Many dancers wonder how to go to dancing with the stars because the show blends elite technique, televised drama, and strict scheduling. Understanding the audition ecosystem, training expectations, and performance demands gives you a clear path from fan to professional dancer on the series.
This guide outlines the essential steps and realities so you can plan strategically instead of relying on luck or vague inspiration.
| Role | Primary Responsibility | Key Skill | Typical Time Commitment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pro Dancer | Choreograph routines and perform on live show | Technical execution across styles | 10–20 hours per week during season |
| Tour Dancer | Replicate live-show choreography for arena shows | Stamina and precision replication | 4–6 weeks rehearsal before tour dates |
| Choreographer | Design routines tailored to celebrity partners | Creativity and camera storytelling | Variable, often 20+ hours weekly pre-show |
| Production Dancer | Support segments, crowd scenes, and rehearsals | Versatility and quick learning | 15–30 hours weekly as needed |
Path to the Audition
To go to dancing with the stars, you must first navigate the open-call audition circuit. The show typically announces open-call dates on their official website and social channels, inviting dancers from across the country to showcase their skills in front of casting directors.
Expect a rigorous screening process that evaluates technical ability, performance charisma, and chemistry with potential celebrity partners. Preparation is essential, including polished routines in several dance styles and the ability to take direction quickly under pressure.
Training Requirements
Professional dancers on the show usually have years of cross-style training in ballroom, Latin, jazz, and contemporary movement. Studios that specialize in competition-level technique often become pipelines for casting directors looking for sharp, camera-ready performers.
If you are serious about how to go to dancing with the stars, treat training as non-negotiable, focusing on endurance, partner connection, and the stamina to perform multiple routines per taping with minimal rest.
Audition Strategy
Submission strategies vary, but dancers frequently send demo reels, headshots, and résumés through official channels while also networking at industry showcases. Being present in person at open calls can significantly increase visibility, so plan travel and accommodations well in advance of announced dates.
Understand that casting seeks both technical excellence and television appeal, so choose music and choreography that highlight your strengths while demonstrating versatility and adaptability in real time.
Performance Expectations
Once cast, the pace intensifies, with rehearsals often running late into the night as productions balance live audience shows and broadcast deadlines. Comfort with rapid choreography changes, costume adjustments, and camera blocking becomes just as important as raw dance skill.
Managing physical recovery, vocal rest, and mental focus during a gruning multi-week season is critical, and many dancers rely on physiotherapy, nutrition planning, and meticulous scheduling to stay at peak performance.
Next Steps for Aspiring Dancers
- Build a diverse demo reel showcasing multiple dance styles and performance personalities.
- Research open-call dates and casting requirements on the official show website.
- Invest in consistent, high-level training with coaches experienced in televised competition formats.
- Network within the industry by attending showcases and connecting with choreographers and former cast members.
- Prepare physically and mentally for a demanding schedule by developing a sustainable training, recovery, and nutrition plan.
FAQ
Reader questions
Do I need an agent to audition for the show?
Many dancers secure representation through reputable agencies that specialize in reality television, but talented individuals without agents can still apply through open calls and direct submissions if they have strong demo materials and a visible performance presence.
How are celebrity partners chosen for each season?
Casting selects celebrities based on public profile, willingness to commit to intensive training, and narrative fit for the season storyline, while producers strive to balance fan favorites with fresh faces to maintain viewership interest week by week.
What styles of dance are featured most often during the competition rounds?
Each season highlights a rotation of ballroom and Latin dances, with occasional jazz and contemporary numbers for special themes, requiring versatile technique and the ability to master new choreography under tight rehearsal windows.
Can dancers request specific partners or avoid certain celebrities during pairing?
Dancers generally do not choose partners, as producers design pairings to maximize drama, training compatibility, and visual contrast, though open communication about strengths and boundaries helps create safer, more effective rehearsal environments.