The Ballroom's Back, But Is the Magic Still There?
Every fall, Dancing with the Stars returns like clockwork, promising glitz, drama, and the occasional wardrobe malfunction. But as the 35th season kicks off, I can’t help but wonder: has the show’s sparkle dimmed, or is it just evolving with the times? Personally, I think the answer lies somewhere in between.
The Cast: A Mix of Familiar Faces and Surprising Newcomers
One thing that immediately stands out is the eclectic mix of contestants this season. From reality TV darlings to TikTok sensations, the lineup feels both strategic and slightly chaotic. Take Maura Higgins, for instance. Fresh off The Traitors, she’s already a fan favorite, but what many people don’t realize is that her journey to the ballroom is rooted in manifestation. She’s not just here for the fame—she’s here to prove something to herself. That kind of raw determination could make her a dark horse contender.
Then there’s Ciara Miller, another Traitors alum, whose rise to fame was fueled by a messy Summer House romance. In my opinion, her casting feels like a play for younger audiences, but it also raises a deeper question: are we watching a dance competition or a reality TV crossover event? If you take a step back and think about it, the show is increasingly blurring those lines, and I’m not sure that’s a bad thing.
The Pros: A Blend of Old and New
What makes this season particularly fascinating is the return of Sharna Burgess after a five-year hiatus. Her comeback feels symbolic, like a nod to the show’s roots in an era of rapid change. Meanwhile, Adele Zaikman, the winner of Dancing with the Stars: The Next Pro, represents the future. Her inclusion is a smart move—it keeps the show fresh while rewarding talent.
A detail that I find especially interesting is the pairing of Guillermo Rodriguez with Witney Carson. Guillermo, Jimmy Kimmel’s lovable sidekick, is a wildcard, and Witney, the defending champion, is no stranger to pressure. What this really suggests is that the show is leaning into its ability to transform underdogs into stars. But will it work this time?
The Bigger Picture: Is Dancing with the Stars Still Relevant?
Here’s the thing: in an age of streaming and short-form content, live TV feels almost nostalgic. Dancing with the Stars is one of the few shows that still brings families together, but it’s also competing with TikTok dances and Instagram reels. From my perspective, the show’s survival depends on its ability to balance tradition with innovation.
Jackson Olson, the TikTok-famous baseball player, is a perfect example of this tension. He’s already a star on social media, but can he translate that energy to the ballroom? What many people don’t realize is that his casting isn’t just about his fame—it’s about bridging the gap between old-school entertainment and the digital age.
Final Thoughts: A Show in Transition
As the season unfolds, I’ll be watching not just for the lifts and spins, but for what this lineup says about the show’s identity. Is it a dance competition? A reality TV spectacle? A cultural time capsule? Personally, I think it’s all of the above—and that’s what makes it so compelling.
If you take a step back and think about it, Dancing with the Stars is a mirror reflecting our obsessions, our nostalgia, and our desire for transformation. Whether it’s Maura’s vision board or Guillermo’s underdog charm, this season feels like a microcosm of where we are as a culture. And that, in my opinion, is what makes it worth watching.
So, will the magic still be there? Only time will tell. But one thing’s for sure: this season is going to be a dance worth watching.
