The dance floor is about to get a whole lot more interesting. Dancing with the Stars, that glittering battleground of grace and grit, is back for Season 35, and this time around, it feels like the show is playing with fire. The usual suspects—Derek Hough, Carrie Ann Inaba, and Bruno Tonioli—are back in their judging chairs, but the real intrigue lies in the cast. What makes this particularly fascinating is how the show seems to be doubling down on nostalgia while also pushing boundaries with fresh faces. It’s like a high-stakes game of Jenga: one wrong move, and the entire structure of the franchise could crumble—or evolve into something entirely new.
Let’s start with the pros. Sharna Burgess’s return after a five-year hiatus is a masterstroke of storytelling. Her absence created a void that’s now being filled with a mix of anticipation and skepticism. Why did she leave? What did she learn? And more importantly, how will her style—sharp, precise, and unapologetically competitive—mesh with the new crop of contestants? This isn’t just about dance; it’s about legacy. Burgess’s return feels like a calculated move to remind viewers that the show isn’t just about flash; it’s about the emotional arcs of its participants. But here’s the thing: if she’s not as sharp as she once was, the judges might not be as forgiving. The mirrorball trophy isn’t just a prize—it’s a test of endurance, resilience, and the ability to reinvent oneself.
Then there’s Adele Zaikman, the winner of the spin-off show who’s now stepping into the main event. Her victory in The Next Pro was a Cinderella story, but now she’s facing the real thing. What many people don’t realize is that the pressure here is exponentially higher. The pros on DWTS aren’t just instructors; they’re co-stars, mentors, and sometimes, reluctant allies. Zaikman’s challenge isn’t just to dance well—it’s to build a partnership that can withstand the scrutiny of millions of viewers. Will she be the underdog who defies expectations, or will she become the next casualty of the show’s cutthroat culture? I’m leaning toward the former, but only because the show has a habit of turning underdogs into legends.
Now, the contestants. Maura Higgins, fresh off her Traitors stint, is a wildcard. Her ability to wear multiple hats—literally and metaphorically—could be her greatest asset. But here’s the rub: Traitors is a game of deception, while DWTS is a game of vulnerability. Can she transition from being a manipulative strategist to a vulnerable performer? It’s a risk, but one that could pay off if she leans into her authenticity. I suspect she’ll try to bring her signature flair, but if she overreaches, she might end up looking like a caricature of herself.
Ciara Miller, meanwhile, is the queen of drama. Her Summer House saga made her a household name, and now she’s stepping into a different kind of spotlight. What makes this interesting is how her public persona—charming, fiery, and unapologetically candid—could clash or complement her dance style. Will she use her past controversies as fuel, or will she try to reinvent herself as a serious contender? The show has a history of making celebrities either rise or fall spectacularly, and Miller’s journey could be the most entertaining of them all.
Jackson Olson, the TikTok-savvy baseball player, brings a different kind of energy. His quote about translating his moves from dirt to ballroom is both humble and hilarious. But beneath the humor is a deeper question: can someone who’s used to physicality on the field adapt to the precision required in ballroom dance? It’s a challenge that could either make him a breakout star or a cautionary tale. I’m curious to see how he handles the psychological shift from competition to performance. If he can find that balance, he might just become the season’s most unexpected hero.
And then there’s Guillermo Rodriguez, the Jimmy Kimmel sidekick. His pairing with Witney Carson, the defending champion, is a match made in TV heaven. But here’s the thing: Carson is a pro, and Rodriguez is a celebrity. That dynamic could either create a powerful synergy or a frustrating mismatch. I’m betting on the former, though. Carson’s experience and confidence could help Rodriguez navigate the pressures of the show, but only if he’s willing to let go of his comedic persona and embrace the vulnerability required for dance.
This season feels like a crossroads for DWTS. The show has been around for decades, but the landscape of reality TV is changing. Audiences are more cynical, more demanding, and more likely to tune out if they don’t see something fresh. The question isn’t just whether these contestants can dance—it’s whether they can tell a story that resonates in a world where attention spans are shorter than ever. If this season fails to deliver, it could be the beginning of the end for a franchise that’s been a staple of American television for years. But if it succeeds, it could prove that even the most tried-and-true formats can find new life with the right mix of talent, drama, and heart.
One thing is certain: the dance floor is about to be set ablaze. Whether this season becomes a legend or a footnote depends on the choices these stars make—and the stories they’re willing to tell.
