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Before Season 35 of “Dancing with the Stars” kicks off later this year, it’s time to add a new pro to the roster.
“Dancing with the Stars: The Next Pro” debuts tonight, July 13. The new competition show will feature 12 dancers auditioning to become the series’ next professional dancer with weekly challenges and eliminations.
“The Next Pro” is hosted by Season 34 mirrorball champion Robert Irwin, and features three-time winner Mark Ballas on its judging panel.
‘dancing with the stars: the next pro’: what to know
When: July 13, 8 p.m. ET (airs every Monday at 8 p.m. ET)
Streaming: DIRECTV (try it free)
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Each week, the competitors will take part in weekly challenges designed around specific skills and dance styles with a current “DWTS” pro or judge acting as a mentor and guest judge. In Episode 1, they’ll be tested on samba and jive techniques, while Episode 2 will be all about connection, storytelling and partnership.
The flagship series isn’t too far away, either; ABC has confirmed a Fall 2026 release window for “Dancing with the Stars” Season 35 and announced four of the celebrities competing on the upcoming season: “Summer House” star Ciara Miller; “Love Island” and “Traitors” alum Maura Higgins; Savannah Bananas second baseman Jackson Olson; and “Jimmy Kimmel Live” sidekick Guillermo Rodriguez.
‘Dancing with the Stars: The Next Pro’ release date
“Dancing with the Stars: The Next Pro” premieres tonight, July 13, at 8 p.m. ET on ABC.
Where to watch ‘Dancing with the Stars: The Next Pro’ for free
If you don’t have cable, you’ll need a live TV streaming service to watch “Dancing with the Stars: The Next Pro” live for free.
DIRECTV is our favorite service for watching TV live for free. Right now, you can take advantage of a five-day free trial before saving $30 on your first month. We recommend the Choice plan, which includes all of the local news and sports networks as part of its 125+ channels.
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New episodes will drop on Disney+ and Hulu on Tuesday mornings following Monday night premieres.
‘Dancing with the Stars: The Next Pro’ cast
“Dancing with the Stars: The Next Pro” will have 12 contestants. Some may already be familiar to viewers, like Stephani Sosa, who was a member of the “DWTS” troupe two seasons ago and is also the older sister of current pro Ezra. AJ Pritchard previously spent three seasons as a pro on the United Kingdom’s counterpart to “Dancing with the Stars,” “Strictly Come Dancing.”
(l-r) AJ Pritchard, Jake Monreal, Allen Genkin, Erik Linder, Tristen Sanders, Benji Castro, Derek Hough
Disney
Here’s more about the 12 dancers vying to be the next pro, including where they’re from and what style of dance they specialize in.
Benjamin Castro, 25 – a Latin / Commercial dancer from Miami, Florida
Allen Genkin, 36 – a Latin dancer from San Jose, California
Selena Hamilton, 21 – a Commercial dancer from Los Angeles, California
Natalie Jolley, 20 – a Ballroom dancer from New York, New York
Erik Linder, 26 – a Latin dancer from Tampa, Florida
Nina Mayster, 28 – a Latin dancer from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Jake Monreal, 22 – a Latin dancer from Miami, Florida
Briar Nolet, 27 – a Commercial dancer from Los Angeles, California
AJ Pritchard, 31 – a Ballroom / Latin dancer from London, United Kingdom
Tristen Sanders, 28 – a Ballroom / Hip-Hop dancer from Atlanta, Georgia
Stephani Sosa, 26 – a Ballroom / Commercial dancer from Los Angeles, California
Adele Zaikman, 24 – a Latin dancer from Los Angeles, California
‘Dancing with the Stars: The Next Pro’ judges
“Dancing with the Stars” pro and three-time Mirrorball champion Mark Ballas will be one of the series’ main judges, alongside his mother Shirley Ballas.
Mark and Shirley Ballas wil be the series’ main judges, with a rotating third chair. Episode 1 will feature Derek Hough. Disney
Shirley has served as head judge of “Strictly Come Dancing” since 2017.
Each week, another judge or pro from “Dancing with the Stars” will join the panel as a guest judge. In Week 1, Mark and Shirley will be joined by judge Derek Hough; Week 2’s guest judge will be pro Brandon Armstrong.
‘Dancing with the Stars: The Next Pro’ trailer
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