DWTS 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 DWTS Tour 2026 promises an immersive live experience that the television screen simply cannot capture. It brings the glamour and drama of the hit ABC series directly to local arenas. According to Reuters, live dance events have seen a significant surge in ticket demand post-pandemic, making this tour one of the most anticipated entertainment events of the season.

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 Tour 2026 is more than a performance; it’s a testament to the enduring power of live dance. It connects the bright lights of the national stage with the grassroots studios where dreams are born. Don’t miss your chance to witness this ballroom phenomenon live and in person.

Thought you’d like to know-

When does the DWTS Tour 2026 start and end?

The tour kicks off in January 2026 in Akron, Ohio. It concludes in May 2026 with a final show in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Which professional dancers are on the tour?

Headliners include Val Chmerkovskiy and Jenna Johnson. They are joined by Emma Slater, Britt Stewart, Alan Bersten, and several other fan-favorite pros from the current season.

Will any celebrities from the TV show be there?

Yes, select finalists from season 34 are scheduled to appear at various tour stops. The lineup includes personalities like Dylan Efron and Olympic gymnast Jordan Chiles for certain shows.

How can I buy tickets for the tour?

Tickets are sold through official platforms like Ticketmaster. You can also check the websites of the specific venues hosting the shows for direct purchasing options.

Are there any VIP or meet-and-greet packages?

Yes, the tour offers special VIP experiences in many cities. These packages often include premium seating and unique opportunities like post-show photo sessions with the dancers.

What is the connection between DWTS and Utah?

A dance studio in Orem, Utah, called Center Stage Performing Arts, has trained eight current DWTS professionals. It is recognized as a significant talent pipeline for the show.