Dancing with the Stars Season 35 is set to make history with a groundbreaking new partnership. Sarah Jane Nader and Hailey Bills have been announced as a celebrity-pro pairing for the upcoming season, marking only the second time in the show’s history that a same-sex female duo will compete for the Mirrorball Trophy.
The pair was officially unveiled during the cast reveal on Good Morning America on September 2, 2026, alongside the 15 other couples competing in the new season. With the season premiere just days away, here is everything you need to know about this exciting new duo.
Who Are Sarah Jane Nader and Hailey Bills?
Sarah Jane Nader is a reality television personality and model who stars in the series Love Thy Nader. She is also the sister of Brooks Nader, a model who previously competed on Dancing with the Stars Season 33. In addition to her television work, Sarah Jane leads nonprofit and talent partnerships at Influencer Social Responsibility.
Hailey Bills is a 20-year-old professional dancer who has been promoted to a pro partner for Season 35 after spending last season as a member of the show’s dance troupe. She previously appeared on Dancing with the Stars: Juniors in 2018, where she was partnered with Tripp Johnston Palin and mentored by her aunt, pro dancer Jenna Johnson. Bills officially accepted the offer to become a pro in April 2026, and has been keeping the secret for months.
Sarah Jane Nader and Hailey Bills’ DWTS Partnership
The pairing of Sarah Jane Nader and Hailey Bills has generated significant buzz for several reasons. Most notably, it marks the show’s second-ever female same-sex partnership. The first was in Season 31 in 2021, when Hailey’s aunt, Jenna Johnson, partnered with JoJo Siwa and finished in second place.
During the cast announcement on Good Morning America, Sarah Jane Nader expressed her excitement about the partnership, saying, “I’m so excited. I mean, I think we all know that girls run the world, right? So, I think this partnership is going to be so special. And we’re already having so much fun.”
Hailey Bills shared that rehearsals have been going well. Pros typically work with their partner for about three to four hours per day, and she noted that the two have been having “lots of fun” preparing for their first routine.
Hailey Bills’ DWTS Journey
Hailey Bills’ path to becoming a professional dancer on Dancing with the Stars began at a young age. Her big break in the franchise came in 2018 when she was a contestant on Dancing with the Stars: Juniors. In that spinoff, she was partnered with Tripp Johnston Palin and mentored by her aunt, Jenna Johnson.
In 2025, she joined the main show’s dance troupe for Season 34, performing in background segments and transition scenes. This was a significant milestone, and Hailey shared that getting the offer to become a pro was “one of the most shocking moments of my life.”
“I’ve been a secret for a second now, so I am so excited just to get it out,” Bills told Teen Vogue before the official announcement. “It’s feeling surreal. I just can’t believe it’s happening.”
Why the Sarah Jane Nader and Hailey Bills Pairing Is Notable
The pairing is significant not only for its historical importance but also for its family connections. Hailey Bills will be competing alongside her aunt, Jenna Johnson, who is also a pro dancer this season and will be partnered with Glee actor Harry Shum Jr. Bills has spoken about her excitement to compete against her aunt, whom she has long admired and wanted to be “just like.”
Additionally, Sarah Jane Nader is following in the footsteps of her sister, Brooks Nader, who competed in Season 33 and was partnered with Gleb Savchenko. This season also features another family connection, with Conner Leavitt—husband of Season 34 contestant Whitney Leavitt—competing as well.
When Does Dancing with the Stars Season 35 Start?
Dancing with the Stars Season 35 premieres on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, at 8:00 p.m. ET on ABC and Disney+. The season will feature a two-night premiere event, with the second episode airing on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, at the same time.
Alfonso Ribeiro and Julianne Hough will return as co-hosts, with Carrie Ann Inaba, Bruno Tonioli, and Derek Hough back as judges. The show will feature 16 celebrity contestants competing for the Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Sarah Jane Nader’s DWTS partner?
Sarah Jane Nader’s professional dance partner is Hailey Bills.
Who is Hailey Bills?
Hailey Bills is a 20-year-old professional dancer who was promoted from the DWTS dance troupe to a pro partner for Season 35. She is the niece of pro dancer Jenna Johnson and previously appeared on DWTS: Juniors.
Are Sarah Jane Nader and Hailey Bills partners on DWTS Season 35?
Yes, Sarah Jane Nader and Hailey Bills are a celebrity-pro pairing on Season 35 of Dancing with the Stars.
What is Hailey Bills known for?
Hailey Bills is known for being a professional dancer on Dancing with the Stars and for being the niece of pro dancer Jenna Johnson.
Is Hailey Bills related to Jenna Johnson?
Yes, Hailey Bills is the niece of Jenna Johnson. Jenna is Hailey’s aunt.
When does Dancing with the Stars Season 35 premiere?
Season 35 premieres on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, at 8:00 p.m. ET on ABC and Disney+, with a second episode on Wednesday, September 16, 2026.
Who is Sarah Jane Nader?
Sarah Jane Nader is a reality TV personality known for Love Thy Nader. She is the sister of model Brooks Nader, who competed on DWTS Season 33.