Now ABC’s Dancing with the Stars: The Next Pro, premiering July 13, will feature 12 up-and-coming dancers vying in an audition process as they live in a house together. The winner will get a spot as a pro dancer on the upcoming Season 35 of DWTS this fall.
More than 50 professional dancers have competed on DWTS since its debut in 2005. Before the spinoff airs, Parade.com is naming DWTS’ ten best pros of all time, based on wins, charisma, confidence, and viewer response. Did your favorite pro make our list? Read on to find out more!
10. Jenna Johnson
She’s come a long way since being a So You Think You Can Dance contestant! Jenna achieved DWTS pro status in 2016, and has delighted fans with her two wins and marriage to fellow pro Val Chmerkovskiy (they share a son). In 2018’s Season 26, she triumphed with Olympic figure skater Adam Rippon. Jenna, 32, and The Bachelor star Joey Graziadei’s Season 33 win put DWTS back on the pop culture map in 2024.
Jenna Johnson guided Joey Graziadei to the topDisney/Eric McCandless
9. Karina Smirnoff
Karina electrified DWTS over 18 seasons from 2006 to 2016. She finished first just once—in an emotional Season 13 pairing with army veteran/actor J.R. Martinez, who had been severely burned while serving in Iraq. Karina’s long list of partners also includes Mario Lopez, (the late) Aaron Carter, Michael “The Situation” Sorrentino, and Ralph Macchio. She made them all strong contenders!
Karina Smirnoff took the crown with J.R. MartinezPhoto by Adam Taylor/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Images
8. Witney Carson
After joining DWTS full-time in 2014, Witney has given fans moments to remember. She and partner Alfonso Ribeiro created an iconic “Carlton dance” inspired by his TheFresh Prince of Bel-Air character. In 2024, Witney and her Season 33 partner Danny Amendola’s jaw-dropping leg lift went viral.
Last year, Witney, 32, guided fan favorite wildlife conservationist Robert Irwin to a win that breathed youthful life into the resurgent show.
Witney Carson and Robert Irwin had a winning partnershipDisney/Eric McCandless
7. Tony Dovolani
He’s gone but not forgotten. Tony, now 52, rocked the first years of DWTS with spirit and style, competing in 21 consecutive seasons beginning with the second one in 2006. In 2012's first-ever "all-star" season, Dovolani grabbed his sole mirror ball with BacheloretteMelissa Rycroft. Tony showed impressive skill in steering such diverse partners as actress Jane Seymour, reality star Kate Gosselin, and singer Wynonna Judd.
Tony Dovolani got the coveted Mirror Ball trophy with Melissa RycroftKelsey McNeal/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Images
6. Val Chmerkovskiy
When Val joined DWTS in 2011, he was best known as show pro Maks Chmerkovskiy’s little brother. But it didn’t take Val long to make his own impression. So far, he’s won three times—with Rumer Willis (Season 20), Laurie Hernandez (Season 23), and Xochitl Gomez (Season 32). Val, 40, has had a long run, appearing in 20 total seasons, and is coming back this fall for Season 35.
Val Chmerkovskiy always deliversDisney/Eric McCandless
Related: 'DWTS' Pro Val Chmerkovskiy on the Added Pressure of Being Partnered with a 'Bachelorette' (Exclusive)
5. Julianne Hough
Julianne and brother Derek (keep reading for more on him) soared to fame on DWTS and later graduated to other roles on the show. Although Julianne wasn’t a pro that long, from 2007 to 2009 (Seasons 4 through 8), she made a big impression, winning the mirror ball twice: with race car driver Helio Castroneves and speed skater Apolo Anton Ohno.
Julianne Hough and Helio Castroneves drove to success on 'DWTS'Photo by Carol Kaelson/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Images
4. Maks Chmerkovskiy
The Ukrainian hunk caused a sensation on the reality show with his smooth moves, brooding personality, and sheer swagger. “Dancing with the Stars is my show!” he once declared during a live broadcast shocker. (The next night, Maks backtracked, noting that his statement came out wrong and praising the entire cast).
Maks Chmerkovskiy shows his form while promoting DWTSEric McCandless/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Images
Maks, 46, announced his DWTS retirement in 2018. The dancer, who has three sons with wife Peta Murgatroyd, also a former DWTS pro, explained to MassLive, “I just don’t think I can do the show as a professional dancer at 100% and give it my all anymore. I am at a different point in my life.”
3. Mark Ballas
Esteemed dancer, choreographer, and musician Mark has never lost his cool factor while being a steady presence on the show (amid hiatuses) for 20 seasons since 2007. Mark, 40, won the original series three times: with celebrity Olympian partners Kristi Yamaguchi and Shawn Johnson and TikTok star Charli D'Amelio. Viewers are looking forward to Mark bringing his experience to The Next Pro.
Mark Ballas taught gymnast Shawn Johnson how to glide across the floorPhoto by Kelsey McNeal/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Images
Related: 'Dancing With the Stars’ Launching New Spinoff to Crown the Next Pro
2. Cheryl Burke
“It is hard for me [to leave],” she wrote on Instagram. “I've had an amazing run. It's so sad. It's bittersweet."
Cheryl Burke and Emmitt Smith had rhythm on Season 3 of 'DWTS'Photo by Adam Larkey/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Images
1. Derek Hough
Fans will likely not be surprised that Derek tops Parade’s list. Now 41, Derek appeared on the show from 2007 to 2016, winning a record six times over 17 seasons with celebrity partners Brooke Burke, Nicole Scherzinger, Jennifer Grey, Kellie Pickler, Amber Riley, and Bindi Irwin.
Derek Hough and Bindi Irwin brought the ballroom house down on 'DWTS'Photo by Adam Taylor/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Images
After his pro retirement, Derek was a judge on NBC’s World of Dance. He became a DWTS judge in Season 29 in 2020 and has had a place at the table ever since.
Related: Derek and Hayley Erbert Hough Reveal the Moment That Changed Their Lives Forever (Exclusive)
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