DWTS Season 34: Hot Takes on the Newest Mirrorball Competitors

By Katherine Schreiner

Season 34 of beloved ballroom dance show, Dancing with the Stars (DWTS), premiered last night. And what a premier it was. This season is packed with so much power and potential!

Judges Note: Carrie Ann was out for the first episode as reported on her Instagram story earlier in the day. Because of that, scores are already lower than past years. Derek also mentioned at the top of the show that the scores will be low tonight to allow room for improvement, which has not been said or implemented in the past few seasons. 

Opening Number

Truly, it is very difficult for the opening number of a Dancing with the Stars episode to be a failure. Starting the dance with a solo on Mirrorball Champ, Jenna, was a great way to honor her and Joey’s work last season. Every pro looked sharp and Rylee can always find that camera. Only thing I noticed, every pro got some sort of moment, but Jan seemed to not really have a special moment by himself. As the newest pro, he should have had a moment to shine.

The Troupe

A completely new troupe one year right after the new troupe from last year was shocking. After the 2025 tour, Kaitlyn was clear to be a beloved troupe member. Taking over for Rylee when she had her injury, it was clear she had the DWTS power. All four new troupe members really showed how they earned their positions tonight, though. Onye and Hailey really sync up and Carter and Jaxon hold up just as well. They’re going to be a clear highlight of this season.

Ezra & Jordan

Using a Beyonce song was such a power decision. It introduces her so well to this new audience, especially since Beyonce was her floor routine music. Ezra was smart to push into the gymnast techniques. With a gymnast-style costume like that and clear proof that her dancing was not as strong as fans were expecting, to push into what his star was comfortable with. Some of those dismounts were shaky and Bruno called them out for it. 

Score: Derek: 5, Bruno: 5

Do We Agree: Yes

Daniella & Dylan

A huge surprise of the night. Having an Efron do a dance to Milkshake? Probably the most interesting choice of the night, but the payoff was worth it at the end of the day. Bruno’s critique was a perfect representation of how this dance went: it was fantastic at times, and hit rigid and off-time moments as well. Bruno’s quote said it best, though: “Your shaking of the butt was first-class.” - Bruno

Score: Derek: 5, Bruno: 5

Do We Agree: Yes

Alan & Elaine

A personal favorite of the night, Elaine’s story is so impactful and she packed a punch with this performance. The two nods to her role as Meredith Blake with the hat and the handshake brought the audience back to a place of nostalgia, while also allowing Elaine to shine as herself. This performance is by far in the Top 3 of the night and I think Alan may be taking his partner close to the finale.

Score: Derek: 6, Bruno: 6

Do We Agree: Yes

Mark & Whitney

The very clear front runner of this year’s competition. It was obvious when Mark Ballas was announced to be coming back, that he was coming back for a good partner. This dance was stunning, and the song choice was perfect for her branding as a mom and TikToker. It’s clear that not only are Mark and Whitney good on the dance floor together, but their chemistry as friends outside of dance is just as strong.

Score: Derek: 7, Bruno: 8

Do We Agree: No, but neither does Bruno as he messed up his own score.

Britt & Baron

Going into this performance, Baron was not being considered a front runner in this race. While he is not a front runner, this performance was a strong first performance like Derek said. Britt is a fantastic pro, and the excitement she brought to the performance bubbled over to him, allowing him to improve as they proceeded. Will he be making it to the end? No. Do I think he’s making it to Disney night? Yes.

Score: Derek: 5, Bruno: 5

Do We Agree: Yes

Val & Alix

The most on brand theme out of all these dances, Britney Spears should be her anthem. Bruno was correct: she was very rigid and needed to improve her fluidity. Alix does have a lot of potential though, which isn’t something many celebrities that come on this show have. The more comfortable she gets on the floor, the more she will succeed within the competition.

Score: Derek: 7, Bruno: 6

Do We Agree: Yes

Rylee & Scott

Nerves seemed to have gotten the best of Scott, because the second the chorus hit, his performance improved. It was sloppier than expected, but Rylee is so good at drilling technique into her celebrities that it is likely a large improvement will be seen next week. His energy with Rylee is so refreshing, and I love to see a sibling energy between the two. And I mean, who wouldn’t want to make Gaga proud?

“Wanna make GaGa proud.” - Scott

Score: Derek: 5, Bruno: 5

Do We Agree: No, throughout a 6 from one judge was earned.

Pasha & Danielle

Topanga, Topanga, Topanga. How you amaze us. Danielle showed why she’s been performing for 30+ years. As she meets the dance world (get it?), she’s going to be a bright energy on this show and I think that energy will be infectious. Another Top 3 performance, even if the score did not reflect how strong of a performance it was. If her only critique from the judges was to improve her shoulders, she should’ve been a top scorer of the night.

Score: Derek: 6, Bruno: 6

Do We Agree: No. Where is her 7?!?!?!

Jan & Jen

She had a CHILD two months ago? Jen looks phenomenal. On top of that, this girl can dance. It was shocking she was picked from Mormon Wives over Taylor, but she proved all the haters wrong with her abilities. Congratulations to Jan as well for his first dance, he absolutely has a future within this show! He would be a great addition to the Tour 2026 team. The judges were right, the flips and lifts were unnecessary when you are that good. Jan will hopefully learn from that and allow Jen to shine in her dance technique.

Score: Derek: 6, Bruno: 6

Do We Agree: No, Once again, where are her 7s?!?!?!?!

Jenna & Corey

Bruno was right when he said Corey added his own personal spin. The little solo portion was the least stiff part of his performance. Jenna is going to have to push technique with Corey or sadly, he’ll be the first one packing. This is a solid mid-tier performance and hopefully he can work on the technique and fluidity for next week.

Score: Derek: 4, Bruno: 5

Do We Agree: For this week, Yes

Brandon & Lauren

Another personal Top 3 performance of the night. 5th Harmony members have always come to play on this show and Lauren is no different. Her technique, flow, facials… She's another front runner. Genuinely might be up to bat against Whitney and Mark who are so clearly at the top. Brandon’s got another finale in his future (and maybe that mirrorball).

Score: Derek: 7, Bruno: 6

Do We Agree: No, Bruno you know she deserved that 7

Emma & Andy

Andy is so funny and his knee sleeves are relatable. His footwork was pretty good, and I am excited to see him work with the critiques he received. Emma is so gifted and teaching to all levels, and it is clear that she is not just in it to win. The laughs and hugs between Andy and her at the end of the performance really shows just how much love and support they have for each other. Shoutout to the audience for boo-ing Bruno!

Score: Derek: 5, Bruno: 4

Do We Agree: Yes, so sadly

Gleb & Hilaria

Most people can agree, Hilaria needs to be voted off. There is talent there but her controversies make her unenjoyable to watch. On top of that, Gleb is just as unenjoyable after all of his controversies from last year. Still shocked by the choice of keeping Gleb over Sasha, who is much less controversial. It hurts that Hilaria’s good and her pairing works well. This performance was impressive, but personally, she should not have taken this job.

Score: Derek: 7, Bruno: 7

Do We Agree: Sadly, yes

Whitney & Robert

Derek may be a little biased after winning with Bindi, but he is so correct: this is the most promising opening dance in a long time. It may just be the Irwin genes, but boy can Robert dance. Whitney and him look great together and they’re going to be in the finale!

Score: Derek: 8, Bruno: 7

Do We Agree: Absolutely!