Dancing With the Stars: The Next Pro - A New Spinoff Show on the Horizon
A new spinoff of the popular show "Dancing with the Stars" is on the horizon with "Dancing With the Stars: The Next Pro." This upcoming series will showcase aspiring professional dancers who will reside together in a house and compete in a rigorous audition process. The ultimate prize is a coveted spot as a professional dancer on the next season of "Dancing With the Stars." The show is expected to air on ABC and Hulu this summer.
Robert Irwin, a wildlife conservationist who clinched the mirrorball trophy in Season 34 of "DWTS," is reportedly in discussions to be part of the new spinoff. Mark Ballas, a three-time winner of "Dancing With the Stars," is being considered as a potential judge, along with his mother, Shirley Ballas, renowned as "The Queen of Latin." Shirley Ballas, a professional ballroom dancer, has been the head judge on BBC One's "Strictly Come Dancing" since 2017. Each week, a rotating mentor or professional dancer will join them at the judging table.
Both Mark and Shirley Ballas have experience in competition series beyond the realm of dance. Shirley participated in "Celebrity Bear Hunt" in 2025, while Mark is currently featured on "The Traitors." "DWTS" has seen numerous professional dancers over the past two decades, with Mark Ballas joining the show in 2007 and competing in 21 seasons. In Season 34, a new pro named Jan Ravnik, who previously worked on Taylor Swift's Eras Tour, made his debut on the show.
During the season, Jan Ravnik became a hot topic after former pro Maksim Chmerkovskiy criticized his skills, stating that Ravnik lacked the necessary foundation, technique, and understanding of partnership to be a pro on the show. Ravnik's return for Season 35 remains uncertain, but many past pros have transitioned from the troupe to become pros for a season. "Dancing With the Stars: The Next Pro" is being produced by BBC Studios.
In conclusion, "Dancing With the Stars: The Next Pro" promises to bring a fresh perspective to the world of professional dancing by showcasing aspiring talents vying for a coveted spot on the hit show. With a mix of experienced judges and mentors, the series is set to captivate audiences and offer a platform for emerging dancers to shine. Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting new spinoff!