DWTS: The Next Pro Ep 4: Shocking Elimination Revealed
DWTS: The Next Pro Episode 4 Recap — Chemistry Challenge & Double Elimination
SPOILER ALERT!
This article contains major spoilers for Dancing With the Stars: The Next Pro Episode 4. If you haven’t watched it yet and want to be surprised, stop reading now!
What Is DWTS: The Next Pro Anyway?
Imagine a talent show where professional dancers compete to win a spot as a new pro dancer on the main Dancing With the Stars show (Season 35, airing this fall). It’s like The Voice but for ballroom dancers! Each week, they face challenges, get judged, and someone goes home. Episode 4 just aired on August 3, and it was intense.
The Challenge: "Chemistry Is Everything"
The Goal
Pro dancer Jenna Johnson (you might know her from the main show) showed up with a surprise:
"Chemistry is critical. Build a performance so intimate it will send pulses racing."
Even if the dancers don’t actually feel romantic, they have to make the audience believe the love story. If they can’t sell it? They go home.
How Pairs Were Chosen
It was like speed dating — everyone danced with everyone. Then the ladies picked first. Here’s who ended up together:
| Pair | Dance Style |
|---|---|
| Allen Genkin & Nina Mayster | Argentine Tango |
| Adele Zaikman & AJ Pritchard | Rumba |
| Stephani Sosa & Tristan Sanders | Rumba |
| Selena Hamilton & Erik Linder | Argentine Tango |
Fun Fact: Tristan wasn’t Stephani’s first pick (she chose Allen first). He was visibly hurt — he thought they were close. She said she just wanted to "switch it up."
The Performances — Who Sizzled & Who Fizzled?
1. Adele & AJ — Rumba
- Shirley: "Adele is a superstar!" but AJ was too "formed" (stiff).
- Jenna: Loved that they listened to rehearsal feedback.
- Mark: Start was "bumpy."
2. Selena & Erik — Argentine Tango
- Jenna: Screamed with excitement. "I am speechless! Erik, who are you?!"
- Erik: "I’m him."
- Shirley: Standing ovation.
- Mark: Erik turned the competition into a "fist fight" with his power.
- Jenna: Wants to dance with Erik in the future. High praise!
3. Stephani & Tristan — Rumba
- Mark: Good storytelling but needed more stillness (less moving, more feeling).
- Shirley: "Enough choreography for two rumbas!" (Too busy.)
- Jenna: Stephani is gorgeous but missing "fire." Stephani got emotional.
- Jenna (kindly): "You’re capable — just own your confidence."
4. Allen & Nina — Argentine Tango
- Jenna: "Captivated" by Nina’s moves & chemistry.
- Shirley: "Confused" — saw tango, rumba, and samba steps. Not enough real Argentine tango.
- Mark: Agreed on style issues, but said it was Nina’s best dance so far.
The Bottom Two Couples
| Couple | Why They Struggled |
|---|---|
| Tristan & Stephani | "In and out of chemistry" — moments felt frantic (Mark) |
| Allen & Nina | Bent the rules too far — Shirley unsure if they can teach proper Argentine tango |
Key Quote from Shirley:
"The next pro needs to understand the brief."
(Translation: Follow the dance style rules!)
Who Got Eliminated?
After heartfelt goodbyes and tough love from the judges…
Tristan Sanders & Stephani Sosa were sent home.
- 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."
They left with tears, hugs, and pride — not bad for a reality show exit!
What’s Next? (Episode 5 Preview)
- Only 6 dancers left!
- Airs Monday, August 10.
- Guest Judge: DWTS Champion Daniella Karagach
- Challenge: Create "their own unique, wow moves."
- Teaser: Pressure might break a few dancers… another elimination coming!
Summary: Episode 4 in a Nutshell
- Theme: Chemistry (sell the romance!)
- Dances: Rumba or Argentine Tango
- Pairs: Chosen via "speed dating" + ladies’ choice
- Standout: Selena & Erik — judges went wild
- Struggled: Tristan & Stephani (frantic), Allen & Nina (wrong style)
- Eliminated: Tristan & Stephani
- Left: 6 dancers fighting for the pro spot
- Next: Daniella Karagach judges "wow moves"
FAQ — Your Burning Questions Answered
1. What does "chemistry" mean in ballroom dance?
It’s not about dating! It means pretending so well that the audience believes you’re in love, angry, heartbroken — whatever the story is. Like acting, but with your body.
2. Why did Shirley hate Allen & Nina’s Argentine Tango?
Argentine Tango has strict rules — sharp moves, specific posture, no rumba/samba steps. They mixed styles, so it wasn’t a "real" Argentine Tango. Pros must teach the real thing!
3. Why was Tristan upset about not being picked first?
He thought he and Stephani had a bond. Being "rejected" on TV stings — especially when your partner says "I just wanted to switch it up."
4. Who is Daniella Karagach?
A mirrorball champion (she won DWTS Season 30 with Iman Shumpert). She’s a top-tier pro — so her feedback next week carries major weight.
5. How many episodes left until the winner is announced?
With 6 dancers left and one eliminated per episode (usually), we’re looking at ~5 more episodes before the finale. The winner joins DWTS Season 35 this fall!
Want more recaps? Stay tuned — the race for the next DWTS pro is heating up!
