The highly-anticipated 35th season of *Dancing With the Stars* is set to launch with a spectacular two-night event on 15 and 16 September 2023. The popular dance competition, which has captivated audiences for years, promises to deliver thrilling performances and commendable talent as it prepares for another exciting run.
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Ezra Sosa, a professional dancer on the show, shared insights into his aspirations for the upcoming season during an exclusive interview with *PEOPLE* at the *Dancing With the Stars Convention* in Palm Springs. At just 25 years old, Sosa expressed a desire to see his colleagues, particularly Pasha Pashkov and Britt Stewart, take centre stage in the season’s finale. He noted the importance of giving lesser-known pros the opportunity to shine with top-tier celebrities this season.
Sosa’s call for equity in pairings comes in the wake of a recently deleted TikTok video. In the clip, he highlighted a recurring trend in *Dancing With the Stars* where certain professional dancers frequently secure partnerships with frontrunners. This observation has sparked discussion among fans about the dynamics of the show’s pairings and competition structure.
“This is my post-workout, gym thought for the day,” Sosa began in his now-removed video. He elaborated on the notion that no partner is inherently good or bad, emphasising that each pairing is meant to provide a unique experience for the celebrity contestant. Yet, he made it clear that he hopes to see those professionals who have yet to secure a spot in the finale be afforded the chance to partner with frontrunners this season.
He continued with his passionate appeal, expressing a strong desire to see these pros get their moment in the spotlight. “I want to see them shine. I want them to have that glorious moment. I want to see them with the mirrorball trophy because they deserve it,” Sosa stated ardently. He believes that showcasing these dancers in the finale could reveal their true creative abilities, particularly during the all-important freestyle segment.
Sosa reflected on his own journey in the competition while recognising the importance of opportunity for all professionals involved. Although he had the chance to work with talented partners, such as Olympic gymnast Jordan Chiles, he affirmed that his true wish is for those who may not have experienced such partnerships to thrive this season.
During a panel discussion at DWTS Con, executive producers Deena Katz and Conrad Green provided an intriguing glimpse into how casting decisions are made for the show. Katz mentioned that the audience desires variety, noting that they preferred to see pros paired with different types of celebrity contestants to ensure a fresh and engaging season.
Green echoed this sentiment, stressing that the producers only finalise pairings when rehearsals commence. This allows them to gauge the chemistry between the dancers and their respective stars, ensuring that the most effective partnerships emerge for the competition.
Promising a larger cast than the previous season, Green hinted at what fans might expect from *Dancing With the Stars* Season 35. While the complete cast list is yet to be released, viewers are eagerly awaiting the reveal, which is scheduled for *Good Morning America* on 3 September.
As the excitement builds and the premiere dates draw near, *Dancing With the Stars* continues to uphold its reputation as a beloved fixture of television entertainment. With Sosa’s hopes and the anticipation from producers, Season 35 is poised to offer an array of thrilling performances and captivating new pairings that will keep audiences glued to their screens.