether it’s maybe acting in the future – whatnot. I think this is almost a gateway to do that, because it’s just so out of my comfort zone.”

NBA champion Dwight Howard said, “I would say mentally, spiritually and physically, I’ve grown since I’ve been here – really learning how to communicate with your partner. It can be difficult but this has really helped me with my communication skills. I’m very thankful for this show because that’s been one thing that I’ve wanted to be better at as a human – just communication – and this show, you have to really communicate, even when you don’t want to or you’re mad – all that stuff. So, this has been really good for me.”

TV star Chandler Kinney said, “I have grown to be more accepting of process. I think I’m very goal-oriented, and with my perfectionism, I know what I want and I know when I want and that’s not achievable in this system, in this show, in this structure. (My partner) Brandon (Armstrong) has been very lovely and supportive with helping me understand that – the lesson is in the growth and like you have to move through that, in order to get the result that you want.”

Olympic gymnast Stephen Nedoroscik said, “Dance itself is something that I’ve been uncomfortable with – I don’t think I’m good at it, so this journey has been sort of like facing challenges and doing things that make you uncomfortable and becoming comfortable in it. I mean, millions of people watch me do these dances. It’s very stressful, but it’s so rewarding at the same time. So, I think more than anything, this show has taught me to push my own horizons.”

The Bachelor reality star Joey Graziadei said, “I feel like mainly what I’ve grown on is just challenging myself everyday. The dancing is a plus, to be able to feel a little more confident going on a dance floor moving forward in my life, but I think, really, the mental challenge of this show of just putting you in an uncomfortable situation and continuing to try to see how far you can push yourself and push your boundaries of just getting out of your comfort zone. So, I think a lot of that has been what I’ve grown a ton on, is just getting more confident to my ability to just be a performer – to have fun and challenge myself everyday.”

As for the Dancing with the Stars judges, Tonioli said, “I always have that excitement to keep the show fresh and relevant and relatable – get the audience to connect with you. Every time you do a show, it’s almost like you rewire your brain and you learn from every performance.”

Inaba said, “I will say that I have thicker skin now, after being a judge. People don’t understand being a judge is quite difficult. It’s actually hard to speak your truth, even when you know it’s going to create an uproar. I have always taken my job very seriously. It’s all fun and entertaining, but I also have a very high level of integrity for myself – like I really want to help these people get the most of the experience, so I always speak the truth. They don’t have to agree me, but I’m going to tell them what I think because I think that’s what we’re there for – is to give them feedback.”

Hough said, “I look at some old videos of me from the show and I’m like – Look at that kid, man! I was having the time of my life or I was like going through a really rough time. I look at the show and I’ve had like eight different renditions of me as a person, you know? It’s pretty incredible and I’ve grown so much as a person, but to be able to meet so many different types of people and different walks of life, that’s one thing that’s so amazing about this show, is you get such an eclectic group of people, from astronauts to Grammy award winners to Oscar winners to war veterans, Olympic athletes – you name it. We’re so fortunate to get to know all these people from different worlds. It’s very unique, very special – and yeah, it has helped me grow a lot as a person.”

So, what does it mean for the professional dancers currently on Dancing with the Stars to be a part of a show that continues to highlight and praise an artistry that they have devoted themselves to their entire lives?

Amendola’s partner Witney Carson said, “This show creates so many opportunities for dancers. You know, dancers used to be just in the background in music videos behind artists, but now, this is really giving us like a platform to use our voice, use our talent, use our creative talents. I’m grateful to be a part of something like this. It’s amazing.”

Maher’s partner Alan Bersten said, “Honestly, it’s a blessing, and this season, there’s been a resurgence. You go online and Dancing with the Stars is everywhere. It’s such a great thing to see because my whole life has been dancing, and if this show wasn’t here, I would still dance for my passion but the fact that I get to do it in front of millions of people with some of the most impressive people – Ilona – all the celebrities here. It is just a dream come true and every single year that we’re back, it’s a blessing.”

Howard’s partner Daniella Karagach said, “Oh my gosh, this is the best show ever. This is such a huge family and the opportunity to even be on the show as a pro is a huge deal and not everyone gets a chance to do it. I’m so blessed to be able to do this with the people around here. I mean, this is the only show for ballroom and the only show really left for dancing, so the fact that I get to really just like share my expertise but also create pieces for us specifically is so special. So, I’m really excited for the rest of the competition and I’m blessed to be here.”

Kinney’s partner Brandon Armstrong said, “This show to me means everything, especially for ballroom dancing, which is such a niche style of dance, right? Chandler has danced before – she has never done ballroom – she has never even done partnering. So, I think this show gives a platform for people to grow and learn a style from the very beginning, and it’s super important.”

Nedoroscik’s partner Rylee Arnold said, “I have grown up watching this show and it has been my biggest dream to be on it. So, the fact that I get to be here, I get to do dances that I’m proud of every single week and have a partner like Stephen to just play with and do cool choreography on, it’s so special and it just makes my dancing heart so happy.”

Graziadei’s partner Jenna Johnson said, “I joined season 18 and the fact we’re celebrating season 33 and 500 episodes is just a testament to the power of dance, but also I think the joy that Dancing with the Stars brings to the world. It’s amazing that I get to celebrate my art form, but also make it a career and showcase my talents on national TV. As a little girl, this was my dream – and so, I’m so grateful to be a part of this show, and hopefully, we get to celebrate another 500 episodes.”

As audiences watch each episode live, either in the Dancing with the Stars ballroom studio or from the comforts of their home on TV, this well-oiled machine does not just happen. There are so many moving parts and many hardworking people behind-the-scenes, doing their part to put on a successful show.

Showrunner Green said of his team, “There are over 400 people involved in the making of the show, so there’s a huge amount of unsung heroes. Our wardrobe team create amazing pieces, week after week. The makeup team is remarkable and so versatile. The band is brilliant – whatever songs they’re tasked with. Many of the brilliant studio camera team have been on the show since day one. There are so many professionals playing at the top of their game and they love the show because of its longevity.”

Hough said, “To say it’s a village is an understatement. It’s a small continent that makes this show tick. What I love about it too is the camera operators, the crew, the grips, the lighting – the creative department, the set, the props, the costume, the wardrobe, the makeup. I mean, the list goes on and on and on and on. It’s like a symphony – it’s a beautiful symphony that works together to make it live. It’s quite an achievement to produce a show like this and it’s a huge team effort on all accounts, just across the board.”

Tonioli said, “It’s incredible! Just to put the show together – the hair, the makeup, the costumes – the organization of the show. These people make the show happen. I mean, we arrive and everything around you has been worked out to perfection every single time.”

Inaba said, “What happens in a commercial break is we can go from one world to a completely new world within a minute – tw0 minutes – and it’s very impressive. Also, sometimes what people don’t see is when Alfonso is standing in a different location, they’re moving sets behind and we have the best crew ever. We have the best orchestra. Ray Chew Live – they’re incredible, what they do to that music. Our wardrobe department – I mean, everybody on this show works so hard. I wish people could see more of the behind-the-scenes. In fact, that should be the next special – we should do a special about behind-the-scenes – the making of Dancing with the Stars.”

As I began to conclude this 500th episode conversation, I wondered what they judges want to say to the loyal Dancing with the Stars TV viewers over these 19 years and 33 seasons so far, as they continue to tune in to see what happens next.

Inaba said, “I want to thank them for being with us. I want to thank them for staying with us all these years – for tuning in, for being passionate, for learning all about dance. Now wherever I go, I can talk about dance with anyone on the street. When we first started, it wasn’t that way. So, I love that they’re introducing their kids, their grandkids – the whole family is watching together. I hope they keep watching and I hope that they keep being inspired, and I hope that they keep voting! I love when they get passionate. I hope they keep watching forever!”

Hough said, “I would just say thank you so much. I thank you from the bottom of my heart. We never take it for granted. I certainly never, ever, ever take it for granted – the opportunity to be able to do what I love, to share this art form that I love so dearly, which is dance, with so many people. It’s truly a dream come true on every single level and surpassed anything that I could have ever imagined. Truly, we would not be here in our 500th episode without that unwavering love and support from our ‘OG’ fans and to new fans that are now getting to experience this beautiful gem that we have.”

Tonioli said, “All I can say is thank you, thank you, thank you! To me, everyone has been always so kind, so supportive, so encouraging. That is a great quality. I am so grateful and thankful – and hopefully, let’s do another 500!”