Tatyana Ali Honors James Avery With Emotional Viennese Waltz on Dancing With the Stars
On the upcoming Dedication Night of Dancing With the Stars, Tatyana Ali and her professional partner Jan Ravnik will perform a Viennese waltz that serves as a love letter to her late TV father, James Avery. The tribute, set to Nancy Wilson’s “(You Don’t Know) How Glad I Am,” aims to honor Avery’s lasting influence and the encouragement he gave Ali throughout her career.
A Tribute to a Mentor
Ali, who portrayed Ashley Banks on The Fresh Prince of Bel‑Air, recalls Avery as more than just Uncle Phil—he was a mentor whose belief in her talent endured long after the cameras stopped rolling. “He was really a mentor to me, and I wanted to honor him,” she says. Avery, who passed away in December 2013 at age 68, is remembered for his imposing yet tender presence, a duality Ali describes as “a giant of a man, but also such a sweet, sweet, sweet teddy bear.”
“He planted seeds in people everywhere he went. He was just the most incredible humanitarian. And he loved the arts and believed it had power.” — Tatyana Ali
The Dance and the Song
The choice of Nancy Wilson’s soulful track is deliberate; Wilson was one of Avery’s favorite jazz artists. Ali explains that Avery’s love for music and jazz informed his approach to storytelling, and she hopes the waltz conveys both the elegance and emotional depth he embodied. In rehearsal, Ali describes herself as “a baby bird,” emphasizing her humility as a beginner in ballroom dance, while Ravnik patiently guides her through each step, mindful of the performance’s personal significance.
Reunion With Alfonso Ribeiro
Adding to the sentimental atmosphere, Alfonso Ribeiro—Ali’s on‑screen brother and current DWTS co‑host—will join the routine. The pair will reunite as Ashley and Carlton Banks to celebrate the man who played their father, creating a nostalgic moment for fans of the original series. Ali teased the surprise in a rehearsal video, hinting at a special addition before bringing Ribeiro into the frame.
What to Expect on Dedication Night
The live episode airs Tuesday, Oct. 20, at 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC and Disney+, with next‑day streaming on Hulu. Ali hopes viewers will see the person behind the iconic character, feeling the same protectiveness and warmth Avery displayed on screen. “I just want to honor him,” she says. “I think that’s how we keep people alive in our lives.”
As the competition progresses, Ali continues to embrace the challenge of learning a new art form, viewing each rehearsal as a step toward honoring Avery’s legacy. The performance promises to be a moving tribute that blends dance, music, and memory.
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