The highly anticipated spinoff Dancing With the Stars: The Next Pro has set the stage for an exciting competition. Twelve aspiring professional dancers are vying for a coveted spot on the main show’s upcoming season. With a mix of seasoned judges and guest mentors, the competition promises to be both intense and inspiring.
The show, which premiered on July 20, 2026 features a diverse group of dancers specializing in various styles, from Latin to commercial dance. Each week, contestants will face challenging tasks designed to test their skills, adaptability, and charisma. The ultimate winner will secure a place in the main series’ recurring cast for season 35.
Judges and Mentors: A Powerhouse Panel
The judging panel for Dancing With the Stars: The Next Pro is a blend of permanent judges and guest mentors, each bringing a wealth of experience to the table. Mark Ballas a three-time Mirrorball Champion and a mainstay on the show since season five, serves as one of the permanent judges. His extensive background in ballroom dance and his role as a mentor make him a valuable asset to the competition.
Joining Mark Ballas is his mother, Shirley Ballas a renowned figure in the ballroom dance world and the head judge of Strictly Come Dancing. Together, they provide a balanced perspective, combining technical expertise with a deep understanding of the dance industry.
The show also features guest judges who bring fresh insights and specialized knowledge. Derek Hough a six-time Mirrorball Champion and current judge on the main show, was the first guest judge. He focused on technique, teaching the dancers jive and samba numbers. Brandon Armstrong another esteemed pro dancer, joined as the second guest judge, emphasizing storytelling and performance.
Contestants: A Diverse and Talented Group
The contestants of Dancing With the Stars: The Next Pro represent a mix of backgrounds and specialties. From Los Angeles to Miami these dancers bring unique styles and experiences to the competition. Here are some of the standout contestants:
AJ Pritchard a 31-year-old from London specializes in both ballroom and Latin dance. Known for his dynamic performances, Pritchard is the brother of Love Island alum Curtis Pritchard. Natalie Jolley a 20-year-old from New York, New York excels in ballroom dance, bringing a youthful energy to the competition. Stephani Sosa 26, from Los Angeles has experience as part of the Dancing With the Stars season 33 troupe and is the sister of pro dancer Ezra Sosa.
The competition has already seen its first eliminations. Briar Nolet a 27-year-old commercial dancer from Los Angeles and Jake Monreal a 22-year-old Latin specialist from Miami were eliminated in the first episode. Benjamin “Benji” Castro a 25-year-old from Miami specializing in Latin and commercial dance, was eliminated in the second episode.
The Journey Ahead
As the competition progresses, the remaining contestants will continue to showcase their skills and adaptability. The judges and mentors will play a crucial role in guiding them, offering constructive feedback and insights. The winner of Dancing With the Stars: The Next Pro will not only secure a spot on the main show but also gain valuable experience and exposure in the dance world.
The show airs Mondays at 8 p.m. on ABC with episodes available to stream Tuesdays on Disney+ and Hulu. Fans can look forward to an exciting journey filled with breathtaking performances and unforgettable moments.
