DWTS Live Tour 2026: A Ballroom Spectacle Returns

Ballroom fans, mark your calendars—Dancing With the Stars Live Tour 2026 is back, promising a coast-to-coast celebration of rhythm, sparkle, and stories. From January through May, the tour will hit 74 cities, kicking off in Akron, Ohio, and wrapping up in Salt Lake City, Utah. For dance lovers, this isn’t just another tour—it’s a high-voltage reunion of the show’s most beloved professional dancers, finalists, and, occasionally, surprise celebrities who’ve captivated millions on TV.

The Heart of the Tour: Pros, Finalists, and Show-Stopping Routines

What brings fans back, year after year, isn’t just the sequins and dramatic lifts—it’s the pros themselves. Val Chmerkovskiy and Jenna Johnson, the married duo adored for their chemistry both on and off stage, headline the tour. This year, they’re bringing their young son along, adding a new, personal touch to their performances. Joining them are familiar faces: Emma Slater, Britt Stewart, Alan Bersten, Brandon Armstrong, Daniella Karagach, Pasha Pashkov, Ezra Sosa, and Hailey Bills.

The creative vision is helmed by Emmy-winning choreographer Mandy Moore, whose inventive routines have shaped the DWTS stage for years. Audiences can expect a blend of crowd-favorite numbers from the latest season, viral TikTok-inspired dances, and brand-new pieces created exclusively for the tour. The show is a whirlwind—group numbers, jaw-dropping solos, and the kind of quickfire costume changes that make the whole night feel like a fusion of concert and Broadway spectacle.

Fans of season 34 are in for a treat. Several finalists—like Dylan Efron, Olympic gymnast Jordan Chiles, Robert Irwin, Danielle Fishel, Andy Richter, and Elaine Hendrix—are slated to join select stops. And, as always, there’s the promise of unannounced celebrity guests, keeping the energy unpredictable and fresh. But don’t expect every city to feature a star cameo; those are reserved for special nights.

Ballroom’s New Hotbed: Utah’s Surprising DWTS Connection

Behind the glitz of the tour is a quieter story unfolding in Orem, Utah. ABC4 recently spotlighted Center Stage Performing Arts, a local studio that’s quietly become a pipeline for DWTS professionals. Since its founding in 1991, Center Stage has trained eight pros who have graced the show’s iconic floor. With over 700 students and 50 instructors, it’s a bustling hub of ambition, sweat, and artistry.

Alex Murillo, the studio’s CEO, credits their success to cross-training and a curriculum that fuses acting, singing, and dancing—a rare blend in the competitive world of ballroom. “Few students can do that, because they don’t have the syllabus,” Murillo explains. The result? Young dancers like Kamri Peterson, who started at seven and now dreams of joining the main DWTS cast after competing on the juniors’ version. She’s not alone. Many current pros, including Riley and Ezra, got their start here, and the studio’s coach Sasha Saltukhov beams with pride as he watches his proteges take their places under the national spotlight.

It’s not just about technique—it’s about community. Dancers at Center Stage describe the studio as a place of hope and hard work, where seeing last year’s classmates on TV inspires everyone to dream bigger. Saltukhov sums it up: “This is a unique space that can produce amazing talent. They come back every year and search for new people because they know what kind of product Center Stage delivers.”

What to Expect: Tickets, VIP Perks, and Live Energy

The tour’s format aims to replicate the electric, immersive energy of the DWTS ballroom—minus the TV commercial breaks. The pros interact directly with the crowd, and many cities offer special experiences like backstage photo ops and VIP packages. Tickets are available primarily through Ticketmaster, but fans can also purchase directly from individual venues. Pricing varies by location and seat, with premium and VIP options selling out quickly. If you want the best view (and maybe a selfie with your favorite dancer), it pays to buy early.

Every show is a fast-paced, tightly produced spectacle. Expect everything from Latin to contemporary, quickstep to freestyle, each routine tailored to highlight the dancers’ unique strengths. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer swept up by a viral dance clip, the tour delivers an up-close, unfiltered look at the artistry and athleticism that have made DWTS a household name for decades.

The DWTS Live Tour 2026 is a testament to the enduring power of dance. It connects local dreams to a national stage, proving that every perfect twirl starts somewhere. Don’t miss your chance to witness this spectacular celebration of movement and music live.

A quick knowledge drop for you

How long is the DWTS Live Tour 2026?

The tour runs for approximately five months. It starts in January and concludes in May, covering 74 cities across the United States.

Which celebrities are joining the tour?

Select finalists from the latest season are scheduled for various stops. These include Dylan Efron, Jordan Chiles, and Robert Irwin. Surprise guest appearances are also expected at certain shows.

Where can I buy tickets for the tour?

Tickets are primarily sold through Ticketmaster. You can also check the official websites of the local venues hosting the event for direct purchasing options.

Are there any VIP experiences available?

Yes, many tour locations offer special VIP packages. These often include premium seating, exclusive merchandise, and unique opportunities like backstage photo sessions with the professional dancers.

What is the connection between DWTS and Utah?

Utah’s Center Stage Performing Arts studio has trained eight current DWTS professionals. The studio is recognized as a significant talent pipeline for the show, emphasizing a unique blend of dance, acting, and singing.