Dancing With the Stars: The Next Pro Cast Revealed – Meet the 12 Dancers Competing for a Spot on DWTS Season 35
Dancing With the Stars: The Next Pro Cast features 12 talented dancers battling for a life-changing opportunity to join Dancing With the Stars Season 35 as an official professional partner. The new ABC competition series, hosted by Robert Irwin, promises exciting performances, emotional eliminations, and fierce competition.
ABC has officially expanded the Dancing With the Stars universe with Dancing With the Stars: The Next Pro, an exciting new competition series designed to discover the franchise’s next professional dancer. Instead of pairing celebrities with experienced pros, the show puts talented dancers in the spotlight as they compete for the ultimate prize—a coveted professional partner position on Dancing With the Stars Season 35.
Hosted by Robert Irwin and judged by ballroom legends Mark Ballas and Shirley Ballas, the series brings together skilled performers from different dance backgrounds, including ballroom, Latin, contemporary, and commercial dance.
If you’re wondering who made the cast, here’s everything you need to know about the Dancing With the Stars: The Next Pro cast.
What Is Dancing With the Stars: The Next Pro?
Dancing With the Stars: The Next Pro is a brand-new reality competition that serves as a talent search for the next professional dancer to join ABC’s hit ballroom franchise.
Unlike the main series, contestants are not celebrities. Instead, they’re professional and aspiring dancers competing through weekly performances, choreography challenges, teaching exercises, and live routines that test their versatility and stage presence.
The winner will officially become one of the professional dancers on Dancing With the Stars Season 35, partnering with a celebrity during the upcoming season.
Who Hosts the Show?
Wildlife conservationist and television personality Robert Irwin serves as the host of the inaugural season.
Known for his energetic personality and previous appearances on Dancing With the Stars, Irwin guides viewers through each episode while offering behind-the-scenes moments with contestants.
Meet the Permanent Judges
The competition is evaluated by two respected ballroom experts:
- Mark Ballas – Three-time Dancing With the Stars Mirrorball Trophy champion known for his innovative choreography.
- Shirley Ballas – International ballroom champion and longtime head judge on Strictly Come Dancing.
Throughout the season, additional guest judges from the Dancing With the Stars family also appear to provide feedback and mentorship.
Dancing With the Stars: The Next Pro Cast
The inaugural season features 12 talented dancers, each hoping to secure a permanent place in the Dancing With the Stars professional lineup.
Adele Zaikman
Adele brings years of competitive ballroom experience and technical precision. Her elegant performances and strong Latin routines make her one of the standout competitors.
AJ Pritchard
Already familiar to many dance fans, AJ Pritchard combines television experience with professional ballroom expertise. His confidence and choreography skills immediately make him a serious contender.
Allen Genkin
Allen has built a reputation as a versatile performer capable of adapting to multiple dance styles. Judges praise his athleticism and stage presence.
Benji Castro
Benji blends ballroom fundamentals with contemporary influences, creating performances that are both technically polished and emotionally engaging.
Briar Nolet
Canadian dancer and actress Briar Nolet enters the competition with extensive stage experience. Her expressive routines and contemporary background add diversity to the competition.
Erik Linder
Erik showcases strong ballroom fundamentals while consistently delivering energetic performances that impress both judges and audiences.
Jake Monreal
Jake is known for his charisma and ability to connect with viewers through expressive storytelling during performances.
Natalie Jolley
Natalie demonstrates refined ballroom technique combined with graceful movement, making her one of the competition’s strongest female dancers.
Nina Mayster
Nina’s elegant performances and attention to detail continue to earn positive feedback from the judging panel.
Selena Hamilton
Selena combines technical discipline with creative choreography, helping her stand out in weekly challenges.
Stephani Sosa
Already recognized by many ballroom fans, Stephani brings exceptional Latin dance skills and professional experience to the competition.
Tristen Sanders
Tristen completes the cast with impressive versatility, athletic ability, and a strong competitive mindset.
What Makes This Competition Different?
Unlike traditional dance competitions, The Next Pro focuses on more than performance alone.
Contestants are judged on several important qualities, including:
- Ballroom and Latin technique
- Choreography creativity
- Teaching ability
- Performance quality
- Partner chemistry
- Adaptability
- Professionalism
- Entertainment value
These are the same qualities required to become a successful professional partner on Dancing With the Stars.
The Grand Prize
The stakes couldn’t be higher.
The winning contestant earns an official spot as a professional dancer on Dancing With the Stars Season 35, joining one of television’s most recognizable dance franchises.
For many contestants, it’s the opportunity they’ve spent years pursuing.
Why Fans Are Excited
Longtime Dancing With the Stars viewers have often wondered how new professional dancers are selected.
The Next Pro finally gives fans an inside look at that process while introducing fresh talent to the ballroom.
The series also allows audiences to connect with contestants before they officially join the main show, creating stronger fan support and investment in their journeys.
Can Guest Judges Influence the Competition?
Yes.
In addition to permanent judges Mark Ballas and Shirley Ballas, guest judges from the Dancing With the Stars family appear throughout the season.
These special appearances provide contestants with valuable feedback from current professionals who understand exactly what it takes to succeed on the ballroom floor.
Will the Winner Join Dancing With the Stars Season 35?
Yes.
The champion of Dancing With the Stars: The Next Pro will officially become a professional dancer on Dancing With the Stars Season 35, where they’ll partner with a celebrity and compete for the prestigious Mirrorball Trophy.
This makes the competition more than just another reality show—it serves as a direct pathway into one of television’s biggest dance franchises.
Final Thoughts
The debut season of Dancing With the Stars: The Next Pro introduces an impressive lineup of dancers eager to prove they belong on one of television’s biggest stages. With expert judging from Mark Ballas and Shirley Ballas, engaging hosting by Robert Irwin, and the life-changing opportunity to join Dancing With the Stars Season 35, the competition promises plenty of memorable performances.
As the season unfolds, viewers can expect emotional eliminations, spectacular choreography, and inspiring stories from dancers chasing their dreams. Whether you’re a longtime DWTS fan or discovering the franchise for the first time, The Next Pro offers an exciting glimpse into the future of ballroom entertainment.
