Season 34 of Dancing with the Stars premiered on Tuesday, September 16th, and while viewers at home saw the glamorous performances on screen, there was a whole other world of emotions and support happening behind the scenes. People Magazine had the exclusive opportunity to be in the ballroom, capturing moments that the camera didn’t catch.
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As the celebrity contestants took to the stage to showcase their dancing skills with styles like salsa and cha-cha, their friends and family provided heartfelt support in the audience. It was a heartwarming sight to see stars like Whitney Leavitt and Jen Affleck being cheered on by their Secret Lives of Mormon Wives castmates, creating a sense of camaraderie and encouragement that added an extra layer of emotion to the night.
One particularly touching moment occurred when Lisa Ann Walter, known for her role in Parent Trap, was visibly moved as she watched her co-star Elaine Hendrix perform. The bond between the two actresses was evident as Lisa teared up during Elaine’s performance, showcasing the deep connections that go beyond the dance floor.
The familial support extended to Hilaria Baldwin, who had her husband Alec Baldwin and three of their children in attendance, including their 11-year-old daughter Carmen. The energy in the room reached a peak when Hilaria and her partner Gleb Savchenko ended their cha-cha performance with a bang, eliciting screams from the backstage area.
The evening was also filled with celebrity sightings as Boy Meets World stars Will Friedle and Rider Strong showed up to cheer on their co-star Danielle Fishel, known for her role as Topanga. Additionally, longtime friend Lance Bass added to the star-studded audience, creating a nostalgic and supportive atmosphere for the contestants.
The Irwin family made a strong showing with Terri, Bindi, and Bindi’s husband Chandler Powell, along with their daughter Grace, all present to support Robert Irwin. The familial bond was palpable, underscoring the importance of love and encouragement in the midst of intense competition.
Beyond the performances, backstage moments added another layer of insight into the dynamics between the contestants and pros. Former pro Sasha Farber and season 33 contestant Chandler Kinney shared smiles and camaraderie, highlighting the friendships that form behind the scenes of the show.
The premiere episode concluded without any eliminations, but the stakes were raised as hosts Julianne Hough and Alfonso Ribeiro announced that two contestants would be going home the following week. This twist added a sense of anticipation and urgency to the competition, keeping fans on the edge of their seats.
As the season progresses, viewers can look forward to more behind-the-scenes insights and emotional moments that showcase the resilience, camaraderie, and talent of the Dancing with the Stars contestants. Tune in on Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET on ABC and Disney+ to catch all the excitement and drama as the competition heats up.