Dancing With the Stars Season 34 Cast and Crew – Everything You Need to Know

The world’s most glamorous dance competition returns as “Dancing With the Stars” kicks off its thirty-fourth season on September 16, 2025, airing on ABC and streaming on Disney+. Based on the wildly successful British format “Strictly Come Dancing,” the show pairs a roster of celebrities with professional dancers to perform intricate ballroom and Latin routines each week. The couples then face the scrutiny of a panel of expert judges and the votes of the viewing public at home, with one pair being eliminated each week until only the champion remains to lift the coveted Mirrorball Trophy.

This season boasts the return of the show’s iconic judging panel, featuring the sharp eye of Carrie Ann Inaba, the passionate flair of Bruno Tonioli, and the technical precision of Derek Hough. The hosting duties are shared by the charismatic Alfonso Ribeiro and the effervescent Julianne Hough. They are joined by the show’s world-class ensemble of professional dancers, including Witney Carson, Valentin Chmerkovskiy, and Emma Slater, who are all ready to choreograph show-stopping routines and guide their celebrity partners to victory.

Dancing With the Stars Season 34 Complete cast credits

1. Carrie Ann Inaba as Judge

Carrie Ann Inaba returns to her seat at the judges’ table, bringing her unique perspective as a renowned choreographer and performer to the competition. As the longest-serving judge in the show’s history, Inaba is known for her focus on the emotional connection and artistry of each performance, often looking for the “lift” in a routine that takes it from technical to transcendent. Her critiques are thoughtful and constructive, delivered with a warmth that often softens the blow of a lower score, though she is never afraid to call out a technical error or a lack of precision.

Inaba’s role extends beyond scoring; she serves as a mentor figure who appreciates the immense effort each celebrity puts into their journey. Her feedback is designed to help the couples grow week after week, focusing on storytelling and performance quality as much as on footwork and frame. Her enduring presence provides a sense of continuity and expert insight that is invaluable to both the dancers and the audience, making her an indispensable pillar of the “Dancing With the Stars” family.

2. Bruno Tonioli as Judge

The irrepressible and theatrical Bruno Tonioli brings his boundless energy and passionate Italian flair back to the judging panel. A legendary choreographer with a background in film and stage, Tonioli is known for his extravagant, often explosive reactions to performances, frequently leaping from his chair to illustrate a point with dramatic physicality. His critiques are a whirlwind of colorful metaphors, enthusiastic praise, and occasionally flamboyant disapproval, all delivered with a charming accent and an undeniable love for dance.

Tonioli’s presence guarantees entertainment and laughter, providing a necessary counterbalance to the more technical critiques of his colleagues. He embodies the pure, unadulterated joy of performance, celebrating the spectacle and the emotion of each dance. While his scores can sometimes seem unpredictable, they are always rooted in a deep, lifelong knowledge of dance and a genuine appreciation for the courage it takes for a celebrity to step onto the ballroom floor.

3. Derek Hough as Judge

The multi-Mirrorball champion Derek Hough returns to the judges’ table, offering critiques from the invaluable perspective of a dancer who has stood where the celebrities now stand. Hough is the most decorated professional in the show’s history, and his feedback is deeply rooted in technical expertise, choreographic innovation, and an intimate understanding of partnership. He is known for his constructive, specific, and fair critiques, often breaking down complex dance elements into understandable takeaways for the competitors.

Hough’s judging style is that of a master teacher. He possesses a unique ability to identify a couple’s strengths and weaknesses and offer clear, actionable advice for improvement. His experience allows him to appreciate the nuances of performance, from the subtlety of a heel lead to the power of a committed character portrayal. His presence on the panel elevates the competition, ensuring that the artistry and technique of ballroom dance are held to the highest standard.

4. Julianne Hough as Host

Julianne Hough brings her radiant energy and insider knowledge to the role of co-host. A two-time Mirrorball champion herself before transitioning into a successful acting and singing career, Hough understands the competition from every angle. As a host, she provides a seamless link between the dancers, the judges, and the audience, conducting insightful backstage interviews that capture the raw emotions and nerves of the contestants immediately after their performances.

Hough’s warmth and empathy make her the perfect person to guide the celebrities through the high-pressure environment. She can celebrate their triumphs with genuine excitement and offer comfort during moments of disappointment, having experienced it all firsthand. Her chemistry with co-host Alfonso Ribeiro is palpable, creating a fun and engaging dynamic that keeps the show moving smoothly and connects with viewers on a personal level.

5. Alfonso Ribeiro as Host

The beloved Season 19 Mirrorball champion Alfonso Ribeiro returns as the show’s masterful host. Ribeiro, forever known for his iconic “Carlton Dance” on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, won the competition with wit, charm, and surprising dance talent. As a host, he leverages his personal experience to connect with the celebrities, offering words of encouragement and understanding that only a former winner can provide. His charismatic and professional demeanor anchors the live broadcast.

Ribeiro’s impeccable comic timing and smooth stage presence make him a natural in the hosting role. He effortlessly handles the unpredictable nature of live television, from filling time during technical delays to playfully interacting with the judges and the audience. His journey from contestant to host embodies the show’s spirit of transformation and celebration, making him the ideal ambassador for the “Dancing With the Stars” experience.

• The Professional Dancers: Witney Carson, Valentin Chmerkovskiy, Emma Slater, and More

The heart of the show lies with its phenomenal roster of professional dancers, including veterans like Witney Carson, Valentin Chmerkovskiy, and Emma Slater. These artists are far more than just dancers; they are teachers, choreographers, therapists, and partners. They dedicate weeks to transforming their celebrity charges from novice dancers into confident performers, tailoring their choreography to highlight their partner’s strengths and conceal their weaknesses. Their creativity and patience are the engines that power the entire competition.

Each pro brings a unique style and teaching method to the partnership. Witney Carson is known for her high-energy, precise choreography and sweet Southern charm. Valentin Chmerkovskiy brings a passionate, intense, and deeply technical approach to the ballroom. Emma Slater is celebrated for her patience, creativity, and ability to build incredible trust with her partners. Alongside them, a new generation of pros like Rylee Arnold and Daniella Karagach bring fresh energy and innovative choreography, ensuring the show continues to evolve and captivate audiences season after season.

• The Celebrities: A New Season of Stars

While the full celebrity roster is yet to be unveiled, the new season promises another diverse array of stars ready to embrace the challenge of the ballroom. From actors and athletes to musicians and media personalities, each contestant brings their own fanbase, personality, and two left feet to the competition. Their journeys from nervous beginners to accomplished dancers form the core narrative of the season, creating underdogs, frontrunners, and unforgettable moments of triumph and elimination.

The celebrities submit themselves to a grueling schedule of training, facing physical exhaustion and mental hurdles in their quest for the Mirrorball Trophy. Their willingness to be vulnerable, to fail publicly, and to push beyond their comfort zones is what makes the show so compelling to watch. They are not just competing for a score; they are embarking on a transformative personal journey that often leads to newfound confidence, lasting friendships, and a deep appreciation for the art of dance.