AceShowbiz - Last fall, the television landscape witnessed a remarkable resurgence of Dancing With the Stars, which entered its 34th season with renewed vigor. Through a strategic dual release on broadcast and streaming platforms, the show captured the zeitgeist of the TikTok generation. Featuring a mix of captivating personalities including a few Mormon Wives and a dynamic social media presence, DWTS transformed itself into a ratings powerhouse once again.

While the celebrities competing on the dance floor are often the main draw for audiences, it is the professional dancers, affectionately known as the Pros, who truly hold the show’s foundation intact. Witney Carson, Val Chmerkovskiy, and Ezra Sosa have each carved out impressive careers by consistently elevating their celebrity partners and generating buzz season after season.

Val Chmerkovskiy, a three-time Mirrorball Trophy winner, has been a staple of the show since its second season. His freestyle performances with notable celebrities such as Gabby Windey, Phaedra Parks, and Alix Earle have left lasting impressions. In the most recent season, Chmerkovskiy and Earle narrowly missed the top prize, finishing second to Witney Carson and Robert Irwin.

Carson’s 2026 win marked a milestone – her first Mirrorball victory in over ten years, having previously secured the trophy with current DWTS host Alfonso Ribeiro back in 2014. Ezra Sosa, a newer addition to the cast, made a splash in his debut season partnering with Anna Delvey. Their dynamic connection extended beyond the competition, notably when Delvey allowed Sosa to embellish her ankle monitor with rhinestones for a New York Fashion Week runway show.

Sosa, who finished third last season with partner Jordan Chiles, recalls the moment he truly felt established in reality television. “It was the hardest day until I found out I was No. 1 trending on Twitter! Then it easily became one of the best days ever,” he reflects.

When asked about their breakthrough moments, Carson points to her initial Mirrorball victory with Ribeiro as a defining milestone. Chmerkovskiy recalls his first paycheck from the show as a memorable occasion, noting he was 25 years old and treated friends to a night out using those funds. Sosa shares a personal anecdote about his first paycheck purchase — a tennis necklace gifted by Danielle, his close confidante named after actress Danielle Fishel, who acted as his “necklace concierge” during a tour.

Describing their onscreen personas in five words, Sosa chooses “Fierce, diva, energy, joy,” adding a mysterious fifth word he coyly declines to explain further. Meanwhile, Carson highlights a viral freestyle moment from last season’s finale where her “knee walks” move captivated a younger TikTok audience, demonstrating how she pursued dance despite its niche appeal when she started.

For Carson, winning the Mirrorball trophy again in her 30s was a testament to resilience and the boundless possibilities that come with experience. She credits her continued success to a healthy body that has supported both an athletically demanding career and motherhood. Even postpartum, Carson has grown and adapted to the physical challenges of dance.

Looking back, Carson admits to a vulnerable moment that became a meme when she broke down crying after receiving a low score on camera, wishing she had hidden the tears until the cameras were off. Chmerkovskiy humorously recalls an early career highlight when he performed a flamenco dance in a Speedo during a pasodoble routine.

Among all reality TV personalities, the pros unanimously express admiration for Maura Higgins. Sosa says, “I want to talk like her. I feel like people who talk like her can get away with anything.” Carson echoes this sentiment, describing Higgins as “electric” and expressing a desire to participate in shows like The Traitors. Chmerkovskiy also wishes he could have swapped places with Higgins before her stint on The Traitors to have the chance to compete himself.

When asked which reality star is exactly as they appear onscreen, Sosa and Carson agree on Robert Irwin, praising his genuine kindness and enthusiasm. Conversely, Sosa points out that his close friend JoJo Siwa’s onscreen persona differs notably from her private self, describing two distinct sides to her personality.

Regarding the need for villains in reality TV, Sosa argues that every show requires one to create compelling story arcs. He recounts how he was once perceived as a villain on season one of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives but has since gained admiration. Carson believes there is no villain on DWTS, highlighting Whitney Leavitt’s transformative journey from being painted as a villain on Mormon Wives to reinventing herself on the dance show. Sosa jokes about the judges being labeled villains simply for giving low scores, emphasizing that they are just performing their duties.

When reflecting on life before fame, Carson misses the freedom of going to the grocery store without makeup or pressure, though she still manages to do so occasionally. Sosa expresses longing for more time with his family, highlighting the sacrifices fame demands. Chmerkovskiy appreciates his “perfect” level of fame, enjoying anonymity enough to be alone in public.

For those aspiring to break into reality television, Carson advises finding a true passion and working diligently toward it. Sosa emphasizes the importance of mastering camera presence, stating, “Oh, sis, you gotta know how to work it to the camera.”

Carson fondly recalls her ongoing relationship with Alfonso Ribeiro, describing their bond as fraternal and crediting him for mentorship early in her career. Sosa shares a vivid memory involving Anna Delvey rhinestoning her ankle monitor during New York Fashion Week, where she taught him to strut for a Pornhub runway show — a moment he describes as iconic and emblematic of their unique connection.

As DWTS continues into future seasons, the professional dancers remain central to the show’s charm and success. Their ability to forge authentic connections, deliver unforgettable performances, and engage with audiences across platforms like TikTok underscores the evolving nature of reality television and the enduring appeal of dance as a storytelling medium.