Navigating the DWTS pros: A guide to the new season

If you are new to Dancing with the Stars, the sudden influx of commentary from former pros can feel overwhelming. The question of who the DWTS pros are and why they are suddenly so vocal is central to understanding Season 35. The show has entered a turbulent period where past champions and current contestants are clashing over rules, respect, and artistic integrity. This is not just about dance steps. It is about the ecosystem of the show and how it handles its most valuable assets, the dancers themselves.

To make sense of it, you need to look beyond the weekly scores. You need to understand the specific individuals involved, their backgrounds, and the controversies that have defined the first few weeks. This guide breaks down the key figures, the recent suspensions, and the interpersonal dynamics that are shaping the narrative. We will look at the veterans, the newcomers, and the specific incidents that have sparked debate. By the end, you will have a clear picture of who is who and why it matters.

The Veterans Weighing In

Louis van Amstel, the original pro from Season 1, has been a prominent voice in the recent rule controversies. At 54 years old, he posted a video on Instagram on October 17, 2026, siding with judge Carrie Ann Inaba regarding a lift in a samba routine. He argued that the rules are not specific enough when extra dancers are involved. He stated that the rulebook should be waterproof, meaning no lift should be allowed whether performed by the partner or an extra dancer.

He also pointed out an inconsistency in judging. He noted that Val Chmerkovskiy performed a full lift with his partner Jenna Dewan in a paso doble, but it was not called out by the judges. Van Amstel emphasized that while he is not against the lift police, he wants consistency. His comments align with those of Maksim Chmerkovskiy, who appeared on The Viall Files podcast on October 15. Maksim explained that the rulebook applies to couples, not to background dancers running out. This debate highlights a gap in the show's regulations that has become a major talking point.

The Suspended Pro and His Replacement

The most dramatic development in Season 35 is the suspension of Val Chmerkovskiy. This is the first time a pro has been pulled from the show. The incident stems from a controversial social media post where he referenced Will Smith's infamous Oscars slap. He wrote that he almost saw the Fresh Prince enter the ballroom, seemingly in defense of his wife Jenna Johnson after a tense exchange with judge Carrie Ann Inaba. BBC Studios issued a statement saying his post was inappropriate and did not reflect the show's values.

As a result, Val will not participate in next week's show. His replacement for this week's Dedication Night is Alan Bersten. Bersten and his partner Giada De Laurentiis were eliminated in week two of the current season. He and his Season 28 partner Hannah Brown won the Mirrorball Trophy in 2019. For this special performance, Jenna Dewan will dance with Bersten in a Viennese waltz set to Unchained Melody, dedicated to her mother, Nancy. This substitution has raised questions about the show's handling of its pro roster and the impact of such decisions on the competition.

Criticism and Internal Dynamics

The choice of Alan Bersten as a replacement has not gone unnoticed by former pros. Gleb Savchenko, a former pro who was cut before Season 35, criticized Bersten on a TikTok livestream. Savchenko, who is 43, said that Bersten is not up to the level of dancing in terms of quality and technique. He suggested that a dancer from the troupe should have been chosen instead to dance with Jenna Dewan. Savchenko has placed fourth three times in his career, but he has never won the Mirrorball Trophy, unlike Bersten. This internal friction shows how closely the pro community watches each other's moves.

Savchenko's comments add another layer to the drama surrounding the suspension. It highlights the competitive nature of the pro world and the high standards expected of those who represent the show. The fact that a former pro is publicly questioning the casting choice suggests that the suspension has created a ripple effect beyond just the immediate episode. It has become a discussion about merit, skill, and the decision-making process behind the scenes. For new viewers, this is a reminder that the politics of the show are as complex as the choreography.

New Faces and Emerging Storylines

Amidst the drama, there are also new stories emerging that capture the spirit of the show. Hailey Bills, a 20-year-old first-time pro, is making waves. She was voted off in the first week after dancing with reality star Sarah Jane Nader in the franchise's second-ever same-sex partnership. Despite her elimination, she is staying on as part of the troupe. Her presence is significant because she represents a new generation of dancers entering the franchise. Her chemistry with other cast members is becoming a focal point for fans.

One such connection is with Ezra Frech, a 21-year-old contestant who is a frontrunner in the competition. A source told The U.S. Sun that the two have been getting flirty behind the scenes, and the cast is pushing them to date. They have a similar sense of humor and have been getting closer every week. Ezra is partnered with Daniella Karagach, and they are performing a contemporary routine to Bloodline by Mon Rovia for Dedication Night, honoring his mother, Bahar. This potential showmance adds a personal element to the competition that fans love to follow. It shows that even in a week filled with suspensions and rule disputes, the human connections remain at the heart of the show.

What to Watch For Next

As Season 35 moves forward, the impact of Val Chmerkovskiy's suspension will be closely watched. The consistency of the judging, particularly regarding lifts and the involvement of extra dancers, will be a key metric. Fans and former pros like Louis van Amstel and Maksim Chmerkovskiy will likely continue to weigh in, keeping the conversation alive. The show's ability to maintain its standards while managing its cast will be tested.

For new viewers, this is a good time to pay attention to the nuances of the competition. Who are the pros defending their titles? Who are the new faces trying to make their mark? How does the show handle conflict and rule interpretation? These are the questions that will define the rest of the season. The drama is not just noise. It is a reflection of the high stakes and the passionate community surrounding Dancing with the Stars. Keep an eye on the Dedication Night performances and any further statements from the producers. The story is far from over.