Dancing with the Stars Season 35 is almost here, and this year’s ballroom includes actors, elite athletes, musicians, reality personalities, comedians and several celebrities who already know something about performing under pressure.
That makes the new season especially interesting to Amy Hanson of Ballroom by Amy.
As a professional ballroom dance instructor and three-time defending Dancer’s Cup Tour Top Teacher, Amy knows just how much technique, musicality, partnership, practice and performance go into making a dance look effortless.
Before the first celebrity takes the floor, she already has a couple of names she’s watching closely.
Before the first dance, Amy already sees a couple of contestants with an obvious advantage — but she also knows Dancing with the Stars has a way of producing some big surprises.
Amy points to Jenna Dewan and Harry Shum Jr. because both enter Season 35 with significant dance experience.
But she’s not counting out the wildcard — someone who improves rapidly, becomes a terrific entertainer or simply connects with viewers in a way nobody expected.
Harry Shum Jr.? Jenna Dewan? Amber Glenn? Ezra Frech? Or will someone completely unexpected become this season’s breakout star? Keep your early prediction in mind as the season unfolds.
It’s one of the most interesting questions heading into Season 35.
Jenna Dewan and Harry Shum Jr. both enter with extensive dance backgrounds. Amber Glenn has spent years combining world-class athleticism with performance and musicality on the ice.
But ballroom asks for something different: frame, footwork, lead and follow, timing, weight transfer, partner connection, character and choreography — all while performing live under enormous pressure.
That’s why Amy isn’t ready to hand anyone the Mirrorball before the season even begins. Improvement, personality, entertainment value and audience connection can completely change the competition.
Season 35 begins with a special two-night premiere.
On Tuesday, September 15, the male celebrities take the ballroom floor, each performing to a No. 1 song from the year they were born.
On Wednesday, September 16, the female celebrities make their competition debut with the same theme.
For Minnesota viewers, both nights begin at 7 p.m. Central on ABC and Disney+, with episodes available the following day on Hulu.
We’ll share more about Amy’s personal history and connections with Dancing with the Stars, who she’s rooting for this season and whether she has a favorite.
We’ll also tackle one of the biggest questions viewers have:
Coming from a three-time defending Dancer’s Cup Tour Top Teacher, Amy can offer a perspective most viewers don’t get — what it really feels like to learn ballroom choreography, what trips up new dancers and just how impressive it is to prepare a television-ready routine in a matter of days.
Amy has made her early prediction. Now it’s time to see what happens when Season 35 hits the ballroom.
Check back throughout the season for more of Amy’s DWTS takes.
Coming up: Amy’s personal connections to Dancing with the Stars, who she’s rooting for, her favorites and what it really takes to learn these dances in just a few days.
ABC — September 3, 2026:
“Dancing with the Stars 2026 Cast Revealed!”
Used to verify the official Season 35 celebrity cast, professional dance partners and cast background information.
ABC Press — September 10, 2026:
Season 35 Two-Night Premiere
Used to verify premiere dates, Central Time broadcast information, episode format and streaming availability.
TV Insider — September 10, 2026:
“Who Will Win Dancing With the Stars Season 35? Looking at the Odds”
Used as background for discussion of several preseason contenders. The published odds are third-party projections, not official ABC rankings and not a prediction by Ballroom by Amy.
AI Disclosure:
This article was created with the assistance of artificial intelligence and reviewed, edited and approved for publication by Ballroom by Amy. AI-assisted tools were also used to create original accompanying graphic elements. The article graphic is not official ABC or Disney promotional artwork and does not use celebrity photographs. Cast, professional partner and premiere information was checked against ABC and ABC Press sources. Ballroom by Amy is not affiliated with or endorsed by ABC, Disney or Dancing with the Stars. Program names, trademarks and related intellectual property belong to their respective owners.