Sarah Jane Nader Says It’s ‘Such an Honor’ to Partner with Another Woman on “Dancing with the Stars” (Exclusive)

In a significant milestone for the popular television programme “Dancing with the Stars,” Sarah Jane Nader has teamed up with rookie professional dancer Hailey Bills for the show’s 35th season. Their pairing marks only the second all-female partnership in the show’s extensive history, a notable achievement following the participation of Jenna Johnson and JoJo Siwa, who made headlines in the thirtieth season.

Nader expressed her excitement about the partnership, stating, “It’s such an honour.” Her enthusiasm is matched by Bills, who excitedly noted, “I am so unbelievably excited for this experience, and I could not be more happy with my partner.” Both dancers are eager to showcase their skills and share this unique opportunity on a prominent stage.

The historical significance of Nader and Bills’ partnership is underscored by their familial ties. Interestingly, Bills is the niece of former contestant Jenna Johnson, a connection that Nader playfully refers to as “iconic family behaviour.” The duo’s partnership not only represents a shift towards inclusivity within competitive dance but also highlights the support and camaraderie found among the participants.

Both dancers recall the moment they first learned of their partnership with sheer excitement. Nader described the experience in the studio, saying, “We probably hit a new frequency in the dance studio, screaming. We were just beyond thrilled.” This shared joy is reflective of the bond that they have already begun to form as dance partners.

Before this season, Hailey Bills was introduced as a member of the troupe during Season 34 of “Dancing with the Stars.” She spoke about her transition to the professional lineup with great enthusiasm, stating, “I was actually in the middle of my tour for Dancing with the Stars in April, and [executive producer] Deena Katz just pulled me aside and asked me if I’d be willing to dance with a female. I was like, ‘Double whammy.’ And of course, obviously I’m down to dance with a female.” This mention of the opportunity indicates a broader shift towards diversity in the show’s dynamics.

For Nader, the competition serves as a platform to stand out as an individual rather than just as one of her sisters’ younger siblings. With sisters Brooks, Mary Holland, and Grace Ann already making names for themselves, she sees this as a chance to carve her own identity. “Everything I’ve done so far, for the most part, has been with my sisters, and so I’m excited for people to get to know me as an individual,” she remarked.

Both dancers acknowledge the magnitude of this opportunity, eager to shine individually while supporting each other. “This is both of our first time being on this big of a platform, in a way, and so it’s exciting to get to do that together for the first time,” Nader stated. Bills echoed this sentiment, saying, “This is the biggest job in dance I’ve ever had in my life, so I’m just excited to see how it goes.”

“Dancing with the Stars” returns for its highly anticipated two-night premiere on September 15 and 16, streaming on ABC and Disney+. Episodes will subsequently be available on Hulu for viewers wanting to keep up with the latest performances. As Nader and Bills prepare for the competition, their journey exemplifies the shifting landscape of dance and the celebration of diversity within the art form. This season promises to be one filled with excitement and inspirational performances, showcasing the talents of two remarkable dancers.