Dancing With the Stars is delving into an impressive 29th season this fall with a brand new reimagined platform due to the coronavirus pandemic that has stricken the world. However, the show must go on, so the series executives and producers have taken major steps to ensure the safety of dancers, contestants, and the judges.
With a new set, new rules, a new host, new stars, a couple of new pro dancers, and new faces on the judges’ panel, Dancing With the Stars season 29 will be very different from previous ones. However, the changes are there to bring the dancing into the spotlight as opposed to losing sight of the show’s purpose amid a heavily scripted production. Let’s explore what to expect to see on Dancing With the Stars in the age of COVID-19.
New Hosts with New Challenges on DWTS
Back in July 2020, host Tom Bergeron and co-host Erin Andrews announced the ending of their longtime run as hosts and showrunners on Dancing With the Stars. It was only a day later that the news broke that supermodel, producer, host, and TV star Tyra Banks will replace Tom Bergeron, and there are currently no plans to resume a co-host position, likely to minimize the people on set during the pandemic. Furthermore, Tyra has also taken over as an executive producer and will work alongside heavy hitter Andrew Llinares.
Fortunately, Tyra is a highly experienced host and entertainer that should easily be able to carry the show’s forefront on her own. As a notable mention, she is the first black female solo host that the show has ever had. Not to miss the chance to make a friendly jab, former host Tom Bergeron poked fun at the new promotional ad featuring Tyra with ‘disco ball’ style lips. Tom recently took to Twitter to state, “This Just In: National Association of Lip Safety cautions against applying multiple small mirrors on the mouth. One bad chew and it’s 7 years of bad luck.”
Meet the New Judge on Dancing With the Stars!
Fan-favorite judge Len Goodman, known for being brutally honest in his judging and critique of contestants. He’s arguably the Simon Cowell of DWTS, and his spunk will be missed as a judge for season 29 as Len is unable to return to DWTS due to travel restrictions from the UK due to quarantine protocol. However, he’ll be videoed in and will provide his expertise and insight remotely but not participate in the official judging of contestants. Staying on the panel are judges Bruno Tonioli and Carrie Ann Inaba, but they will be joined by a familiar face which is no stranger to the ballroom Derek Hough.
For those not in the know, Hough has taken home the Mirror Ball Trophy more times than any other professional dancer in the show’s history, six times to be exact. Expect Hough to be an honest critic, as he knows what it takes to be a top-notch dancer and plans to offer inspiration along with his truthful observations. He’s sure to become a hit with audiences rather quickly on the new season.
The New Studio Revamp on Dancing With the Stars Season 29 Is Intense
Part of keeping fans, dancers, and staffers safe involved a heavy overhaul of the entire set and studio layout. To avoid having an empty feeling without an audience, producers and designers found a way to resolve that concern without using cardboard cutouts like sporting events are doing. Instead, the ballroom now features several more large screens where audience members would be present to fill in space while adding to the ambiance with technology.
Another big change takes place at the judges’ desk, which is now much longer. No more elbow rubbing or gentle nudges between judges who will be situated an entire eight feet apart, so don’t expect Carrie Ann’s memorable arm moments to put her co-judges at risk. When couples are receiving their scores and critique from judges, they will be required to remain at an eight-foot distance, as well.
The Sky Box Has Been Grounded
While some gossip columns have hinted that Tyra Banks would have likely eliminated the Sky Box because it was former host Erin Andrews’ primary base when in reality it has probably been changed to help maintain social distancing and to speed up the judging. The Sky Box has been the hang out zone for contestants to watch other dancers and await eagerly the latest scores. Rather than celebrating with each other in the small Sky Box, couples will observe the show from a second-story balcony—maintaining an eight-foot distance from other couples.
Keeping Cast and Crew Safe With Strict On-Set Precautions & Guidelines
With all these changes to keep the dancers moving and entertaining fans, you might be wondering how everyone is going to stay safe and prevent the spread of COVID. Due to the close nature of the participants—especially the coupled partners—judges and the crew members will be tested five times per week. It might seem a bit excessive, but strictly limiting exposure is essential to DWTS producers and executives. Further changes include the lack of a live camera crew during rehearsal sessions. Instead, studios will be fully equipped with cameras that record the dancers, and films will be edited by staffers before live airing dates.
There will be no backup dancers, sparks, and smoke or major productions on Dancing With the Stars Season 29. It is rumored that large sets are a thing of the past and might stay around after the virus subsides. Viewer’s top complaint about the new set is the use of an applause track, which many are finding rather annoying. One thing that fans will likely miss the most is the pros and celebrity’s group dances. With almost daily testing, it seems odd to cancel these entirely, but it will make more sense when the show is trying to limit interactions with other dancers and crew members.
The Dancers Living Conditions
It sounds unbelievable, but the professionals and dancers have been literally relocated to Los Angeles where taping and rehearsals take place. Even odder, is the fact that each of the celebrities will share a ‘pod’ with their pro dancing partners. It is unknown if the crew and judges are taking the same measures, but they definitely are tested five days a week along with participants.
Keeping safety the number one priority involves separating the three married pros on the show. There are three couples on the show: Val Chmerkovskiy and Jenna Johnson, Emma Slater and Sasha Farber, and Pasha Pashkov and new pro Daniella Karagach. While not being able to live together at the moment they can get a glimpse of each other during the ballroom scenes, albeit from a safe distance.
Check Out the New Celebrities on Dancing with the Stars 2020!
Along with a new season, we welcome a whole new set of stars ready to show their best dance moves. Here are the exciting celebs to look out for.
Monica Aldama
If you watch “Cheer” on Netflix, you’ll recognize Monica Aldama as the coach of the real-life cheer team from Navarro College in Texas. With 14 National Championships under her belt, you can belt Monica has some serious energy and skills.
Carole Baskin
Probably the most controversial contestant to hit the ballroom floor in years is Big Cat Rescue owner and “Tiger King” star Carole Baskin, 51. Without any dancing experience, there’s no telling what we can expect from her performance-wise.
Kaitlyn Bristowe
Former bachelorette 35-year-old Kaitlyn Bristowe is now a podcast star and has released a debut song, ‘If I’m Being Honest.’
Vernon Davis
Football fans will have no problem recognizing the NFL champion. Vernon Davis played for five major teams and was a key player in winning for Super Bowl 50 with the Denver Broncos. Having been offered another chance to appear, Davis is ready now that he recently retired from pro sports.
Anne Heche
Emmy nominated film and TV actress Anne Heche known for her daytime soap and movies like Six Days and Seven Nights is still very active and is in phenomenal shape. We look forward to seeing what she brings to the ballroom floor in this season.
Skai Jackson
Disney Channel superstar Skai Jackson is not only an actor, but a voice-over artist, author, and well known for her dancing videos on TikTok.
Justina Machado
Television actress Justina Machado is known for roles in the remake of “One Day at A Time”, “Queen of the South” and “Six Feet Under.” While she has little experience dancing, it should be exciting to see how she does with her partner’s expertise.
Jeannie Mai
If you watch “The Real” then fashionista Jeanni Mai will be familiar. As a side note, she recently got engaged to rapper Jeezy and has been known to bust a move at clubs and celebrity bashes.
AJ McLean
Former Backstreet Boys member and Grammy winner AJ McLean definitely has dance moves, and many are predicting him to go far in this year’s competition.
Jesse Metcalfe
“Desperate Housewives” actor Jesse Metcalfe claims to have no dance skills whatsoever, as his passion is for acting. However, he looks forward to learning from his pro partner.
Nelly
Rapper and Grammy winner Nelly can dance to his style of music seamlessly, and fans are ready to see how his skills transition into ballroom-style movements.
Charles Oakley
Longtime Chicago Bulls power forward Charles Oakley might be 56 years old, but he’s ready to show that he’s still got nimble footwork to show off.
Chrishell Stause
Soap opera and reality TV star Chrishell Strauss promises to be a charming addition to season 29 with her bright personality and welcoming attitude.
Nev Schulman
After getting catfished by an online fake love interest, Nev Schulman first made a movie and has had 8 successful seasons as the creator and host of “Catfish: The TV Show,” which is an MTV cult favorite. Can he dance? We’ll have to watch and find out!
Johnny Weir
Currently, a commentator for sporting events worldwide, two-time winter Olympian Johnny Weir is artistic on ice, and he is likely to be just as graceful and skilled on the ballroom floor.
Two New Dance Pros on Dancing With the Stars 2020
Joining the dance professional team are two new talented dancers that you’ve likely seen before. Daniella Karagach initially joined the show in season 28, but without a partner. However, she and Keo danced together frequently in bumpers and group numbers.
Britt Stewart has been dancing professionally since age 12 and has had some rather impressive training. While she’s never competed on the show, she was a member of the troupe several times. You might recognize her from “Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist” or “La La Land.” These new additions will be joining previous pros including:
- Brandon Armstrong
- Alan Bersten
- Sharna Burgess
- Cheryl Burke
- Artem Chigvintsev
- Val Chmerkovskiy
- Sasha Farber
- Jenna Johnson
- Keo Motsepe
- Peta Murgatroyd
- Pasha Pashkov
- Gleb Savchenko
- Emma Slater
New Hosts With New Challenges Bring a New Focus to Dancing with the Stars 2020?
While making due during the struggles of the global pandemic isn’t easy, Dancing With the Stars has managed to take a potential show killer into a workable situation. Producers are feeling positive about the changes, mentioning that it will be nice to put the focus back onto the dancers and return to the show’s original intentions. In all, I’m thrilled to see the show back on the air and find most of the changes to be refreshing, as well. Check it out Mondays at 8 p.m. EST on your local ABC channel, and tell us what you think.