As the world eagerly anticipates the thrilling new spin-off series from the renowned Dancing with the Stars franchise, “Dancing with the Stars: The Next Pro” emerges as a beacon of opportunity for rising talent in the dance competition arena. Premiering on July 13, 2026, this intense reality TV spectacle introduces 12 ambitious professional dancers who will vie for a coveted spot on the 35th season of Dancing with the Stars. These contestants gather not only to showcase their extraordinary skills in choreography and performance but also to endure a grueling audition process that tests their resilience, creativity, and passion. Set against the picturesque backdrop of Australia, they live together, pushing each other and themselves to new heights as they dance for their dreams.
Unlike traditional seasons where celebrity and pro dancer pairings dominate the spotlight, The Next Pro puts the spotlight squarely on the professional dancers themselves, underscoring their indispensable role in crafting the electrifying performances audiences have come to love. This reboot is designed to refocus attention on the artistry and athleticism of professional dancers, making them the central dynamic of the competition. From Latin ballroom masters to contemporary innovators, these 12 dancers represent a melting pot of styles and backgrounds. Each contestant brings a unique story, a distinct flair, and a distinctive approach to dance, reflecting the rich diversity and evolution of dance performance in 2026.
The stakes are remarkably high, as only one dancer will earn the opportunity to join the elite roster of professionals competing in season 35 of Dancing with the Stars. This singular prize symbolizes more than just career advancement; it embodies the culmination of years of discipline, the thrill of creative choreography, and the palpable tension and excitement that live performance demands. Previous champions like Robert Irwin have spoken to the significance of this opportunity, emphasizing how securing a contract on the show can be a life-changing milestone for professional dancers across the globe. As the world tunes in, the next generation of dance professionals is ready to step into the limelight, taking the stage with ambition, artistry, and unwavering dedication.
Profiles of the 12 Ambitious Contestants Shaping the Future of Professional Dance on ‘Dancing with the Stars: The Next Pro’
The heart of Dancing with the Stars: The Next Pro lies within its inspiring contestants. Each dancer embodies years of rigorous training, perfection of technique, and an undying passion for their craft. Here’s an in-depth look at the 12 dancers competing for the iconic pro spot, illustrating the diversity of their expertise and backgrounds, as well as the challenges and triumphs they bring to this unprecedented dance competition.
Adele Zaikman: Latin Dance Powerhouse and Championship Contender
Adele Zaikman holds an impressive record, regarded as a “consistent top finisher” in the world’s most prestigious Latin dance championships. Her trophy cabinet features coveted wins from the Blackpool Dance Festival, an event known globally as the pinnacle of ballroom and Latin dance achievement. Living in Los Angeles, Adele not only performs but also guides the next generation as a dance teacher, merging the roles of performer and mentor with finesse.
Her mastery of Latin dance—from the seductive salsa to electrifying cha-cha—showcases her technical prowess and her innate ability to translate passion into movement. Contestants like Adele bring a competitive edge seasoned by international experience, setting a high bar for choreography and execution on the DWTS stage.
AJ Pritchard: British Dance Sensation with a Reality TV Edge
AJ Pritchard’s journey to The Next Pro is rooted in his three-year tenure as a professional dancer on the iconic British dance competition, Strictly Come Dancing. Known for his charismatic stage presence and technical versatility, AJ also boasts appearances on reality shows like I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here!, broadening his appeal beyond traditional dance audiences. As the older brother of Love Island’s Curtis Pritchard, AJ embodies the blend of reality TV star power and serious dance credentials.
This mix of technique and widespread media exposure equips AJ with unique competitive advantages. His experience on an internationally celebrated show translates directly into his ability to handle the pressure and demands of Dancing with the Stars: The Next Pro, where performance and personality are equally vital.
Allen Genkin: The Veteran with Deep DWTS Roots and a Dance Studio Legacy
Allen Genkin’s relationship with Dancing with the Stars stretches back to winning the 2012 “Ballroom Battle” challenge on the series, putting him on the DWTS map. Now a co-owner of a dance studio in Northern California, Allen brings not only his competitive edge but also his expertise as a mentor and entrepreneur within the dance community.
His journey underscores a vital narrative of perseverance and dedication, with nearly a decade and a half of experience evolving from competitor to a dance industry influencer. Allen embodies how professional dancers often balance performance, teaching, and business, creating sustainable careers rooted in passion and innovation.
Inside the Rigorous Audition Process: How ‘Dancing with the Stars: The Next Pro’ Tests Endurance and Artistic Brilliance
The competitive spirit driving the contestants on Dancing with the Stars: The Next Pro is matched only by the intensity of the weeks-long audition process they face in Australia. Unlike traditional dance competitions that focus solely on individual or paired performances, this process challenges these professional dancers to live and work together under one roof, creating a high-pressure environment that simulates the realities of professional touring and TV production.
This environment fosters constant collaboration and conflict, reflecting the often complex dynamics of professional dance troupes. Contestants experiment with choreography across multiple genres, from Argentine tango and contemporary to hip-hop and jazz. Each week brings new challenges designed to test adaptability, stamina, and creativity, forcing dancers to demonstrate not only impeccable technique but also original choreography that resonates with audiences and judges alike.
Physical and mental endurance play crucial roles here. Long rehearsal hours demand peak physical conditioning, while the psychological strain of living closely with fierce competitors tests resilience and emotional intelligence. Contestants must manage fatigue, injuries, and the pressure of constant evaluation, all within a reality TV context that heightens stakes and viewer engagement.
Adding a layer of complexity is the emphasis on choreography innovation. Dancers are not only judged on their ability to perform but also on their creativity in crafting routines that are fresh, dynamic, and reflective of their unique artistic voices. This dual expectation of performance and choreography excellence ensures the winner is not just a dancer, but a visionary professional ready to elevate the Dancing with the Stars franchise.
An Example of the Week-by-Week Challenge Structure
- Week 1: Solo performances focusing on classical ballroom and Latin dance techniques.
- Week 2: Partnered routines demonstrating chemistry and synchronization.
- Week 3: Freestyle choreography with an emphasis on storytelling and originality.
- Week 4: Group ensemble pieces testing adaptability and leadership.
- Week 5: Immunity challenges based on audience and judge votes.
- Week 6: Final performance showing all-around versatility before the ultimate decision.
This progression is designed to reflect the multifaceted skill set required of a DWTS professional, ensuring the chosen contestant excels in every aspect of this demanding industry.
Dance Styles and Choreography Trends Uniting the Contestants of ‘The Next Pro’
As the 12 dancers take the stage on Dancing with the Stars: The Next Pro, their repertoires showcase an impressive array of dance styles emblematic of 2026’s evolving choreography landscape. Latin dance remains a cornerstone of the competition but with new twists influenced by global dance fusion trends. Contestants blend ballroom foundations with contemporary flair, hip-hop inflections, and theatrical elements to create striking, diverse performances.
Several contestants bring unique backgrounds that influence their choreographic choices:
- Benjamin Castro integrates contemporary, ballet, and acrobatic elements learned from his early start in Miami and experience on So You Think You Can Dance.
- Briar Nolet merges dance with acting, drawing on her experience from NBC’s World of Dance and her roles in television, bringing storytelling deeply into her performances.
- Selena Hamilton combines classical ballet techniques with modern dance forms; her work touring with Lindsey Stirling and Derek Hough adds a polished showbiz edge.
- Tristen Sanders, meanwhile, infuses hip-hop and ballroom with a gymnast’s precision and flair, illustrating the cross-disciplinary nature of today’s dance professionals.
This blend of styles reflects the increasingly hybrid nature of professional dance, demonstrating how contestants are crafting innovative choreography to captivate audiences and judges alike. It also reflects how the broader dance competition landscape is evolving, with fans seeking performances that balance technical brilliance, emotional depth, and entertainment value.
Table of Contestants Highlighting Backgrounds and Dance Credentials
| Name | Dance Styles | Notable Achievements | Professional Experience |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adele Zaikman | Latin, Ballroom | Blackpool Dance Festival Winner, Consistent Top Professional Competitor | Performer and Dance Teacher in Los Angeles |
| AJ Pritchard | Ballroom, Latin, Contemporary | Strictly Come Dancing Pro (3 Years), Reality TV Star | Contestant on I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here! |
| Allen Genkin | Ballroom, Latin | 2012 Ballroom Battle Winner | Co-Owner of Dance Studio in Northern California |
| Benjamin Castro | Contemporary, Ballet, Latin, Acrobatics | Top 7 on So You Think You Can Dance, Season 16 | Professional Dancer in Miami |
| Briar Nolet | Contemporary, Dance Acting | NBC World of Dance Season 3 Contestant, Actress | Known from The Next Step (TV Series) |
| Erik Linder | Ballroom, Latin | AGT Semifinalist Season 4, DWTS Guest Performer Season 11 | Choreographer and Dancer |
| Jake Monreal | Ballroom, Latin, Contemporary | Dancing with the Stars Juniors Contestant, SYTYCD Season 13 (7th place) | Professional Dancer |
| Natalie Jolley | Ballroom, Smooth | 8x U.S. National Champion, 6x UK Open Champion | Renowned Professional Competitor |
| Nina Mayster | Latin, Ballroom | USA Dance National Champion, WDO USA Vice Champion | Dance Studio Owner, Pennsylvania |
| Selena Hamilton | Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Contemporary | Featured Dancer in Viral Gap Commercial 2025, Tour with Lindsey Stirling | Touring Dancer and Performer |
| Stephani Sosa | Ballroom, Latin | DWTS Troupe Member (2021-2024), SYTYCD Contestant | Actress and Dancer |
| Tristen Sanders | Hip-Hop, Ballroom | Gymnastics Background, Atlanta Dance Teacher | Professional Dancer and Choreographer |
Living and Training Together: The Dynamics of Contestants Sharing a House During ‘The Next Pro’
A distinctive feature that sets Dancing with the Stars: The Next Pro apart from many other dance competitions is the contestants cohabitating in Australia throughout the audition process. This unique setup fosters a blend of camaraderie and competition, a crucible for intense artistic and personal growth.
Sharing living space means contestants are not only collaborators but also constant observers of one another’s routines, recovery strategies, and creative processes. This proximity accelerates feedback cycles, inspiring spontaneous rehearsals and challenging each artist to elevate their performance consistently. Yet, it also amplifies stress and requires exceptional interpersonal skills to navigate the social dynamics among highly ambitious dancers.
Living and training in close quarters pushes the dancers to develop resilience not just within their craft but also emotionally. Contestants learn to balance their competitive fire with empathy and strategic alliances, reflecting the real-world dancing ecosystem where collaboration and rivalry often coexist. This immersive environment refines dancers’ capabilities beyond technique, fostering mental stamina and emotional intelligence indispensable for long-term success in professional dance.
The Role of Professional Dancers in the Evolving Landscape of Reality TV Dance Competitions
Professional dancers are the cornerstone of all major dance competition shows, shaping choreography and enhancing performances with their expertise. Dancing with the Stars: The Next Pro recognizes this by placing professional dancers front and center, acknowledging them not only as background coaches but as dynamic performers and creators.
The dance competition television genre has evolved drastically. Initially showcasing celebrities paired with professional dancers, the focus has gradually shifted to emphasize the skills and artistry of pros themselves. This paradigm shift reaches a new height with The Next Pro, providing a platform exclusively for professionals to shine on their own merits.
This evolution also influences choreography innovation. Professional dancers like those competing here are trendsetters, pushing boundaries with bold, cross-genre fusion and storytelling-driven dances. These performances captivate global audiences, enhancing the spectacle and emotional impact of reality TV.
Moreover, the exposure professionals gain translates into broader career opportunities, including choreography for prominent artists, theatrical productions, and international tours. Shows like this can redefine what it means to be a professional dancer in 2026, spotlighting them as both athletes and artists who drive the culture forward.
The upcoming season promises exhilarating choreography and unforgettable performances, each contestant demonstrating why they are considered among the most promising professional dancers today. Their dreams, discipline, and artistry converge to create a fresh chapter in the world of dance competitions.
Impact on the Future of ‘Dancing with the Stars’ and Professional Dance Careers
Dancing with the Stars: The Next Pro is not only a competition but a strategic innovation for the franchise’s future. By investing deeply in the discovery and development of professional dance talent, the show ensures a pipeline of fresh creatives energizing the program’s core with new styles, perspectives, and stories.
For upcoming professional dancers, this series embodies a tangible career ladder, highlighting how dedication leads to high-profile opportunities. The intense scrutiny and public platform serve to raise the standards of professionalism and creativity expected from two-time (and future) DWTS pros, influencing how dance education and performance are approached globally.
The singular pro spot gains value as a coveted milestone, encouraging emerging dancers to hone choreography skills and stage presence more than ever. This shift aligns with contemporary audience preferences for authentic, technically advanced, and emotionally resonant performances, which are essential in sustaining long-term engagement with the franchise.
Lastly, as the world looks to 2026 and beyond, the show’s influence extends beyond television into dance studios, competitions, and training programs worldwide, inspiring a new generation of dancers to dream bigger and perform with passion and professionalism.
A Glimpse at what Winning Could Mean for Contestants
- Guaranteed professional contract on Dancing with the Stars Season 35
- Increased industry recognition as a leading professional dancer
- Networking opportunities with top choreographers and performers
- Expanded creative freedom to develop and present choreography on a large stage
- Potential for international tours and commercial collaborations
Audience Expectations and Media Reaction to the New Format in 2026
The announcement and eventual airing of Dancing with the Stars: The Next Pro have sparked vigorous excitement and speculative commentary across media platforms in 2026. Fans and critics alike have expressed anticipation for a fresh take on a beloved franchise, praising the decision to highlight professional dancers with ambitious journeys and impressive chops.
Social media responses emphasize the allure of watching these dancers live together, compete fiercely yet creatively, and vie for a singular pro spot. Many see the format as a raw, behind-the-scenes glimpse into the realities of professional dance life, elevating the show’s authenticity and emotional resonance.
Critics have lauded the potential for revitalizing the franchise, noting how focusing on the professionals can renew storytelling avenues and performance dynamics that sometimes stagnated in star-centered seasons. Reviews highlight the caliber of the contestants, noting their achievements from international championships to reality TV backgrounds.
The expanded spotlight on choreography and dance innovation aligns with 2026’s entertainment trends, where audiences crave not just spectacle but substantive artistry and personal stories. As the season unfolds, ratings and fan engagement are expected to reflect the success of this ambitious reinvention.
En Brief: Key Points About the ‘Dancing with the Stars: The Next Pro’ Contestants
- 12 professional dancers compete in an intense, weeks-long audition in Australia for a single pro spot on DWTS Season 35.
- The show emphasizes the artistry, performance skills, and choreography talents of professional dancers, shifting focus from celebrity participants.
- Contestants bring a diverse range of dance styles, from ballroom and Latin to contemporary, hip-hop, and acrobatics.
- Living together during the audition fosters collaboration and fierce competition, testing endurance and emotional resilience.
- The winner secures a life-changing contract that can launch their career to new heights in the world of dance and entertainment.
What is the main goal of Dancing with the Stars: The Next Pro?
The primary objective is to find and crown a new professional dancer who will join the pro roster of Dancing with the Stars season 35, showcasing exceptional dance ability and choreography skills.
How does the audition process work on The Next Pro?
Contestants live together in Australia and engage in weekly challenges involving solo, partnered, freestyle, and group dance routines, highlighting both performance and choreography under intense scrutiny.
What makes this version different from previous Dancing with the Stars seasons?
Unlike traditional seasons focused on celebrity and pro pairings, this spin-off centers exclusively on professional dancers, emphasizing their artistry and creative input in the competition.
Can viewers expect new dance styles or choreography innovations?
Yes, the show features a blend of traditional ballroom and Latin with contemporary, hip-hop, and fusion styles, reflecting current trends and artistic evolution in dance.
Who are some contestants with prior Dancing with the Stars experience?
Contestants like Allen Genkin and Stephani Sosa have deep ties to the DWTS franchise, bringing valuable insider experience to the competition.