Meet the 12 Dancers Competing on ‘DWTS: The Next Pro’

Dancing with the Stars: The Next Pro is set to premiere on ABC on July 13. The competition series, hosted by Robert Irwin with Mark and Shirley Ballas as judges, will see 12 dancers competing to become a new pro on Season 35 of DWTS. Ahead of the premiere, let’s meet the show’s contestants.

1. Benjamin Castro

This Miami-based dancer, who goes by Benji, made the Top 7 on So You Think You Can Dance Season 16 and later appeared on the show’s live tour. Benji teased DWTS: The Next Pro on Instagram, writing, “Get ready because we are bringing the ENERGY.”

2. Allen Genkin

This California-based dancer has actually already appeared on DWTS, having won a Ballroom Battle segment on the show back in 2012. Allen is active in ballroom competitions, including the famous Blackpool Dance Festival in the UK.

3. Selena Hamilton

This LA-based dancer has quite the résumé, having performed with Sombr at the VMAs and Doechii at Lollapalooza. Selena will also be performing on DWTS judge Derek Hough’s Symphony of Dance tour this summer.

4. Natalie Jolley

This dancer is highly decorated in the world of competitive ballroom dancing, with her partner Parley Ford. The pair recently competed at Blackpool in the UK, where they became the first-ever Blackpool Amateur Smooth Champions.

5. Erik Linder

This LA-based dancer appeared on America’s Got Talent Season 4 when he was a kid, as part of the ballroom duo Erik and Rickie. The pair also made a guest appearance on DWTS. Erik has also performed with fellow The Next Pro contestant Briar Nolet.

6. Nina Mayster

This Pennsylvania-based dancer owns a dancewear brand called VIBE Atelier. She’s active in the competitive ballroom scene. Nina said in an Instagram post that competing on DWTS: The Next Pro is the “biggest thing that has happened to me in my life.”

7. Jake Monreal

When he was younger, this dancer appeared as a pro on DWTS: Juniors, finishing in ninth place with his partner Sophia Pippen. They were mentored by pro Sasha Farber. Jake also competed on So You Think You Can Dance: The Next Generation, making it to the Top 10.

8. Briar Nolet

This Canadian dancer previously competed on World of Dance Season 3, finishing in fifth place and later touring with Jennifer Lopez. She auditioned for Canada’s Got Talent in 2024. Briar has also worked as an actress, appearing on The Next Step and The Chosen.

9. AJ Pritchard

This British dancer previously competed on BGT Series 7 with his partner Chloe Hewitt, reaching the Semifinals. From 2016 to 2019, AJ was a pro dancer on Strictly Come Dancing. In 2020, he was a contestant on I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here!

10. Tristen Sanders

This Atlanta-based dancer specializes in both ballroom and hip-hop and works as a manager at a dance studio. In a preview clip for DWTS: The Next Pro, Tristen can be heard saying, “I’m gonna be a problem.”

11. Stephani Sosa

If the name Sosa sounds familiar, that’s because Stephani is actually the sister of DWTS pro Ezra Sosa. She previously appeared as a background dancer on High School Musical: The Musical: The Series. In a preview for The Next Act, she can heard comparing the show to a “boot camp.”

12. Adele Zaikman

This LA-based dancer works as a dance teacher and frequently competes with her partner Cătălin Caucă. The pair started dancing together last year, and they recently appeared at the Blackpool Dance Festival in the UK.