Dvir and Mizrahi: Tough Judges, Honest Critiques, and a New Season on the Floor

Dvir and Eli Mizrahi, two veteran dance authorities in Israel, are back at the judges’ table for the fifth season of “Dancing with the Stars,” airing a new episode on Saturday after the news on Keshet 12. In a Mako interview published June 19 and updated June 20, they discussed the show’s newest addition, the pressure of judging, and personal details including Dvir’s new tattoos.

For the first time, the reality show has a male majority in a format devoted entirely to dance. Mizrahi said the old stereotype has already faded, adding that many young men dance today and that the program “gave that a very strong push” and “made a revolution.” The new fourth judge is former show dancer Haim Perstein, whom both welcomed warmly. Dvir said that if someone has knowledge, can speak well, and has a dancer’s background like Perstein, he should be allowed to judge. Mizrahi said Perstein worked hard, and that joining the panel is “a privilege, not a favor.”

Asked who impressed them over the years, Mizrahi named Lee Biran and Adi Havshush, saying the strongest contestants are those who reach the quarterfinals or finals despite the physical and mental strain. Dvir said Danel Greenberg has surprised him most so far, and he believes she will go all the way. When asked whom they would most like to dance with from this season’s cast, Dvir chose Shiri Maimon, while Mizrahi also highlighted Maimon and Greenberg and said all the female contestants look promising.

Both judges defended harsh criticism as part of the job. Dvir said pain and injuries are understandable, but competition leaves no room for sentimentality, noting that he has performed after surgeries and that this is the profession. Mizrahi said judges must give constructive advice so contestants can continue. Dvir admitted that after filming he replays his comments in his head, saying, “I am not sorry, but maybe I should have been more delicate sometimes and less judgmental.”

The interview also touched on Dvir’s recent tattoos of SpongeBob, inspired by skin damage from sun exposure and his grandson’s love of the character. He said his wife was unhappy and feared it would enter his bloodstream and harm him. Mizrahi spoke about posting videos with his daughter Bar, describing her as a performer, actress, and singer, and said their time together builds a unique bond. Both also argued that dance should not be seen as stigmatized for men, with Dvir saying it is an art form and one of the most physically demanding disciplines.