DWTS: The Next Pro Premiere Puts Pros To Test — Who Will Get Eliminated After Samba With Derek?

The Next Pro is a brand-new spinoff of DWTS. This show flips the format. Instead of celebrities learning to dance, it focuses on professional dancers. They compete for a spot on the main show. Robert Irwin hosts the series, and Mark Ballas and Shirley Ballas evaluate each performance closely.

The first season of The Next Pro features 12 talented dancers. They all have different professional experiences in different dance forms – like ballroom, Latin, hip-hop, and commercial dance. This season premiered recently with Derek Hough teaching the contestants technique. How did they perform, and who got eliminated? Keep reading to know more.

DWTS: Meet The Cast Of The Next Pro!

Sixteen talented dancers are chasing their dream of becoming a pro on DWTS. Adele Zaikman, 24, brings her skills as a competitive Latin dancer. AJ Pritchard, 31, arrives as a champion ballroom and Latin dancer. Allen Genkin, 36, is a youth Latin champion, while Benji Castro, 25, specializes in Latin and commercial dance. Briar Nolet, 27, works as a commercial dancer and actor. Erik Linder, 26, is a champion Latin dancer, and Jake Monreal, 22, combines Latin dance with TV performance.

Natalie Jolley, 20, is a champion ballroom dancer, and Nina Mayster, 28, competes in Latin dance. Selena Hamilton, 21, comes from a commercial dance background, while Stephani Sosa, 26, blends ballroom and commercial styles. Rounding out the group, Tristen Sanders, 28, brings hip hop and ballroom experience. Together, these dancers push their limits each week, hoping to earn a spot on the next season of Dancing With The Stars.

DWTS: Which Stars Go Home As The Next Pro Kicks Off?

DWTS: The Next Pro premiered on July 13, bringing together 12 professional dancers who hope to earn a spot on the main DWTS cast. Robert Irwin hosts the new spinoff, while Mark Ballas and Shirley Ballas serve as judges every week. Derek Hough joined them for episode one as a guest mentor, working with the dancers on technique before their first live performance.

The season premiere ended in two eliminations. The judges eliminated Briar and Jake after the first round. Natalie Jolley and Tristen Sanders survived despite also landing in the bottom, setting up higher stakes for the dancers still competing for a future spot on Dancing With The Stars. The premiere started with the men tackling the jive, while the women took on the harder samba. Derek paired them up and pushed each dancer during rehearsals, praising some and pushing others to bring more energy.

Derek told the contestants that he expected boldness, not caution, and warned that the live show leaves no room for mistakes. The pairs performed side-by-side choreography along with individual solos. Selena Hamilton and Adele Zaikman earned strong praise from the judges, with Adele compared to a luxury car for her polished style.

Benji Castro and Allen Genkin delivered what Mark called the most dynamic routine of the night. Meanwhile, Briar Nolet struggled with her footwork and posture, and Jake Monreal lacked energy throughout his performance. For more updates, follow TV Season & Spoilers.