For years, the professional dancers on Dancing with the Stars have become celebrities in their own right. Fans tune in not only for the stars but also to cheer on their favorite pros, whose choreography, personalities, and Mirrorball victories have made them household names.

Now, ABC is giving aspiring professionals their biggest opportunity yet.

WhatsApp Channel Banner

Dancing with the Starrs: The Next Pro is a brand-new competition series that puts 12 talented dancers through an intense audition process for one life-changing prize: a permanent professional dancer spot on Dancing with the Stars Season 35.

From ballroom champions and contemporary stars to former reality competition finalists, this cast is packed with talent. Here’s everything you need to know before the series premieres.

What Is Dancing with the Stars: The Next Pro?

Dancing with the Stars: The Next Pro is the franchise’s newest spinoff, designed to discover the next generation of DWTS professional dancers.

Unlike previous DWTS companion shows, contestants aren’t celebrities—they’re professional dancers hoping to earn a coveted place on the flagship series.

Throughout the competition, the 12 dancers will live together, train, rehearse, and compete in weekly performance challenges while being evaluated by some of the biggest names in ballroom dance.

The winner doesn’t just receive a trophy—they earn a professional dancer position on Dancing with the Stars Season 35, making this one of the highest-stakes competitions in franchise history.

The series premieres July 13, 2026, at 8/7c on ABC, with episodes streaming the following day on Hulu.

Although the competition takes place in Australia, the show serves as the official talent pipeline for the American version of Dancing with the Stars.

Host & Judges

Host: Robert Irwin

Fresh off winning the Mirrorball Trophy on Dancing with the Stars Season 34, Robert Irwin now takes center stage as host.

Irwin partnered with Witney Carson to win Season 34, becoming one of the franchise’s most popular champions.

Outside television, Robert is a wildlife conservationist carrying on the legacy of his late father, Steve Irwin.

His family’s connection to DWTS runs even deeper.

His sister, Bindi Irwin, won Season 21 alongside Derek Hough back in 2015, making the Irwins one of the franchise’s most successful families.

Judges: Mark Ballas & Shirley Ballas

The judging panel combines decades of ballroom expertise.

Leading the panel is Mark Ballas, a three-time Mirrorball champion and one of DWTS’ most celebrated professional dancers.

Joining him is ballroom legend Shirley Ballas, longtime head judge on Strictly Come Dancing, widely regarded as one of the most respected figures in competitive ballroom.

Throughout the season they’ll also be joined by rotating guest judges including:

  • Witney Carson
  • Derek Hough
  • Kym Johnson-Herjavec
  • Britt Stewart

Together, they’ll evaluate both technical ability and television presence—two qualities essential for succeeding on DWTS.

Meet the 12 Contestants

Erik Linder

At just 25 years old, Erik Linder already boasts one of the strongest competitive résumés in the cast.

The Swedish-born dancer is an eight-time national champion, world champion, world Latin finalist, and recipient of Carrie Ann Inaba’s prestigious Star Quality Award.

Many longtime reality TV fans may remember Erik from America’s Got Talent, where he and partner Rickie Taylor impressed audiences as child ballroom prodigies.

Now based in Los Angeles, Erik balances competitive dance with another passion—surfing.

Natalie Jolley

Twenty-year-old Natalie Jolley enters the competition as one of ballroom’s brightest young stars.

Her accomplishments include:

  • Eight-time National Champion
  • Six-time UK Champion
  • Four-time International Champion
  • Four-time World Smooth Champion

Her technical consistency makes her one of the dancers to watch throughout the season.

Selena Hamilton

Selena Hamilton brings a contemporary background that sets her apart from many ballroom specialists.

She has toured internationally with Derek Hough’s Symphony of Dance, performed alongside Doechii and Lindsey Stirling, and appeared in GAP’s choreography-focused 2025 advertising campaign featuring KATSEYE.

Her commercial dance experience could translate well to DWTS’ modern performance style.

Tristen Sanders

Tristen Sanders combines ballroom precision with hip-hop performance.

He currently manages Dance With Me Studios in Buckhead, Georgia—the dance studio founded by DWTS champions Maks Chmerkovskiy, Val Chmerkovskiy, and Tony Dovolani.

His coaching experience may prove valuable during the competition’s demanding rehearsal schedule.

Stephani Sosa

Stephani Sosa already knows the DWTS world.

She served as a member of the Dancing with the Stars troupe during Season 33, but publicly expressed disappointment after not returning for Season 34.

Now she’s back with an opportunity to earn a permanent professional role.

Stephani is also the sister of current DWTS pro Ezra Sosa, who finished third on Season 34 alongside Olympic gymnast Jordan Chiles.

Her familiarity with the show’s format could become a major advantage.

Briar Nolet

Canadian performer Briar Nolet rose to international attention after finishing fifth on World of Dance.

She later joined Jennifer Lopez’s It’s My Party Tour, showcasing her versatility on one of the biggest concert stages in the world.

Known for emotional storytelling through movement, Briar offers a contemporary style rarely seen among traditional ballroom competitors.

AJ Pritchard

Few contestants enter with as much television experience as AJ Pritchard.

The former Strictly Come Dancing professional spent four seasons dancing on the BBC hit before building a successful television career.

He’s also the older brother of Love Island personality Curtis Pritchard.

Because AJ has already worked alongside Shirley Ballas on Strictly, he’ll be performing in front of a familiar face

Jake Monreal

Jake Monreal previously appeared as a professional dancer on Dancing with the Stars: Juniors, partnering Sophia Pippen under mentor Sasha Farber.

He later competed on So You Think You Can Dance, further strengthening his television credentials.

At just 22 years old, Jake combines youth with valuable franchise experience.

Benji Castro

Miami native Benji Castro became known to dance fans after reaching seventh place on So You Think You Can Dance Season 16.

His energetic performance style and charismatic stage presence make him one of the competition’s more entertaining performers.

Allen Genkin

Allen Genkin enters with years of competitive ballroom experience.

A national finalist and international competitor, Allen previously won the DWTS Ballroom Battle challenge before competing in the Top 20 of So You Think You Can Dance Season 15.

He’s also appeared as a professional dancer on Univision’s Mira Quien Baila, giving him extensive television experience.

Nina Mayster

Nina Mayster is more than a dancer.

She’s also an entrepreneur and co-founder of Vibe Dance Atelier, a growing brand specializing in dance apparel, shoes, and accessories.

Her business background reflects years of involvement within the professional dance community.

Adele Zaikman

Los Angeles-based performer Adele Zaikman rounds out the cast.

The 24-year-old Israeli-Ukrainian dancer works as both a performer and instructor while continuing to build her professional career in Southern California.

Her international background brings another unique perspective to the competition.

Who Are the Favorites to Win?

Although every contestant enters with impressive credentials, a few names immediately stand out as early favorites.

AJ Pritchard already understands what it takes to succeed as a television ballroom professional after spending four seasons on Strictly Come Dancing.

Stephani Sosa knows the DWTS environment better than anyone in the cast and has extra motivation after narrowly missing a professional promotion last season.

Meanwhile, Erik Linder possesses one of the strongest competitive dance résumés in the field while also demonstrating the charisma producers often seek in television personalities.

Ultimately, however, technical ability alone won’t decide the competition.

DWTS professionals must teach celebrities, entertain audiences, create memorable choreography, and build strong on-screen chemistry—qualities that judges will likely value just as highly as ballroom technique.

How Does The Next Pro Work?

The competition begins with 12 professional dancers moving into a shared house while undergoing an intensive audition process.

Each week, contestants perform new routines and complete challenges designed to test:

  • Ballroom technique
  • Choreography
  • Teaching ability
  • Creativity
  • Performance quality
  • Television personality

The series was pre-recorded in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia, beginning production in late February 2026.

Permanent judges Mark and Shirley Ballas evaluate performances each week alongside rotating guest judges from across the DWTS family.

After multiple eliminations, one dancer will earn the ultimate prize—a professional cast position on Dancing with the Stars Season 35.

Final Thoughts

ABC has never offered aspiring professional dancers an opportunity quite like this.

With one coveted spot on Dancing with the Stars Season 35 up for grabs, every performance carries real career-changing consequences.

Whether you’re rooting for ballroom champion Erik Linder, DWTS veteran Stephani Sosa, television favorite AJ Pritchard, or one of the competition’s rising stars, The Next Pro promises to introduce the next generation of dancers who could become fan favorites for years to come.

Dancing with the Stars: The Next Pro premieres July 13, 2026, on ABC, with new episodes available to stream the following day on Hulu.