The Next Generation of Ballroom: Kamri Peterson Joins the DWTS Troupe as Season 35 Approaches
The glitz and glamour of the ballroom are set to return with a fresh infusion of talent. As Dancing With the Stars prepares for its highly anticipated 35th season, the production has officially unveiled a new face to join its ranks. Kamri Peterson, a World ProAm ballroom champion and a familiar face to those who followed the Dancing With the Stars: Juniors iteration in 2018, has been tapped to join the Season 35 dance troupe. The announcement, made during the inaugural DWTS Con in Palm Springs, California, on August 2, marks a significant milestone for the 18-year-old dancer, who views this appointment as the realization of a lifelong ambition.
The Main Event: Kamri Peterson’s Promotion
Kamri Peterson enters the Dancing With the Stars ecosystem not as a celebrity partner, but as a crucial member of the troupe. While she will not be paired directly with contestants such as Savannah Bananas star Jackson Olson, influencer Maura Higgins, or comedian Guillermo Rodriguez, her role is vital to the show’s visual identity. As a troupe member, Peterson will be responsible for anchoring the program’s elaborate opening numbers, executing complex choreography, and performing during transitional segments that define the show’s high-production aesthetic.
Peterson follows in the footsteps of former troupe members like Hailey Bills, Onye Stevenson, and Jaxon Willard, who served as the backbone of the choreography for Season 34. For Peterson, the move is deeply personal. Having spent her formative years watching the show, she described the experience of joining the cast as "surreal."
"I really don’t think I’ve ever been so happy in my entire life," Peterson remarked in an interview following the announcement. "It’s been a dream of mine since competing on Juniors. It feels amazing to be here, and the energy from the rest of the cast has been incredible."
Chronology: From ‘Juniors’ to the Main Stage
The trajectory of Kamri Peterson’s career highlights the pipeline of talent the Dancing With the Stars franchise has cultivated over the last decade. Her involvement began with Dancing With the Stars: Juniors in 2018, where she cut her teeth under the mentorship of veteran pro Witney Carson.
The transition from a child competitor to a professional troupe member is a rare feat, reflecting her dedication to the craft. Throughout her youth, Peterson was a devoted follower of the show’s professional roster, specifically citing Daniella Karagach as a primary influence. "I grew up watching Dani even before I was on Juniors," Peterson shared. "I would watch her videos on YouTube. I have been a die-hard fan of Dani for nearly a decade."
The announcement at DWTS Con served as the official culmination of years of training and competition. With the premiere of Season 35 scheduled for September 15 on ABC, Peterson is currently immersed in the rigorous rehearsal schedules that define the professional ballroom circuit.
Philosophy of Performance: Redefining Ballroom
Beyond the technical demands of the role, Peterson aims to shift the narrative surrounding ballroom dancing. In an era where competition shows often emphasize the "win-at-all-costs" mentality, Peterson hopes to utilize her platform to reframe dance as an accessible, joyful pursuit.
"I want to inspire the younger generation," she noted. "I want them to see that dance doesn’t have to be so serious. It can be something that’s just fun. Sometimes people get a little distracted by the fact that we have to win, we have to do this, we have to do that. But we dance because we love it. I want to show people that the art form can be fun, not just scary or competitive."
This sentiment comes at a time when the show is expanding its reach. In addition to the troupe, Season 35 will feature a winner from the spin-off series Dancing With the Stars: The Next Pro, who will be granted a permanent spot as a professional partner, signaling a continued commitment to discovering and platforming emerging talent.
Supporting Data: The Financial Mechanics of the Ballroom
While the artistry of the dancers is the primary draw for viewers, the economic structure of Dancing With the Stars remains a subject of intense public curiosity. Behind the sequins and the Mirrorball Trophy lies a complex payroll system that fluctuates based on tenure, performance, and role.
The Contestant Pay Scale
Reports from industry outlets such as Variety have previously indicated that celebrity contestants receive a base salary for their participation. As of the most recent data, contestants typically receive approximately $125,000 for the initial rehearsal period and the first two weeks of the show. Should a contestant survive the weekly elimination rounds, their compensation increases on a sliding scale. While official figures remain undisclosed by ABC, sources have suggested that the maximum potential earnings for a contestant can reach nearly $300,000.
Radio personality Bobby Bones, who won Season 27, provided a more granular look at this structure on the Trading Secrets podcast. Bones suggested that the compensation is tiered: "First episode, no money. Second episode, $10,000. It ends up being $50,000 an episode if you last." By his own account, Bones earned close to $400,000 during his winning run.
The Professional and Troupe Compensation
The compensation for professionals and troupe members is distinct from that of the celebrities. While pros are guaranteed pay for a certain number of weeks, the financial disparity between a pro and a troupe member can be significant. Lindsay Arnold, a long-time professional on the series, noted in a 2022 podcast appearance that her salary was slashed by more than 50% when she transitioned from a pro role to the troupe.
Furthermore, there is no "bonus" for winning the Mirrorball Trophy. As Jenna Johnson explained on The Morning After podcast, the pros do not receive a cut of a grand prize or a significant cash windfall for victory. The incentive to reach the finale is instead tied to the weekly salary and a potential performance bonus for lasting the duration of the season.
Implications: The Rigor of the Professional Standard
The transition of a new troupe member like Peterson into the show’s ecosystem underscores the extreme demands placed on the cast. The work schedule is notoriously punishing. Rylee Arnold, speaking on the Lightweights Podcast, detailed the "no-days-off" reality of the job. Pros and their partners typically engage in four-hour daily rehearsals, excluding time spent on creative meetings, costume fittings, and camera blocking.
Behind the Scenes: Costume Design
The logistical requirements for the show are equally daunting. Costume designer Daniela Gschwendtner has described the department’s process as a "big enterprise," involving a staff of 20 and a dedicated tailor shop. Because each performance requires a fresh, thematic look, the department often has only five days to design and construct outfits for every couple. With the exception of certain basics, every costume is custom-made, highlighting the immense effort required to maintain the show’s high-production standards.
The Pairing Process
Finally, the mystery surrounding the pairing of celebrities and pros remains a hallmark of the show’s strategy. As Jenna Johnson confirmed, the dancers themselves are kept in the dark until the final reveal. The production team prioritizes chemistry, physical compatibility, and personality matching, with former showrunner Rob Wade noting that pairing individuals who do not get along is a recipe for a "miserable experience" for everyone involved.
Conclusion: Looking Toward Season 35
As the premiere of Season 35 draws near, the inclusion of Kamri Peterson represents a bridge between the show’s past—evoked through her early start on Juniors—and its future. Her commitment to bringing joy back to the ballroom, coupled with the rigorous standards of the Dancing With the Stars production machine, suggests that the upcoming season will continue to be a dominant force in reality television. Whether it is the intense four-hour rehearsal blocks, the high-stakes negotiations of professional contracts, or the rapid-fire pace of the costume department, the show remains a finely tuned engine of entertainment, ready to capture the hearts of a new generation of viewers.
