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DWTS Pros: Guessing Game on Partners!
2 Oct
Summary
- Pro dancer pairings are finalized moments before the show's announcement.
- Celebrity contestants sometimes request specific professional partners.
- Show producers aim for compatibility but keep pros guessing.
The matchmaking process for Dancing With the Stars is a closely guarded secret, with professional dancers often learning their celebrity partners just days before the season begins. Cohost Alfonso Ribeiro explained that partnerships are fluid and can be reshuffled right up until the final cast announcement. He credited executive producers for their skill in creating suitable pairings.
Two-time mirrorball champion Jenna Johnson confirmed that pros are kept in the dark, with minimal information shared even about the overall cast. Some dancers, like Sasha Farber, discovered their partner less than an hour before a flight for a public reveal. While compatibility and height are key factors, celebrity contestants like Taylor Hanson have successfully requested specific professionals.
The show has also featured three same-sex partnerships, and executive producer Ryan O'Dowd has not ruled out future same-sex male pairings, emphasizing a commitment to reflecting diverse society.
