A coveted professional spot on the 35th season of the acclaimed “Dancing with the Stars” is on the line, and a dozen dancers are prepared to face some intense competition. The new format, titled “Dancing with the Stars: The Next Pro”, promises to reveal new talent.
The highly anticipated premiere of “Dancing with the Stars: The Next Pro” takes place on Friday, July 13. The show will introduce the franchise to 12 promising talents who will undergo a rigorous multi-week audition process in Australia, living together under one roof.
Robert Irwin, the winner of the 34th season, highlighted that a contract on the program represents the pinnacle of a career for the contestants, being the closest that many of them come to an established professional reality in the world of dance.
“There’s nothing bigger than Dancing with the Stars,” said Irwin in June 2026, highlighting that, for most of the participants, fulfilling this childhood dream is truly special.
Who are the talents competing for a spot on the ‘Dancing with the Stars’ cast?
Adele Zaikman’s award-winning trajectory in the world of dance
Adele Zaikman describes herself as an assiduous competitor who consistently reaches the best positions in the most important professional Latin dance championships globally. She has already won the prestigious Blackpool Dance Festival trophy and currently works as an artist and dance teacher in Los Angeles.
AJ Pritchard: from ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ to the new competition
“Strictly Come Dancing” enthusiasts will recognize AJ Pritchard from his three-year run as a professional dancer on the British version of the popular format, which served as the basis for “Dancing with the Stars.” He has also appeared on other reality shows, such as “I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here!”, and is known for being the brother of “Love Island” contestant Curtis Pritchard.
Allen Genkin’s return to the ‘Dancing with the Stars’ universe
Allen Genkin is not an unfamiliar face on “Dancing with the Stars.” The dancer, who resides in San Jose, California, won the series’ “Ballroom Battle” challenge in 2012. Approximately thirteen years later, he became co-owner of a dance studio in Northern California, cementing his career.
Benjamin Castro: from classical dance to reality talent shows
Miami-based dancer Benjamin Castro reached the top 7 during the 16th season of “So You Think You Can Dance.” He began his dance studies at the age of 5, having a diverse background that includes contemporary dance, ballet, Latin ballroom dancing, traditional ballroom dancing and acrobatics.
Briar Nolet: actress and dancer highlighted in ‘World of Dance’
Although Briar Nolet made a name for herself as an actress on the Canadian series “The Next Step”, she shined as a dancer during the third season of the show “World of Dance”. Her resume includes appearances in series such as “The Chosen” and films such as “Stolen Baby: The Murder of Heidi Broussard”.
Erik Linder: choreographer and dancer with experience on big stages
Choreographer and dancer Erik Linder has training in ballroom dancing and Latin dances, according to his official website. He previously appeared as a special guest on “Dancing with the Stars” during its 11th season and reached the semifinals of “America’s Got Talent” in season 4.
Jake Monreal: young talent with a history in renowned competitions
This isn’t Jake Monreal’s first appearance on “Dancing with the Stars.” The talented dancer competed on “Dancing with the Stars Juniors” in 2018 and secured seventh place on “So You Think You Can Dance” in 2016 when he was just 12 years old.
Natalie Jolley: the multiple national and world dance champion
Natalie Jolley’s dance resume is truly remarkable. The professional is an eight-time US national champion, six-time UK Open champion and four-time Smooth world champion, as indicated in her Instagram bio.
Nina Mayster: from Ukraine to dance podiums in the United States
Originally from Ukraine, Nina Mayster moved to the United States at the age of four and quickly began competing internationally in Latin dance. She is a WDO USA Amateur National Runner-Up and USA Dance National Sports Dance Champion, and owns and manages her own studio in Pennsylvania.
Selena Hamilton: dancer on tours and commercials with great impact
Selena Hamilton was one of the talents who danced alongside KATSEYE in her famous Gap commercial, which went viral in 2025. Her biography details her training in ballet, tap, jazz, modern and contemporary dance, and she has toured with Lindsey Stirling, Doechii and acclaimed “Dancing with the Stars” dancer Derek Hough.
Stephani Sosa: the talent of the Sosa family on ‘Dancing with the Stars’
The art of performing is a family heritage for Stephani Sosa, whose brother is Ezra Sosa, a professional dancer on “Dancing with the Stars.” She was a cast member of DWTS from 2021 to 2024 and also competed on “So You Think You Can Dance” from 2018 to 2019. In addition to her dance career, Sosa has appeared in minor roles on series such as “High School Musical: The Musical: The Series”, “Palm Royale” and “Running Point”.
Tristen Sanders: from hip-hop to Georgia ballroom
Tristen Sanders is originally from Georgia, where he works as a professional hip-hop and ballroom dancer, according to his Instagram bio. He began his dance journey after a stint as a gymnast and currently teaches classes at a studio located in Atlanta.
