A New Chapter for the DWTS Live Tour
Fans of Dancing With the Stars have reason to celebrate as the popular live tour prepares for its return. Following her appearance during the show’s "Mariah Carey Night," professional dancer Emma Slater shared exciting updates regarding the upcoming tour dates.
Slater announced that the new production, which will be directed by renowned choreographer Mandy Moore, is set to be bigger than previous iterations. A significant addition this year is the inclusion of the official troupe, who will join the professional dancers on stage for the first time in this capacity.
The Official Cast List
The upcoming tour will feature an impressive roster of talent. Joining Emma Slater on the road are:
- Brandon Armstrong
- Rylee Arnold
- Alan Bersten
- Hailey Bills
- Sharna Burgess
- Val Chmerkovskiy
- Jenna Johnson
- Ezra Sosa
- Adele Zaikman
- Britt Stewart
In addition to these stars, the production will be bolstered by troupe members Kamri Peterson, Onye Stevenson, Jaxon Willard, and Carter Williams.
Reflecting on Past Seasons and Personal Choices
The tour remains a highly anticipated event, though it has seen shifts in its lineup over the years due to personal circumstances. For instance, in the previous season, some dancers took breaks to prioritize their well-being. One notable example was Rylee Arnold, who previously stepped back to manage her health, specifically regarding her Type 1 diabetes. Such decisions have been met with support from colleagues who emphasize the importance of prioritizing health in a demanding industry.
Meanwhile, other veterans like Val Chmerkovskiy and Jenna Johnson have found ways to balance parenthood with their professional commitments. After a hiatus, the couple rejoined the tour with their young son in tow. According to Chmerkovskiy, returning to the stage during the show's current "renaissance" with a fresh audience has been a rewarding experience.
Why the Tour Matters for the Pros
For the professional dancers, the live tour offers a unique creative outlet that differs significantly from the television format. As Jenna Johnson noted, the tour allows them to showcase their skills in ways the competition show cannot.
«We are elite at what we do, and to have the opportunity to dance with each other and really exercise our choreography and our brains, it’s such a treat for us. We prioritize the celebrities during the season, and the tour is an opportunity for the pros to do what we do best. It’s such a creative space,» Johnson explained.
Dancing With the Stars season 35 continues to air on ABC and Disney+ every Tuesday at 8 p.m. ET.