‘DWTS: The Next Pro’ Star Hits Brutal Wall Before Semifinals
"Dancing with the Stars: The Next Pro" – Everything You Need to Know About the Big Finale
Updated: August 17, 2026 | Source: USA TODAY
What Is The Next Pro Anyway?
Imagine a talent show where the prize isn’t just a trophy—it’s a full-time job as a professional dancer on one of America’s most famous TV shows, Dancing with the Stars (DWTS).
That’s exactly what Dancing with the Stars: The Next Pro is all about.
- 12 amazing dancers move into a house together.
- They compete in weekly challenges.
- One winner earns a spot as a pro on the main DWTS show.
- The show airs on ABC and streams next day on Disney+ and Hulu.
The Finale Is Here – And It’s the "Toughest Challenge Yet"
Monday’s episode (August 17) is the semifinals, and the pressure is real. Here’s what’s happening:
The Challenge: Teach a Total Beginner in 2 Days
| What’s Happening | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Each contestant gets paired with a fan (not a dancer!) | This is the core job of a DWTS pro: teaching celebrities who’ve never danced before |
| They have only 48 hours to learn a ballroom routine | Tests teaching skills, patience, and choreography under pressure |
| The fans are social media influencers with big followings | Adds extra visibility—and pressure! |
| One dancer goes home at the end | Only the best teachers move to the finale |
Important Callout
Mark Ballas (judge & DWTS legend) put it perfectly:
"If you can’t teach an amateur, you should not be on the show."
This challenge isn’t about who dances the best—it’s about who teaches the best.
Meet the People Running the Show
The Host
- Robert Irwin – Won Season 34 of DWTS with Witney Carson. Now he’s guiding the next generation.
The Judges
| Judge | Claim to Fame |
|---|---|
| Mark Ballas | 3-time DWTS champion, choreographer extraordinaire |
| Shirley Ballas | "Queen of Latin," Mark’s mom, legendary ballroom coach |
| Derek Hough | 6-time DWTS champ, Emmy-winning choreographer |
This Week’s Special Mentor
- Witney Carson – Fan-favorite DWTS pro, Season 34 champion (with Robert Irwin!), stepping in to mentor the semifinalists.
Who Are the Brave "Students"? (The Influencers)
Five social media stars signed up to be taught by the contestants:
- Jeremy Urann (@JEREMYURANN)
- Zaira Yzabelle (@zairayzabelle)
- Jay Wyson (@jaywyson)
- Bailey McKnight (@baileymcknight)
- Anthony Riccardo (@anthony21riccardo)
They have zero ballroom experience. Their job? Trust their partner, learn fast, and perform live.
How a DWTS Pro Is Made: The Competition Steps
- Audition & Move In – 12 dancers chosen, live together in a house
- Weekly Challenges – Different dance styles, techniques, and skills tested
- Guest Pros & Mentors – Each week, a DWTS veteran joins to judge and guide
- Eliminations – Weakest dancer sent home each episode
- Semifinals (NOW!) – Teach-an-influencer challenge
- Finale – Last dancers standing compete for the pro contract
- Winner Announced – Joins the main Dancing with the Stars cast as a professional!
What the Contestants Are Feeling
Selena Hamilton (contestant, 3 years ballroom experience):
"I’ve only been doing ballroom for three years, so teaching an adult that has no ballroom experience at all, it’s nerve-wracking."
Even talented dancers find teaching a totally different skill than performing. That’s exactly what the judges want to see.
When & Where to Watch
| Platform | When |
|---|---|
| ABC (TV) | Mondays at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT |
| Disney+ & Hulu | Next day streaming |
Pro Tip: Missed an episode? Catch up on Disney+ or Hulu anytime!
Summary
- Dancing with the Stars: The Next Pro is a spinoff competition where 12 dancers battle for a pro spot on DWTS.
- Semifinals air Monday, August 17 – the challenge: teach a social media influencer a ballroom dance in 2 days.
- Robert Irwin hosts; judges are Mark Ballas, Shirley Ballas, and Derek Hough.
- Witney Carson is this week’s guest mentor.
- One dancer eliminated after this challenge.
- Watch Mondays 8 ET/PT on ABC, or next day on Disney+/Hulu.
FAQ – Your Burning Questions Answered
What exactly does a "DWTS pro" do?
A DWTS pro is a professional dancer paired with a celebrity each season. They choreograph, teach, and perform with their partner every week. It’s part teacher, part coach, part performer.
Why is teaching an influencer the "toughest challenge"?
Because the entire job of a DWTS pro is teaching non-dancers (celebrities) to dance well in days. This challenge simulates the real job perfectly—no fancy partners, just regular people with zero training.
Can I watch past episodes?
Yes! All episodes are available to stream on Disney+ and Hulu the day after they air on ABC.
Who won the last season of regular DWTS?
Robert Irwin (this show’s host!) won Season 34 with pro Witney Carson (this week’s mentor).
How many dancers are left?
Going into the semifinals, there are a handful left (the show started with 12). After Monday, one more goes home, leaving the finalists for the season finale.
Enjoy the finale! May the best teacher win.