Danielle Fishel Reveals Upcoming DWTS Dance Has Triggered ‘Disordered Eating’ Issues

Danielle Fishel shared her struggles with her Dancing With the Stars performance for the upcoming Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Night.

“We are performing ‘Dream On’ by Aerosmith,” Fishel, 44, stated during the Monday, November 3, episode of her “Danielle With the Stars” podcast. “Our dance tells the story of the challenges women face in a society where we are often deemed either too much or never enough—whether we work inside or outside the home. If you choose to work outside, you’re selfish because your children need you, and if you stay home, you’re seen as boring.”

She elaborated, “If you get botox and fillers, you aren’t aging gracefully, and if you age naturally, you look old. If you’re too thin, you’re told to eat more, and if you gain weight, you’re told to get active. It feels impossible to win. After being in the public eye since I was 10, my decisions have been closely examined. I’ve made my share of mistakes, and the pressure is triggering many emotions in me.”

While chatting with her guest, former DWTS professional Louis van Amstel, Fishel explained that preparing for her performance has led to “negative self-talk,” “disordered eating,” and other personal challenges. She admitted that instead of “leaning into” the dance—a contemporary routine with partner Pasha Pashkov—the unexpected reactions are making her hesitant to proceed.

“It’s been a tough week,” she continued. “However, recognizing this has made me realize how thankful I am to be talking to you and how much your advice resonates with me. It’s evident this is hitting an emotional chord, and there’s significance to this dance.”

Van Amstel commended Fishel for her honesty, calling the moment “beautiful and heartfelt.” He expressed that this is part of why he enjoyed being on Dancing With the Stars and reassured her that she has “nothing to lose” going into week 8.

“You’ve made it this far,” van Amstel encouraged. “You can either let the nerves overwhelm you or channel that adrenaline and show the world your performance.”

Pashkov supported his partner in an “Pod Meets World” Instagram clip of the episode, leaving some clapping emojis and stating, “This is what makes this show transformative. It isn’t easy, but overcoming challenges is life changing!”

Fishel’s husband, Jenson Karp, also expressed his admiration. “I love you and am truly amazed by your courage,” he wrote. “Leave everything on that dance floor.”

During the podcast, van Amstel reminded Fishel that she’s already been successful so far, encouraging her to channel her nerves into strength and energy, and to say, “People at home, watch this.”

Fishel acknowledged van Amstel’s encouraging words, mentioning that while she’s been “struggling” this week, she has also celebrated some achievements. She is co-captain for season 34’s first team dance competition, describing the experience as “incredible.”

“If I may say so, I assembled an all-star team with a well-thought-out strategy, and it has really paid off,” Fishel told of her group, named “Team Chicago,” which features Whitney Leavitt, Jordan Chiles, Dylan Efron, their pro partners, and cohost Alfonso Ribeiro. (“Team Chicago” will perform to Chicago’s “25 or 6 to 4,” while the rival “Team Kool,” led by Andy Richter, will dance to “Celebration” by Kool & the Gang.)

“I was excited about my choices, yet I feel like I’m the weakest link on the team, which isn’t pleasant,” Fishel admitted. “It’s tough feeling like everyone is picking it up more quickly while I need things to slow down.”

Van Amstel reassured the Boy Meets World star to “let go of that notion,” emphasizing that she isn’t the “weakest link” but rather someone with less experience.

“The pressure is on them, not you,” he noted. “Everyone can see how far you’ve come from week 1 and appreciate your likability. You possess the character needed for the dance. Regardless of your teammates, the only thing you can control is your movements and your engagement with the music.”

He also advised Fishel to steer clear of social media, cautioning that focusing too much on public opinion can lead to distress.

When Fishel asked him for “one” key piece of advice after her dance, van Amstel suggested she “strip away the remaining layers” and reveal her “authentic, emotional self” that he believes has been restrained throughout the season.

“Though we haven’t met, your kindness comes through. It’s evident in the connection you have with Pasha,” he remarked. “But I would say, ‘F*** kindness. Go for it!’”

Fishel and Pashkov achieved all 8s for their Halloween jazz routine during the October 28 episode, advancing to week 8 after The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives’ Jen Affleck and partner Jan Ravinik were eliminated. She continues in the competition alongside Richter, Leavitt, Efron, Chiles, Robert Irwin, Elaine Hendrix, and Alix Earle.

Dancing With the Stars airs Tuesdays on Disney+ and ABC at 8 p.m. ET. Episodes become available to stream the following day on Hulu.