Dancing with the Stars is officially back for its milestone 35th season, and the troupe is ready to keep the ballroom buzzing. The season 35 troupe features three returning dancers — Onye Stevenson, Jaxon Willard, and Carter Williams — alongside newcomer Kamri Peterson, who is stepping into the role after making a name for herself on the competitive Latin ballroom circuit. These four dancers will perform in group routines, show transitions, and support the celebrity-professional pairings throughout the season, bringing energy and spectacle to every episode. For longtime DWTS viewers, the troupe is a familiar fixture. For newcomers, these dancers are often the unsung heroes who make the show’s biggest production numbers possible. Here’s everything you need to know about the season 35 troupe.
Who Is in the Dancing with the Stars Season 35 Troupe?
The confirmed season 35 troupe includes four dancers: three returning members from season 34 and one newcomer. Onye Stevenson, Jaxon Willard, and Carter Williams all made their troupe debut during season 34 in 2025 and have returned for a second consecutive season. Kamri Peterson joins the troupe for the first time, filling the spot left by Hailey Bills, who was promoted to a professional dancer role for season 35.
| Dancer | Troupe Status | Previous DWTS Connection | Notable Background |
|---|---|---|---|
| Onye Stevenson | Returning (2nd season) | Season 34 troupe member | USC Glorya Kaufman School of Dance graduate; Dallas native |
| Jaxon Willard | Returning (2nd season) | Season 34 troupe member | Performed for Rihanna’s Super Bowl halftime show and Madonna’s world tour |
| Carter Williams | Returning (2nd season) | Season 34 troupe member | Led Weber State University dance team; So You Think You Can Dance top six finalist |
| Kamri Peterson | Newcomer | DWTS: Juniors pro (2018) | World ProAm champion; 3-time Latin National vice champion |
This section distinguishes confirmed troupe members from professional dancers. Hailey Bills, who was part of the season 34 troupe, is not a season 35 troupe member — she was promoted to professional dancer and is partnered with celebrity contestant Sarah Jane Nader.
Meet the Season 35 Troupe
Kamri Peterson
Kamri Peterson may be new to the DWTS troupe, but she is no stranger to the franchise. At just 18 years old, Peterson previously appeared as a professional dancer on Dancing with the Stars: Juniors in 2018, the short-lived spinoff that paired young celebrities with junior pro dancers. Now, she returns to the ballroom in a different role.
Peterson is a decorated Latin ballroom competitor. According to ABC, she is a World ProAm champion, a three-time Latin National vice champion, and a 12-time Latin finalist. She has also represented the United States at the Open World Championships in Paris. Her competitive background gives her a strong foundation for the troupe’s demanding choreography.
In an interview with Us Weekly at DWTS Con in August 2026, Peterson described receiving the call about joining the troupe while alone in a hotel room at a dance convention. “I was absolutely shocked and so excited,” she said. “This is my first performance with Dancing With the Stars since Dancing With the Stars: Juniors. I’m just so excited. It’s surreal because this is such a big dream of mine.”
Peterson has also expressed her desire to inspire younger dancers. “I want to inspire the younger generation,” she told Us. “I want them to see that dance doesn’t have to be so serious. It can also be something that’s just fun.”
What viewers should watch for: Peterson’s Latin ballroom training makes her a natural fit for the troupe’s high-energy group numbers, particularly during Latin-themed episodes. Her previous experience on DWTS: Juniors means she already understands the production rhythm of the show.
Onye Stevenson
Onye Stevenson is returning for her second season as a troupe member. Originally from Dallas, Texas, Stevenson graduated in 2025 from the University of Southern California’s Glorya Kaufman School of Dance, one of the most prestigious dance programs in the country. During her time at USC, she also worked on the Kaufman Communications Team, reflecting her interest in social media and marketing alongside her performance career.
Stevenson made her DWTS troupe debut in season 34. After that first season, she shared her gratitude on Instagram in November 2025, calling the experience “beyond anything I could’ve imagined.” She continued, “Thank you to the entire cast for making every day so full of joy and support, and to the crew whose hard work, kindness, and dedication make this show what it is.”
Following the announcement of her season 35 casting, Stevenson wrote on Instagram, “Back for another season & getting to dance with my bestfriends. So so grateful tune in to see me twirl every week.”
What viewers should watch for: Stevenson’s contemporary and commercial dance background, combined with her USC training, makes her particularly suited to the troupe’s more theatrical and story-driven group performances.
Jaxon Willard
Jaxon Willard returns to the troupe for his second season. The Utah native began dancing at age 12 and is largely self-taught as a choreographer, first gaining attention on NBC’s World of Dance. His professional credits are extensive: he has performed for Rihanna’s 2023 Super Bowl halftime show and on Madonna’s The Celebration world tour, which ran from October 2023 to May 2024.
Willard has also appeared in Kesha’s “Origami” music video, FKA twigs’ musical short Eusexua, and High School Musical: The Musical: The Series. His versatility across concert dance, music videos, and television production makes him a valuable asset to the troupe.
After his debut season, Willard wrote on Instagram in November 2025, “Words can’t express how much love and gratitude I have for this experience. It has truly been a blessing to be able to get to know and work alongside so many amazing people! @dancingwiththestars thank you for welcoming me with open arms!”
What viewers should watch for: Willard’s experience performing on massive tours and televised events gives him a stage presence that translates well to the troupe’s featured moments during transitions and opening numbers.
Carter Williams
Carter Williams is back for his second season in the troupe. Before joining DWTS, Williams led the dance team at Weber State University, where he helped the team earn a bronze medal at the 2026 UDA College Dance Team National Championship. He was also a top six finalist on So You Think You Can Dance, showcasing his versatility in contemporary and commercial styles.
In summer 2026, Williams joined Derek Hough’s Symphony of Dance: Encore tour, further building his professional performance resume. His connection to Derek Hough — now a DWTS judge — underscores his standing in the commercial dance world.
Williams described his return to the troupe on Instagram in September 2026: “I genuinely still can’t believe I get to say I’m back in Troupe. @dancingwiththestars has been a lifelong dream of mine, and getting to live it all over again feels just as surreal.”
What viewers should watch for: Williams’ collegiate dance team background and competition experience make him particularly strong in synchronized group choreography, where precision and timing are essential.
Hailey Bills’ Promotion: Troupe to Professional Dancer
Hailey Bills is not a member of the season 35 troupe. She was part of the season 34 troupe, but for season 35, she has been promoted to professional dancer and is partnered with celebrity contestant Sarah Jane Nader.
This pairing marks DWTS’ second-ever all-female partnership and third same-sex celeb-pro duo in the show’s history. Bills, 20, is the niece of longtime DWTS professional dancer Jenna Johnson, who is also returning for season 35 and is partnered with actor Harry Shum Jr.
Bills’ transition from troupe to professional dancer is a notable career milestone. During her troupe season, she performed in pre-commercial bumpers and background routines. Now she takes center stage with a celebrity partner, a significant step up in visibility and responsibility. Sasha Farber, a longtime DWTS pro who was not included in the season 35 cast, publicly praised Bills after the announcement: “I’m also so excited for Hailey to be a pro. I mean, she is phenomenal. I’m so excited to watch her shine. You watch, she’s going to kill it.”
What Is the DWTS Troupe?
The DWTS troupe is a group of professional dancers who perform on the show but are not paired with celebrity contestants. Their primary responsibilities include:
- Opening numbers: Performing large-scale choreographed routines to start episodes
- Show transitions: Dancing during breaks between competitive performances to maintain energy
- Group routines: Participating in themed group performances throughout the season
- Background support: Appearing in the background of celebrity-professional routines when additional dancers are needed
- Special performances: Contributing to guest performances, musical acts, and themed episodes
Troupe dancers differ from professional dancers in one key way: they do not have celebrity partners and do not compete for the Mirrorball Trophy. Professional dancers are paired with celebrities and are judged on their choreography and partnership. Troupe dancers support the overall production but are not part of the competitive element.
Historically, troupe membership has served as a pipeline to professional status. Several current DWTS pros, including Jenna Johnson, began their DWTS careers in the troupe before being promoted. However, not every troupe dancer becomes a professional dancer, and no current troupe member is guaranteed a promotion.
Troupe Dancers vs. Professional Dancers
| Feature | Troupe Dancers | Professional Dancers |
|---|---|---|
| Main role | Group performances, transitions, background support | Partnered with celebrity contestants; compete for Mirrorball |
| Celebrity partner | None | Yes, one celebrity per pro |
| Group performances | Primary responsibility | Occasional, usually for opening numbers or special episodes |
| Individual routines | Rare; troupe members sometimes featured in spotlights | Weekly competitive routines with celebrity partner |
| Competition role | Non-competitive | Competitive; subject to judges’ scores and audience votes |
| Season 35 status | Kamri Peterson, Onye Stevenson, Jaxon Willard, Carter Williams | 16 professionals paired with celebrities; Hailey Bills among them |
This distinction matters for factual accuracy. Troupe members are essential to the show’s production, but their role is fundamentally different from that of the professional dancers who compete each week.
What to Expect from the Season 35 Troupe
Based on the troupe’s role in previous seasons and confirmed information about season 35, viewers can expect the troupe to appear in several capacities throughout the season:
Opening numbers: The troupe typically performs a choreographed routine to open each episode, setting the energy for the night. These numbers often incorporate the season’s theme or a musical guest.
Transition performances: During commercial breaks and between competitive routines, the troupe dances to keep the live audience engaged and provide seamless transitions for the broadcast.
Themed episode support: Latin Night, Halloween Night, and other themed episodes often feature expanded troupe performances that align with the episode’s theme.
Background appearances: When a celebrity-professional routine requires additional dancers for visual impact, troupe members step in to fill out the stage.
Specific choreography details for future episodes have not been officially announced. Viewers should watch the episodes as they air for the troupe’s exact contributions each week.
Dancing with the Stars Season 35 Overview
Season 35 premiered with a special two-night event on Tuesday, September 15 and Wednesday, September 16, 2026, at 8 p.m. ET on ABC and Disney+. Following the premiere, episodes air Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET on ABC and Disney+, with next-day streaming on Hulu.
Hosts: Alfonso Ribeiro and Julianne Hough returned as co-hosts.
Judges: Carrie Ann Inaba, Derek Hough, and Bruno Tonioli returned to the judges’ table.
Celebrity contestants and professional partners for season 35 include:
- Tatyana Ali and Jan Ravnik
- Tyler Cameron and Sharna Burgess
- Giada De Laurentiis and Alan Bersten
- Jenna Dewan and Val Chmerkovskiy
- Ezra Frech and Daniella Karagach
- Amber Glenn and Pasha Pashkov
- Taylor Hanson and Britt Stewart
- Maura Higgins and Mark Ballas
- Conner Leavitt and Adele Zaikman
- Ciara Miller and Brandon Armstrong
- Sarah Jane Nader and Hailey Bills
- Jackson Olson and Emma Slater
- Guillermo Rodriguez and Witney Carson
- Harry Shum Jr. and Jenna Chmerkovskiy
- Julia Stiles and Ezra Sosa
- Connor Wood and Rylee Arnold
Why the Troupe Matters to DWTS
The troupe is essential to the live-performance atmosphere that defines Dancing with the Stars. Without the troupe, the show would lose much of its visual spectacle. Troupe members fill the stage during opening numbers, provide seamless transitions between competitive routines, and add production value to every episode.
From a production standpoint, the troupe allows the show to create large-scale dance sequences that would be impossible with only the celebrity-professional pairs. The troupe also gives emerging professional dancers a platform to gain visibility and experience within the DWTS ecosystem.
For viewers, the troupe is often where some of the season’s most memorable choreography happens — the high-energy group numbers that open the show, the themed performances that celebrate Latin dance or Halloween, and the emotional tributes that require additional dancers.
Career Path from Troupe to Pro
Troupe membership has historically served as a pathway to professional dancer status on DWTS. Jenna Johnson, who joined the show in 2014 as a troupe member, later became a professional dancer and has since won multiple seasons. Hailey Bills’ promotion from season 34 troupe member to season 35 professional dancer is the most recent example of this pipeline in action.
However, promotion is not guaranteed. Some troupe members remain in the troupe for multiple seasons, while others pursue opportunities outside the show. The troupe provides valuable exposure — national television appearances, industry connections, and performance experience — that can lead to professional opportunities regardless of whether a dancer is eventually promoted to pro status.
For the current season 35 troupe members, this season represents an opportunity to build their profiles and demonstrate their capabilities to the show’s producers and audience.
Dancer Backgrounds at a Glance
| Dancer | Background | DWTS Experience | Season 35 Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kamri Peterson | World ProAm champion; 3-time Latin National vice champion; DWTS: Juniors pro | DWTS: Juniors (2018) | Troupe (newcomer) |
| Onye Stevenson | USC Glorya Kaufman School of Dance graduate (2025); Dallas native | Season 34 troupe | Troupe (returning) |
| Jaxon Willard | Performed for Rihanna and Madonna; World of Dance alum | Season 34 troupe | Troupe (returning) |
| Carter Williams | Weber State dance team leader; SYTYCD top six; Derek Hough tour | Season 34 troupe | Troupe (returning) |
Season 35 Timeline
- August 2, 2026: Kamri Peterson announced as the first troupe member for season 35 at DWTS Con
- September 1, 2026: Full celebrity cast and professional partnerships announced
- September 4, 2026: Full troupe confirmed — Onye Stevenson, Jaxon Willard, and Carter Williams returning alongside Kamri Peterson
- September 15, 2026: Season 35 premieres with two-night event on ABC and Disney+
- September 16, 2026: Second night of premiere event
- September 22, 2026 onward: Regular weekly episodes air Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is in the Dancing with the Stars Season 35 troupe?
The season 35 troupe consists of Kamri Peterson, Onye Stevenson, Jaxon Willard, and Carter Williams. Peterson is a newcomer, while Stevenson, Willard, and Williams are returning from season 34.
Is Kamri Peterson new to Dancing with the Stars?
Kamri Peterson is new to the troupe, but she is not new to the DWTS franchise. She previously appeared as a professional dancer on Dancing with the Stars: Juniors in 2018. Season 35 marks her return to the DWTS stage in a troupe role.
Who is Onye Stevenson?
Onye Stevenson is a returning troupe member from season 34. She is a graduate of the University of Southern California’s Glorya Kaufman School of Dance (class of 2025) and is originally from Dallas, Texas. She has expressed interest in social media and marketing alongside her dance career.
Who is Jaxon Willard?
Jaxon Willard is a returning troupe member from season 34. He began dancing at age 12, gained attention on World of Dance, and has performed for Rihanna’s Super Bowl halftime show and on Madonna’s world tour. He is from Utah.
Who is Carter Williams?
Carter Williams is a returning troupe member from season 34. He led the Weber State University dance team, was a top six finalist on So You Think You Can Dance, and joined Derek Hough’s Symphony of Dance: Encore tour in 2026.
What does the DWTS troupe do?
The troupe performs in group numbers, opening routines, show transitions, and background support for celebrity-professional performances. Troupe dancers do not have celebrity partners and do not compete for the Mirrorball Trophy.
What is the difference between a DWTS troupe dancer and a professional dancer?
Professional dancers are paired with celebrity contestants and compete for the Mirrorball Trophy. Troupe dancers support the production through group performances and transitions but do not have celebrity partners or compete. Troupe membership can lead to professional status, as demonstrated by Hailey Bills’ season 35 promotion.
Is Hailey Bills part of the Season 35 troupe?
No. Hailey Bills was a season 34 troupe member but has been promoted to professional dancer for season 35. She is partnered with celebrity contestant Sarah Jane Nader.
When did Dancing with the Stars Season 35 premiere?
Season 35 premiered with a two-night event on Tuesday, September 15 and Wednesday, September 16, 2026, at 8 p.m. ET on ABC and Disney+.
Who are the Dancing with the Stars Season 35 professionals?
The season 35 professional dancers include Jan Ravnik, Sharna Burgess, Alan Bersten, Val Chmerkovskiy, Daniella Karagach, Pasha Pashkov, Britt Stewart, Mark Ballas, Adele Zaikman, Brandon Armstrong, Hailey Bills, Emma Slater, Witney Carson, Jenna Chmerkovskiy, Ezra Sosa, and Rylee Arnold.
Where can viewers watch Season 35?
Season 35 airs Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET on ABC and Disney+. Episodes stream the next day on Hulu.
Can troupe dancers become professional dancers?
Yes, troupe membership has historically served as a pathway to professional status. Jenna Johnson and Hailey Bills are both examples of dancers who began in the troupe and were later promoted to professional roles. However, promotion is not guaranteed for every troupe member.