11
DWTS: The Next Pro Ep 4 — SHOCKING Elimination Revealed!
Dancing With the Stars: The Next Pro – Episode 4 Recap: Chemistry, Tears, and a Double Elimination
Spoiler Alert!
This article reveals everything that happened in Episode 4 of DWTS: The Next Pro. If you haven’t watched it yet, you might want to stream it first!
What Is DWTS: The Next Pro?
Think of it like a talent search for the next professional dancer on Dancing With the Stars. A group of amazing dancers compete in weekly challenges. Each week, the judges decide who stays and who goes home. The winner gets a spot as a pro on Season 35 of the main show this fall!
Episode 4 at a Glance
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Air Date | August 3 |
| Theme | Chemistry – “Make the audience believe the romance!” |
| Guest Mentor | Jenna Johnson (current DWTS pro) |
| Judges | Shirley Ballas, Mark Ballas |
| Host | Robert Irwin |
| Dancers Left at Start | 8 |
| Eliminated | 2 dancers (1 couple) |
| Remaining | 6 dancers |
The Challenge: “Bring on the Intensity”
Jenna Johnson walked into the ballroom and announced the key ingredient every great dance needs: Chemistry.
Jenna’s advice: “Even if you don’t feel real passion, make the audience believe the story.”
The rules:
- Pair up into 4 couples
- Perform either a Rumba or Argentine Tango
- Only 2 days to rehearse
- One couple goes home (double elimination = 2 dancers sent packing)
How the Pairs Were Chosen: “Speed Dating” Style
Jenna made everyone dance with each other first – like speed dating but with dancing! Then the ladies chose their partners first.
The Final Four Couples
| Couple | Dance Style |
|---|---|
| Allen Genkin & Nina Mayster | Argentine Tango |
| Adele Zaikman & AJ Pritchard | Rumba |
| Stephani Sosa & Tristan Sanders | Rumba |
| Selena Hamilton & Erik Linder | Argentine Tango |
Awkward Moment:
Stephani picked Allen first, but he chose Nina. That left Tristan unchosen at first. He later said he thought he and Stephani were “close,” so it stung a little. Stephani explained she just wanted to try someone new.
Performance Night: Who Sizzled & Who Fizzled
1. Adele & AJ – Rumba
- Shirley: Adele = “Superstar!” AJ = too “formed” (stiff)
- Jenna: Loved they applied rehearsal feedback
- Mark: Start was “bumpy”
2. Selena & Erik – Argentine Tango
- Jenna: Screamed with excitement! “I am speechless! Erik, who are you?!”
- Erik’s reply: “I’m him.”
- Mark: Erik turned the competition into a “fist fight” (in a good way – powerful!)
- Shirley: Standing ovation! Selena redeemed her bottom-two scare from last week.
3. Tristan & Stephani – Rumba
- Mark: Good storytelling, but needed more “stillness”
- Shirley: “Enough choreography for two rumbas!” (too busy)
- Jenna: Stephani is gorgeous but missing “fire” → Stephani got emotional
- Jenna’s pep talk: “You’re capable. Own your confidence.”
4. Allen & Nina – Argentine Tango
- Jenna: “Captivated” by Nina’s moves & chemistry
- Shirley: “Confused” – saw tango, rumba, and samba steps, but not enough real Argentine tango
- Mark: Agreed with Shirley, but said it was Nina’s best dance so far
Bottom Two Couples
| Couple | Main Issue |
|---|---|
| Tristan & Stephani | In-and-out chemistry, moments felt “frantic” |
| Allen & Nina | Didn’t follow the “brief” – not enough true Argentine tango |
Shirley’s tough love: “The next pro needs to understand the brief.”
Mark’s warning: “We’re at the halfway point. Critiques only get harder.”
Who Went Home?
Tristan Sanders & Stephani Sosa were eliminated.
Their Final Words:
- Stephani: “My journey was cut too short… but I’ll never get in my own way again.”
- Tristan: “Honored to be in the company of legends. Grateful for the experience.”
What’s Coming Next Week?
- Air Date: Monday, August 10
- Guest Judge: Daniella Karagach (DWTS champion!)
- Challenge: Create “your own unique, wow moves”
- Teaser: Pressure mounts, another elimination looms!
Quick Summary
- 8 dancers became 6 after a chemistry-themed episode
- Selena & Erik stole the show with a jaw-dropping Argentine Tango
- Tristan & Stephani couldn’t sell the romance and were sent home
- Next week: Daniella Karagach joins, dancers must invent signature moves
FAQ
1. What is “The Next Pro” exactly?
It’s a spin-off competition where professional dancers battle for a spot on the main Dancing With the Stars cast. The winner becomes a pro for Season 35.
2. Why was chemistry the theme this week?
Because on DWTS, pros must fake believable romance with celebrities they just met. If the audience doesn’t buy the connection, the dance falls flat.
3. Who are the judges?
Shirley Ballas (head judge on main DWTS) and Mark Ballas (former pro, mirrorball champ). They’re also mother and son in real life!
4. What does “understand the brief” mean?
It means following the assignment. Allen & Nina added too many non-tango steps (rumba, samba), so they didn’t deliver a true Argentine Tango.
5. When is the finale?
The show hasn’t announced the exact finale date, but with 6 dancers left and weekly eliminations, we’re likely just 2–3 episodes away from crowning the winner!
Want more recaps?
Stay tuned every week as we break down the drama, the dances, and who’s one step closer to the mirrorball!
