Nana Muazin
Following a critically acclaimed and Emmy-nominated Season 34, ABC’s Dancing With the Stars (DWTS) is set to return with a lineup that promises to push the boundaries of technical prowess and star power. On Wednesday morning, the veil was lifted on the roster for the show’s 35th installment, revealing a dynamic mix of reality television icons, world-class athletes, and seasoned actors. As the series gears up for its highly anticipated premiere on September 16, the excitement surrounding the new pairings suggests that the bar set by last season’s finalists will not only be met but potentially surpassed.
The Evolution of the Ballroom: A Star-Studded Lineup
The casting for Season 35 marks a deliberate shift toward competitors with significant performance experience. This year, the competition features heavyweights like Jenna Dewan and Harry Shum Jr., both of whom arrive with resumes that would make even the most seasoned professional dancers blush.
Dewan’s inclusion is particularly noteworthy; having launched her career as a backup dancer for Janet Jackson, she is no stranger to the intensity of high-stakes choreography. Her experience hosting World of Dance and Flirty Dancing, coupled with her tenure as a judge on Come Dance with Me, positions her as a formidable frontrunner. Similarly, Harry Shum Jr.—whose credits include electrifying performances alongside global icons like Beyoncé, Alicia Keys, Jennifer Lopez, and Mariah Carey—brings a unique blend of street dance and technical theatricality that is expected to redefine the show’s aesthetic this season.
Chronology: From Announcement to Premiere
The reveal, which took place on Good Morning America on September 2, served as the formal kickoff for the season’s promotional cycle. The announcement ignited immediate speculation among fans and pundits regarding which celebrities possess the natural fluidity required to navigate the grueling rehearsal schedule.
The competition is slated to begin with a high-stakes, two-night premiere on Tuesday, September 16, and Wednesday, September 17. The broadcast will be available simultaneously on ABC and Disney+, maintaining the multi-platform strategy that has successfully expanded the show’s reach in recent years. Between the announcement and the premiere, contestants are currently sequestered in intense training camps, a tradition that ensures the standard of dance seen on opening night remains high.
Supporting Data: Pro Dancer Dynamics and Returning Legends
The professional side of the bracket is perhaps the most compelling narrative of Season 35. The roster is a fascinating blend of returning champions, beloved veterans, and fresh talent.
The Return of the Veterans
The return of Sharna Burgess is arguably the biggest story in the pro dancer community. After a hiatus lasting over a decade—having last competed in 2011—Burgess brings a wealth of experience and a single mirrorball trophy to her partnership with reality star Tyler Cameron. Her 14-season tenure makes her one of the most seasoned dancers on the roster, and her return is expected to inject a sense of nostalgia and high-level strategy into the competition.
Champions and Challenges
Witney Carson, the reigning champion of the series, returns to defend her title under extraordinary circumstances. Dancing while pregnant, Carson will be paired with the charismatic Guillermo Rodriguez. Her journey is expected to be a focal point of the season, as she balances the physical demands of professional ballroom dance with the realities of pregnancy—a challenge that has historically garnered immense respect from the viewing audience.
The New Generation
The show continues its trend of elevating talent from within its ecosystem. Adele Zaikman, winner of the spin-off competition Dancing With the Stars: The Next Pro, officially joins the main cast. Paired with Conner Leavitt, Zaikman represents the future of the franchise, tasked with proving that the "Next Pro" pipeline can produce champions capable of competing with industry veterans.
Implications: A New Era of Inclusivity and Representation
One of the most significant developments this season is the promotion of Hailey Bills to the professional roster. Previously a member of the show’s troupe, Bills’s promotion is a milestone for the series as she enters the second-ever same-sex partnership in the show’s history, dancing with Sarah Jane Nader.
This casting decision reinforces the show’s commitment to evolving with modern societal standards. The implications for the choreography are vast; same-sex partnerships force a re-evaluation of traditional ballroom roles—traditionally defined by strict "lead" and "follow" gender dynamics. By breaking these molds, the show is signaling a move toward a more inclusive, fluid style of dance that prioritizes technical ability and connection over rigid adherence to historical conventions.
Behind the Scenes: Official Responses and Production Strategy
ABC and the production team have remained tight-lipped regarding the specific creative themes for this season, though insiders suggest that the producers are leaning into the "Back to the Ballroom" aesthetic, emphasizing the high-production value that earned the show its Emmy nomination last year.
In a brief statement following the GMA announcement, the executive production team noted, "Season 35 is about honoring the history of this dance competition while acknowledging the cultural shift in how we consume movement. We have brought together a group of people who are not just famous, but who have a genuine, visceral connection to music and performance."
The inclusion of individuals with deep dance backgrounds, such as Dewan and Shum Jr., has sparked an internal debate within the fandom: does prior experience create an unfair advantage, or does it simply elevate the quality of the competition? Producers seem to believe it is the latter. By setting a higher technical bar, the show encourages celebrity contestants to push past "casual" participation and engage with dance as a rigorous discipline.
The Competitive Landscape: What to Expect
As fans look toward the September 16 premiere, the narrative threads are already beginning to weave together. We are seeing a "clash of the titans" scenario, where seasoned performers are expected to dominate the leaderboard, while the underdog stories—such as those of the new pros and celebrity contestants with no dance experience—will serve as the emotional heart of the season.
The strategic use of a two-night premiere is intended to allow the audience to acclimate to the massive cast. Night one typically focuses on the "safe" entries—dances that showcase the celebrities’ comfort levels—while night two often introduces the first elimination or a "twist" that forces the contestants to pivot under pressure.
Conclusion: A Milestone Season in the Making
Season 35 of Dancing With the Stars represents a pivotal moment for the franchise. It is a season defined by transition: the return of veterans like Sharna Burgess, the bold inclusion of same-sex pairings, and a focus on high-caliber talent that challenges the traditional "celebrity dance" narrative.
Whether it is the physical endurance of a pregnant champion, the technical brilliance of a professional-grade actor, or the fresh energy of a rising star like Adele Zaikman, the cast is poised to offer a masterclass in performance. For the millions of viewers who tune in annually, the upcoming premiere is not merely the start of a show, but the beginning of a cultural event that celebrates the artistry of movement, the power of partnership, and the resilience of the human spirit.
As the lights dim in the ballroom and the orchestra takes its place on September 16, one thing is certain: the competition will be fierce, the stakes have never been higher, and the dance floor remains the ultimate stage for transformation. The mirrorball trophy is waiting—and for the 35th time, the world will be watching to see who has the grace to claim it.
Asep Darmawan
Pevita Pearce
