Dancing with the Stars: A Resurgence and a Personal Journey
The beloved reality competition series, Dancing with the Stars, is experiencing a well-deserved resurgence, and one of its key figures, Witney Carson, is at the heart of this revival. With her 15th season on the show and a recent Emmy nomination, Carson is proud of the show's inclusivity and the positive impact it has on its participants.
In an exclusive interview, Carson discusses her thoughts on the show's recent recognition, her role in Dancing with the Stars: The Next Pro, and her personal journey as a professional dancer. She reflects on the hard work and sacrifices she and her fellow pros make to help celebrities shine, and how this new series allows audiences to see the behind-the-scenes efforts.
The Emmy Recognition and the Show's Impact
Carson believes the Emmy nomination is a testament to the show's beauty and its ability to uplift and transform its participants. She emphasizes the show's inclusivity, stating, 'Dancing With The Stars embraces everyone’s differences. We uplift everyone. We’re all about positivity. We try not to harp on the drama and instead focus on the transformation of each of these celebrities.'
The recognition from the fans is particularly meaningful to Carson, who has been a part of the show for 11 years. She notes the engagement on social media and TikTok, and how the fans' support has been a driving force in the show's continued success. 'It’s an honor to be on the show for as long as I have,' she says, 'I’ve grown up on the show! I’m so proud to see the resurgence of DWTS. The show is once again getting the recognition that it deserves.'
Dancing with the Stars: The Next Pro
Carson is excited about the new series, Dancing with the Stars: The Next Pro, which allows dancers to become professionals on the show. She describes it as a 'brilliant idea for a show' and a great opportunity for the dancers to showcase their talent. 'I was fortunate enough to be there for three episodes, so I really got to know these dancers. They’re amazing and beautiful. Any one of them could do incredible as a pro on the show. I think the winner really deserved it. I was very impressed by the challenges that the dancers went through every week. It’s going to be an amazing season with them.'
The show provides a unique insight into the hard work and dedication required to become a professional dancer. Carson highlights the sacrifices made by the pros, including leaving their families and working tirelessly to make the celebrities shine. 'We pros really do sacrifice a lot. We leave our families; we are choreographing 24/7; we’re always strategizing. We go through a lot mentally and physically to make these celebrities shine. Plus, we let them have all the credit! Our job is to uplift them and to make them look the best that they possibly can.'
Reuniting with Robert Irwin
Carson's reunion with Robert Irwin, her DWTS Season 34 partner and fellow Mirrorball champion, was a highlight of the show. She describes their relationship as a 'little extra treat' and a 'little bit of family.' 'It was amazing to reunite with Robert. He is like my little brother. After we ended the season, we went on tour together. That we dance together again is a little extra treat. Actually, I choreographed something new for us, and it was really fun to be in Australia—his home country. I also got to co-host with him in the finale, which was really fun. He brought me into his world a bit.'
Carson's favorite part about working with Robert is his kindness and the strong bond they share. 'He is just so kind and a really good person to be around. He is like family to me, and my kids absolutely adore him. He supports us no matter what, and we’ve got his back as well. The camaraderie and connection we have are the best.'
Future Contenders
Carson was also impressed by her encounter with Jackson Olson, a future Dancing with the Stars contestant and Savannah Bananas star. She noted his dedication to memorizing choreography, his perfect timing, and his natural rhythm. 'Honestly, I was pretty impressed. He memorized all his choreography; he was totally on beat; and, he had rhythm. He’s going to be a contender, for sure. I actually went up to [Olympian] Alysa Liu and I was like, 'Please do Dancing with the Stars.' I want her to be on so badly! For now, she replied, 'I’m not going to do it.' Still, I am putting my dream of her competing on our show someday out into the universe.'
In conclusion, Witney Carson's journey on Dancing with the Stars is a testament to her dedication and the show's ability to bring people together. Her personal growth, the show's resurgence, and the positive impact on its participants make it a truly special and inspiring experience.
