Dancing Near Disaster: Joe Amabile Reflects on His Frightening Halloween Routine

No one ever said that dancing isn’t a contact sport—a fact that Joe Amabile, better known as “Grocery Store Joe” from The Bachelorette, learned the hard way during his stint on Dancing With the Stars (DWTS). On a recent episode of his Bachelor Happy Hour podcast, Amabile relived a harrowing moment with his DWTS partner, professional dancer Jenna Johnson, in which a minor misstep nearly became a major catastrophe.

A Halloween Scare to Remember

“Remember when I almost snapped your neck?” Amabile asked Johnson during the podcast, referencing their Frankenstein-themed Argentine tango from the Halloween episode of season 27. Johnson, without missing a beat, replied, “The Halloween episode, yeah. You almost killed me. I swear on my life, she almost died. It was insane,” Amabile continued.

The pair’s Halloween routine featured intricate choreography, daring flips, and a climactic lift that, unfortunately, didn’t go quite as planned. Amabile’s arm placement was slightly off, and as Johnson attempted a backflip, the miscalculation sent her flipping forward awkwardly instead of completing the cartwheel move. “I don’t know how I did that,” Johnson recalled with a laugh. “It was the ending move, the final lift, and honestly, Joe, that was your best dance overall. We just…had that one little hiccup.”

The Fallout from the Mishap

Amabile admitted that lifting wasn’t his strong suit, saying, “It was the only position I couldn’t lift her in. It was like, ‘Just don’t do this.’ And of course, it’s what I did.”

Despite the fumble, Amabile’s good humor about the incident has kept the memory alive. “Jenna would walk off stage after every performance, look at me, and say, ‘What happened?’ And I’d just shrug and say, ‘I don’t know!’”

A Rocky Start but a Memorable Partnership

While Amabile and Johnson’s DWTS journey ended in the semifinals, the pair’s camaraderie was evident. Johnson, who initially preferred pairing with an NFL player due to their strength and athleticism, acknowledged that Amabile’s effort and charm won her over. “I’ve always wanted to partner with a football player because they’re athletic, coachable, and used to long hours of hard work,” she explained. “But Joe? Joe had heart, and he surprised me every week.”

Rumors swirled during the show’s run that Johnson may have been disappointed with her initial pairing. NFL star DeMarcus Ware, competing that season with pro Lindsay Arnold, was considered a coveted partner for his physicality and ability to execute complex lifts with ease. Amabile, however, brought his unique flair to the ballroom, earning fans and defying expectations week after week.

A Redemption Arc for Bachelor Nation

Amabile’s ballroom escapades may not have secured him a DWTS mirrorball trophy, but Bachelor Nation’s Joey Graziadei eventually broke the mold. Graziadei, who joined Johnson and Amabile on the podcast, partnered with Johnson in the most recent season of DWTS and took home the trophy, becoming the first male Bachelor alum to do so.

“Joey was a dream partner,” Johnson said. “He had the athleticism and dedication, and he learned to trust me completely. By the end, we moved as one unit.”

Serena Pitt’s Take

Amabile’s co-host and wife, Serena Pitt, couldn’t help but poke fun at her husband’s dance-floor woes. “This is why Jenna wanted a football player,” Pitt joked. “She’s probably thinking, ‘They’d never almost kill me on stage.”

Amabile took the ribbing in stride, laughing along as Pitt teased him about his less-than-graceful DWTS moments. Despite his occasional missteps, Amabile emphasized the fun and growth he experienced during his time on the show. “Dancing really pushed me out of my comfort zone,” he said. “And hey, I didn’t kill Jenna, so that’s a win.”

Dancing’s Hidden Risks

The near-disaster between Amabile and Johnson serves as a reminder of the physical risks involved in professional dancing. Although DWTS dazzles audiences with its glamorous costumes and seamless performances, the rehearsal room often tells a different story. Injuries are common, and trust between partners is paramount.

Johnson, a DWTS veteran, highlighted the challenges: “It’s not just about learning the steps. It’s about connecting with your partner and staying safe. Joe and I had our challenges, but we got through them, and I’ll always cherish our time together.”

Looking Ahead

While Amabile’s dancing days are behind him, he remains a beloved figure in Bachelor Nation and beyond. As for Johnson, her star continues to rise, with her recent DWTS win cementing her status as one of the show’s top pros. Reflecting on her partnership with Amabile, she said, “He may not have been a football player, but he had something special. And I’ll take that over brute strength any day.”

Amabile, for his part, concluded the podcast with a laugh. “I may not have brought home the trophy, but I brought home the memories—and that’s worth more than gold.”