Dancing with the Stars expands its Season 35 ensemble with Kamri Peterson, a dancer who previously competed on the spinoff series DWTS: Juniors. The show announced Peterson's addition to the troupe during DWTS Con in Palm Springs on Sunday, positioning her as the first dancer confirmed for the upcoming season.
Peterson's move from the junior competition format to the main troupe represents what the show's social media framed as a "full circle moment." The announcement arrives as ABC prepares its thirty-fifth season of the ballroom competition franchise, which has cycled through various hosting arrangements and judging panels over recent years. The addition of Peterson signals the show's continued investment in building recognizable talent pipelines, drawing dancers who have already proven themselves within the DWTS ecosystem.
Troupe dancers form the backbone of the show's production, executing group numbers and partnering with celebrities during ensemble routines. Their role has evolved over the series' two-decade run, from background performers to characters with their own storylines and fan bases. Peterson's elevation from juniors competition to main troupe reflects a strategy other reality competition shows employ, nurturing young talent through affiliated programs before integrating them into flagship productions.
The announcement at DWTS Con, the franchise's fan convention, underscores how Dancing with the Stars has transformed from a seasonal spectacle into a year-round entertainment universe. The event generates interest during off-seasons and allows producers to build anticipation for upcoming seasons through strategic reveals and talent announcements.
DWTS: Juniors has functioned as a talent incubator since its 2016 debut, introducing younger competitors to the show's format. Peterson's path from that platform to the main show's troupe offers a template for other junior alumni seeking continued involvement in the franchise. As ABC moves forward with Season 35, additional troupe announcements will likely follow, gradually building the full dancer roster before celebrity partnerships are revealed.