Danielle Fishel & Pasha Pashkov’s Week 5 Dance Honors Mr. Feeny on ‘Dancing With the Stars’

Danielle Fishel delivered one of the most heartfelt performances of “Dancing With the Stars” Season 34 during Week 5’s Dedication Night on Tuesday, October 14, 2025. The 44-year-old actress, best known for her iconic role as Topanga in “Boy Meets World,” took the ballroom floor with pro dancer Pasha Pashkov to pay tribute to her beloved mentor and on-screen teacher, William Daniels — the legendary Mr. Feeny.

The emotional jive was more than a dance. It was a celebration of friendship, mentorship, and the lasting legacy of a television teacher who shaped generations. Fishel’s former co-stars and Daniels himself were present in the ballroom, making the night a deeply nostalgic reunion for fans and cast alike.

A Heartfelt Jive and a Touching Reunion

Fishel and Pashkov performed a lively jive to the “Boy Meets World” theme song by Twenty Cent Crush featuring Phil Rosenthal. The number was a throwback to the beloved 1990s series that defined a generation, and the audience responded with cheers and tears alike.

Eight of Fishel’s former castmates, including Matthew Lawrence (Jack Hunter), Trina McGee (Angela Moore), Betsy Randle (Amy Matthews), and William Russ (Alan Matthews), were in attendance. The highlight came when 98-year-old William Daniels himself joined the pair on the ballroom floor, creating a powerful and unforgettable moment for viewers.

“This dance is a dedication from me to Bill, but I am representing ALL OF YOU who loved and appreciated him and his career for so many decades,” Fishel wrote on Instagram ahead of the performance. The heartfelt message captured the spirit of the tribute — a collective thank you to a man whose influence extended far beyond the small screen.

The judges awarded Fishel and Pashkov a score of 29 out of 40. While the pair fell just short of their goal of receiving their first eight, the performance was widely praised. Kym Johnson described it as “very effortless,” while Bruno Tonioli called it “a wonderful number” and praised Fishel as “a great performer.” Carrie Ann Inaba said the dance was “so nostalgic” and “what we all needed,” though she noted some repetitive choreography. Derek Hough summed up the performance as “lively, light, and lovable.”

Danielle Fishel Reflects on the Meaning Behind the Dance

Fishel had revealed her plans to honor Daniels on the October 8 episode of her podcast “Danielle With the Stars,” confirming that her former co-star would be part of the performance. “None other than Mr. Bill Daniels will be joining me in the ballroom for the show,” she said. “Mr. Feeny himself is going to be on the ballroom floor with me.”

For Fishel, the performance marked a “second act” in her career. “It’s really a dedication to Bill and the role he has played in my life and the role ‘Boy Meets World’ has played in my life,” she shared. “To be able to say thank you to him and give him this kind of a platform for him to receive the love that he deserves is going to be very memorable.”

Fans flooded social media with emotional reactions after the dance aired, many expressing how much “Boy Meets World” and Daniels’ character had meant to them growing up. The moment resonated deeply with viewers who felt they were watching not just a performance, but a heartfelt reunion and tribute to a cultural icon.

For longtime fans, Danielle Fishel and Pasha Pashkov’s Week 5 dance was more than entertainment — it was a love letter to Mr. Feeny and the timeless lessons he taught.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: What song did Danielle Fishel and Pasha Pashkov dance to?

They performed a jive to the “Boy Meets World” theme song by Twenty Cent Crush featuring Phil Rosenthal.

Q2: What score did Danielle Fishel receive for her Week 5 dance?

Fishel and Pashkov earned a score of 29 out of 40 from the judges.

Q3: Was William Daniels present during the performance?

Yes, the 98-year-old actor joined Fishel and Pashkov on the ballroom floor, participating in the tribute dance.

Q4: What was the theme of Week 5 on ‘Dancing With the Stars’?

Week 5 was “Dedication Night,” where contestants performed routines dedicated to influential people in their lives.

Q5: How did fans react to Danielle Fishel’s tribute?

Fans shared emotional reactions online, celebrating the nostalgic reunion and praising the heartfelt tribute to Mr. Feeny.