The television landscape is gearing up for a monumental milestone as Dancing With the Stars (DWTS) officially pulls back the curtain on its star-studded cast for Season 35. Following the dramatic reveal on September 2, anticipation has reached a fever pitch across entertainment media. This landmark season promises an eclectic mix of nostalgia, high-stakes athleticism, reality television royalty, and internet pop-culture phenomenons. Among the standout announcements is the casting of ’90s pop icon Taylor Hanson—one-third of the legendary sibling trio Hanson—who is trading in his keyboard for dancing shoes alongside professional partner Britt Stewart.
While the complete roster features a dizzying array of talent ranging from Hollywood actors to Olympic athletes, Hanson’s transition into the ballroom highlights a fascinating intersection between musicality and choreography. As Season 35 prepares to take over television screens, this year’s competition is shaping up to be one of the most fiercely contested in the show’s history. This comprehensive report delves into the mechanics of Taylor Hanson’s preparation, the structural dynamics of his partnership with Britt Stewart, and an exhaustive breakdown of every celebrity stepping onto the ballroom floor to vie for the coveted Mirrorball Trophy.
Detailed Chronology: The Road to Season 35
The journey toward Season 35 of Dancing With the Stars began months before the official cast announcement on September 2. Behind the scenes, casting directors, celebrity representatives, and professional dancers worked tirelessly to curate a lineup that balances cross-generational appeal with fresh, modern digital star power.
Pre-Season Revelations and Manifestations
For many of the cast members, the journey to the DWTS stage was years in the making. In interviews leading up to the reveal, several contestants admitted to actively manifesting their spot on the show. Maura Higgins, the Love Island UK breakout star, revealed an intensely focused strategy to E! News in May. After spending New Year’s Eve quietly at home with a bowl of pasta and a glass of red wine, Higgins meticulously updated her vision board. While Dancing With the Stars had already occupied a space on her board from previous years, her dedication intensified to the point where she humorously added five separate placements of the show to cement her manifestation.
Similarly, other stars began prepping their physical stamina well in advance. Summer House star Ciara Miller candidly noted in June that her everyday appearance belied her actual cardiovascular endurance. Acknowledging that she frequently found herself huffing and puffing while climbing stairs, Miller immediately hit the gym to build the specialized stamina required for the grueling ballroom training schedule.
The September 2 Reveal and Rehearsal Room Dynamics
The official cast reveal on September 2 sent shockwaves through social media, immediately spotlighting Taylor Hanson and his professional partner, Britt Stewart. Transitioning from the stadium-sized stages of rock concerts to the enclosed, high-pressure environment of a dance studio presents a unique challenge. However, Hanson’s decades-long history with rhythm immediately proved to be an unexpected secret weapon.
During exclusive post-announcement interviews, Stewart praised her celebrity partner’s innate comprehension of rhythm and musical structure. Rather than acting strictly as a student, Hanson has occasionally reversed roles, offering insights into musicality that enrich Stewart’s choreography. This symbiotic relationship underscores a recurring theme of Season 35: contestants who possess pre-existing physical or rhythm-based training are leveraging those skills to adapt rapidly to complex ballroom routines.
Supporting Context & Metrics: The Anatomy of Season 35
Season 35 represents a fascinating demographic and professional cross-section of modern celebrity culture. The production team has assembled a roster that bridges classic Hollywood nostalgia with contemporary digital influence, reality television empires, and elite sports.
The Cast at a Glance: A Statistical Breakdown
To understand the scope of Season 35, it helps to categorize the 16 competing pairs:
- Music & Performance: Taylor Hanson & Britt Stewart, Harry Shum Jr. & Jenna Johnson
- Hollywood & Cinema: Julia Stiles & Ezra Sosa, Tatyana Ali & Jan Ravnik, Jenna Dewan & Val Chmerkovskiy
- Culinary & Lifestyle: Giada De Laurentiis & Alan Bersten, Sarah Jane Nader & Hailey Bills, Conner Leavitt & Adele Zaikman, Guillermo Rodriguez & Witney Carson
- Elite Athletics & Sports: Amber Glenn & Pasha Pashkov, Ezra Frech & Daniella Karagach, Tyler Cameron & Sharna Burgess, Jackson Olson & Emma Slater
- Digital & Reality Television: Connor Wood & Rylee Arnold, Ciara Miller & Brandon Armstrong, Maura Higgins & Mark Ballas
Taylor Hanson’s Legacy and Family Support
At 43 years old, Taylor Hanson brings a profound sense of familial discipline to the competition. A father of seven—sharing children Ezra (23), Penelope (21), River (19), Viggo (17), Wilhelmina (13), Indiana (7), and Maybellene (5) with his wife, Natalie—Hanson is no stranger to balancing high-pressure environments with a grounded domestic life.
Furthermore, having spent over three decades performing alongside his brothers Isaac and Zac in Hanson, Taylor is intimately familiar with the "familial energy" that defines the Dancing With the Stars backstage atmosphere. While acknowledging that the competitive drive—the "eye of the tiger"—will undoubtedly emerge as eliminations loom, Hanson has leaned heavily into the supportive, community-driven ethos of the show.
Regarding his musical past, fans have naturally speculated whether Hanson will incorporate his iconic catalog into his routines. Hanson noted that rhythm remains the ultimate bridge between music and dance. Reflecting on past milestones, he recalled when Hanson became one of the first bands to perform live music on the show with their dance-oriented track "Give a Little." Naturally, the conversation inevitably turns toward "MMMBop"—the legendary 1997 pop anthem that serves as the band’s global calling card. Whether or not that specific track soundtracks a cha-cha or a quickstep remains one of the season’s most anticipated questions.
Official Statements and Insider Perspectives
The intersection of professional dance expertise and celebrity enthusiasm has yielded compelling commentary from the front lines of Season 35.
Britt Stewart, reflecting on her partnership with Taylor Hanson, emphasized the collaborative nature of this year’s choreography process:
"It’s very, very helpful," Stewart shared in an exclusive joint interview with E! News. "I love that each season I get to really teach and choreograph and curate this journey for whoever my partner is. There was a moment in rehearsal the other day where I’m like, he’s teaching me about music within my knowledge of music that I have already. And Taylor said it so many times: music and dance—they’re so connected. So it’s definitely a strength that I’m using this season."
Hanson chimed in with a self-aware laugh, confirming his commitment to the grueling process:
"It’s a strength I have to bring to the table."
Describing the overall environment of the production, Hanson expressed genuine enthusiasm for the camaraderie behind the scenes:
"It’s a blast. What people feel from the show is real. There’s a real familial energy. People are supportive of each other. Obviously, it’s a competition show, so we’re going to see the eye of the tiger with everybody. But it’s exciting."
Meet the Complete Season 35 Competitors
The official gallery released by Disney/Andrew Eccles highlights the diverse pairs set to battle for the Mirrorball Trophy. Here is the comprehensive lineup of pairings for Season 35:
1. Julia Stiles & Ezra Sosa
The iconic star of 10 Things I Hate About You is trading cinematic romantic comedies for high-stakes ballroom tension, partnering with Ezra Sosa to prove she has plenty of rhythm left to save for the final dance.
2. Giada De Laurentiis & Alan Bersten
Renowned celebrity chef Giada De Laurentiis is stepping out of the kitchen and into the spotlight. Partnered with Alan Bersten, she aims to turn up the heat and cook up high-scoring routines on the dance floor.
3. Harry Shum Jr. & Jenna Johnson
Known for his gravity-defying moves on Glee and critically acclaimed film projects, actor and dancer Harry Shum Jr. brings a formidable pedigree to the competition alongside pro partner Jenna Johnson.
4. Taylor Hanson & Britt Stewart
The former ’90s teen heartthrob and enduring indie-pop rocker is aiming to channel his lifelong rhythm into a serious run at the leaderboard, guided expertly by Britt Stewart.
5. Tatyana Ali & Jan Ravnik
Beloved for her iconic role on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, Tatyana Ali returns to television screens to bring fresh, dynamic choreography to the ballroom alongside Jan Ravnik.
6. Jenna Dewan & Val Chmerkovskiy
Marking the 20th anniversary of her breakout role in the dance film Step Up, professional dancer and actress Jenna Dewan is stepping up to the ultimate ballroom challenge with Val Chmerkovskiy.
7. Amber Glenn & Pasha Pashkov
Elite figure skater Amber Glenn transitions her Olympic-level ice skills, grace, and athletic precision to the hardwood floor, partnered with Pasha Pashkov.
8. Ezra Frech & Daniella Karagach
Team USA Paralympic track and field star Ezra Frech brings extraordinary athletic prowess and inspirational determination to Season 35, working alongside powerhouse pro Daniella Karagach.
9. Sarah Jane Nader & Hailey Bills
Following in the footsteps of sister Brooks Nader—who competed on Season 33—the Love Thy Nader star is stepping into the family tradition of ballroom competition alongside Hailey Bills.
10. Connor Wood & Rylee Arnold
Internet personality and comedian Connor Wood, widely recognized by his digital moniker Fibula, is trading social media applause for live studio standing ovations alongside Rylee Arnold.
11. Conner Leavitt & Adele Zaikman
The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives personality Conner Leavitt follows his wife Whitney Leavitt’s Season 34 footsteps, bringing reality television drama and dedication to the dance floor with Adele Zaikman.
12. Tyler Cameron & Sharna Burgess
Bachelor Nation fan-favorite Tyler Cameron is officially trading in his symbolic roses for the passionate rumbas and tangos of the ballroom, partnered with veteran pro Sharna Burgess.
13. Jackson Olson & Emma Slater
Savannah Bananas baseball sensation Jackson Olson steps up to a brand-new plate, bringing his high-energy diamond showmanship directly to the ballroom with Emma Slater.
14. Guillermo Rodriguez & Witney Carson
The beloved Jimmy Kimmel Live! comedic staple Guillermo Rodriguez is ready to inject humor, charm, and unexpected footwork into the competition alongside Witney Carson.
15. Ciara Miller & Brandon Armstrong
Summer House star Ciara Miller tackles the rigorous physical demands of ballroom training, relying on her newly built stamina and partner Brandon Armstrong to navigate the competition.
16. Maura Higgins & Mark Ballas
After years of dedicated vision board manifestation, Love Island UK alum Maura Higgins finally realizes her ballroom dreams, partnered with master choreographer Mark Ballas.
Future Outlook: What to Expect in Season 35
As Season 35 officially commences, the dynamics of the competition indicate that technical proficiency alone will not guarantee survival. With elite athletes like Amber Glenn and Ezra Frech bringing unmatched physical conditioning, seasoned performers like Taylor Hanson and Harry Shum Jr. relying on deep musical backgrounds, and digital stars commanding massive voting blocks, the margin for error is razor-thin.
The inclusion of diverse talent pools ensures that weekly themes, stylistic adaptations, and partnership chemistries will be closely scrutinized by both the judging panel and the viewing public. For Taylor Hanson, the challenge will lie in translating his decades of stadium performance into the precise, highly technical holds of ballroom and Latin dance. Yet, with Britt Stewart’s tactical choreography and his own innate understanding of rhythm, the pop veteran is well-positioned to make a lasting impact.
As the live shows unfold, audiences can expect unexpected breakthroughs, fierce competition, and the signature emotional storytelling that has kept Dancing With the Stars a cultural touchstone for decades.
