Comparing Dancing with the Stars Pros First Episode & Most Recent

Comparing Dancing with the Stars Pros First Episode and Most Recent

Welcome to MsMojo, and today we’re looking at the season 32 “Dancing with the Stars” professional dancers and taking a trip down memory lane to when they first joined the show and their journey to their most recent (as of writing) routine.

#14: Rylee Arnold
First Season: 32

18-year-old Rylee Arnold is Chassé -ing in her big sister’s dance shoes as the newest member of the “DWTS” pro team! But this isn’t her first venture into the dance competition: In 2018, Rylee danced with “Black-ish” star Miles Brown on the junior version, mentored by her big sis Lindsay. In her main show debut, Rylee partnered with “Too Hot to Handle” alum Harry Jowsey. Their first Cha-cha-cha might not have set the stage on fire, but hey, it was just the beginning! Week by week, this dynamic duo has shown solid improvement, and isn’t that what “DWTS” is all about? They share a sizzling chemistry that’s got everyone buzzing about their off-screen connection, too.

#13: Koko Iwasaki
First Season: 31

This dancer credits the Chmerkovskiy brothers for helping her fall in love with ballroom dance, so it almost feels like a rite of passage to follow in their path. She made her “DWTS” debut in season 31 alongside “Jersey Shore’s” Vinny Guadagnino. Their first dance was a salsa that was on the mild side but still entertaining. The duo sailed through to Week 8’s “‘90s Night,” where the judges chose to eliminate them. In Season 32, she partnered with comedian and actor Matt Walsh, but unfortunately, they didn’t get further than their debut, Cha-cha-cha. Still, we saw enough to know Koko’s a fierce dancer, so fingers crossed for next season!

#12: Daniella Karagach
First Season: 28

From clinching championships in the US and beyond to making a dynamic debut on “DWTS” in season 28, this dance sensation has dazzled stages worldwide! Paired with acclaimed rapper Nelly in season 29, they grooved from a spicy salsa in week one to a stellar third-place finish. Season 30 marked her triumph, securing the mirrorball trophy with NBA player Iman Shumpert. In season 31, she joined forces with bodybuilder and actor Joseph Baena (Arnold Schwarzenegger’s son), flexing their moves until their week five exit. Now, in season 32, she’s dominating the dance floor with singer-songwriter Jason Mraz, consistently scoring high on the leaderboard. So, who knows what lies in store for this duo?

#11: Pasha Pashkov
First Season: 28

With his dance partner and now wife, Daniella, by his side, Pashkov has traveled the world, amassing a shining collection of trophies. But his “DWTS” adventure kicked off in season 28 with a Cha-cha-cha with “The Office” actress Kate Flannery, with whom he reached week eight. Season 29 saw speedy exits with Carole Baskin and Christine Chiu by week 3. But at least they lasted longer than his season 31 partner, “Real Housewife” Teresa Giudice. Now, in season 32, Pashkov’s luck seems to be turning with the sensational Ariana Madix from “Vanderpump Rules.” They’ve captivated fans, becoming favorites and the ones to watch.

#10: Brandon Armstrong
First Season: 24

Armstrong is another pro whose “DWTS” journey began as part of the troupe. In season 27, he was first partnered with, singer-songwriter Tinashe. Despite consistently strong performances, they faced a shock elimination in week 4. His dance journey saw ups and downs, with singer Mary Wilson in season 28 and “Real Housewife” Kenya Moore in season 30, while he reached week seven with Jordin Sparks in season 31. He and TV host Jeannie Mai had a compelling partnership and impressive moves, but sadly, she had to withdraw for health reasons. Now, with social media star Lele Pons as his partner in season 32, could this be his year? Only time will tell.

#9: Britt Stewart
First Season: 23

Stewart made her dazzling debut on “DWTS” in season 23 as a troupe member, remaining in the role until season 27. But in season 29, she was given her first partner, figure skater Johnny Weir, making history as the first black female pro dancer. Together, they entertained audiences with many unforgettable routines, but their journey came to a halt just before the finals. The next season, she and actor Martin Kove, sadly, were the first to be booted off. But she reached the semi-finals once again in season 31 with actor Daniel Durant. Continuing her rollercoaster journey, in season 32, she and NFL running back Adrian Peterson became the fourth couple to be eliminated.

#8: Alan Bersten
First Season: 20

A troupe member since season 20, Bersten stepped into the spotlight, subbing for an injured Mark Ballas in season 22. In season 25, he and his first partner, Broadway’s Debbie Gibson, saw an early exit. Yet, he glided to the finals with model Alexis Ren in season 27 and again with “The Talk’s” Amanda Kloots in season 30. In season 28, he triumphantly waltzed away with the Mirrorball Trophy with “The Bachelorette” star Hannah Brown. But the following year, he and Disney Channel star Skai Jackson just missed out on a spot in the finals. In Season 32, he partnered with Jamie Lynn Spears, but they were the second couple eliminated, marking his swiftest exit yet.

#7: Artem Chigvintsev
First Season: 18

Before joining the U.S. show, Chigvintsev spent several seasons on the U.K. version, winning with his first partner, actress Kara Tointon. He joined the U.S. cast in season 18 as a troupe member and reached the quarter-finals with actress Lea Thompson in season 19. In season 25, he teamed up with WWE wrestler Nikki Bella. They lasted until week 7, but their chemistry has endured long beyond the show. Season 29 marked another victory with Kaitlyn Bristowe, making him the first pro to win both the U.K. and U.S. contests. Now, in season 32, he and “The Bachelorette” star Charity Lawson consistently leave audiences wanting more with their magnetic routines.

#6: Jenna Johnson
First Season: 18

Johnson, originally a troupe member, stepped into the pro spotlight in season 23 with actor Jake T. Austin, but they were the first couple eliminated. However, in season 26, she soared to victory with figure skater Adam Rippon. Her dance journey continued with TV personalities Joe Amabile in season 27 and Karamo Brown in season 28, achieving respectable 5th and 8th positions. Jenna's magic touch led her to the finals twice more, first with “Catfish” host Nev Schulman in season 29 and then with JoJo Siwa in season 30. After a brief hiatus, she returned in season 32, teaming up with model & actor Tyson Beckford, but they became the third couple to leave the dancefloor.

#5: Gleb Savchenko
First Season: 16

Like Artem, Gleb was on the UK’s “Strictly Come Dancing,” but only for one season. Before that, he also spent a season on the Australian edition of the show. Stateside, he made his grand entrance in season 16 alongside “Real Housewives” star Lisa Vanderpump, although their dance journey was very brief. He’s been a finalist three times, first with actress and singer Jana Kramer in season 23 and then in season 28 with country artist Lauren Alaina. He also sashayed to the finals with Drag Queen Shangela in season 31. In season 32, he spent five weeks sharing the dancefloor with actress Mira Sorvino until they were ultimately bid farewell.

#4: Sasha Farber
First Season: 17

Farber's “Dancing with the Stars” journey began Down Under before joining the U.S. cast as a, you guessed it, troupe member. His first partner was “Jersey Shore's” Nicole “Snooki” Polizzi in season 17. Despite decent scores and praise, their journey ended in week seven. Farber reached the finals and almost nabbed the mirrorball trophy with Tonya Harding in season 26, Ally Brooke in season 28, and Justina Machado in season 29. In Season 31, he and actress Selma Blair wowed audiences until, sadly, she had to withdraw in week five. Now, in season 32, Farber and his dance partner, actress Alyson Hannigan, have been serving up some Legend... wait for it... dary routines.

#3: Emma Slater
First Season: 14

Before joining the show, Slater was a decorated ballroom & Latin dancer, appeared in multiple musicals, and even had a stint on the South African version of the show. Eagle-eyed fans may have even spotted her singing and dancing in the 2008 “Mamma Mia!” movie adaption. Also starting as a troupe member, her first partner was Bill Engvall in season 17; despite low scores, they reached the first night of the finals. She later won the mirrorball with NFL star Rashad Jennings in season 24. Slater’s last final was in season 25 with “Property Brother” Drew Scott. Unfortunately, season 32 hasn’t been her year either since she and Mauricio Umansky were eliminated in week six.

#2: Valentin Chmerkovskiy
First Season: 13

Val was already a familiar face to “DWTS” fans before his official debut in season 13. He appeared in multiple seasons starting from season two as his brother Maks’s student. His first partner was model and actress Elisabetta Canalis, though they danced their last dance in week two. Val has had some of the series’ most memorable partnerships, including finalist Zendaya in season 16, season 20 winner Rumer Willis, and season 23 champion Laurie Hernandez. He was also a finalist with Kelly Monaco in season 15, Janel Parrish in season 19, Ginger Zee in season 22, and Normani in season 24. Could his season 32 partner, Xochitl Gomez, join their ranks?

#1: Peta Murgatroyd
First Season: 12

Out of all the pro dancers in season 32, Murgatroyd is the most experienced. She started her journey in the troupe, and in season 13, became a partnered pro, first dancing with NBA player, then known as Metta World Peace, although their last dance didn’t last long. The following year, she found victory’s sweet taste with NFL player Donald Driver. Murgatroyd has had some unforgettable partnerships— James Maslow, anyone? But in season 22, she scored a second mirrorball with actor and model Nyle DiMarco. Since then, the trophy has eluded her grasp. In season 32, “The Brady Bunch” actor Barry Williams has shifted the tides, bringing her closer to the prize than she’s been in a while.

Which “DWTS” pro do you think had the biggest transformation? Let us know in the comments.