Dancing with the Stars adds Kamri Peterson to its Season 35 troupe, marking a homecoming for the dancer who previously competed on DWTS: Juniors. The announcement came Sunday at DWTS Con in Palm Springs, positioning Peterson as the first troupe dancer confirmed for the upcoming season.
Peterson's move to the main show represents a natural progression for a performer who grew up in the Dancing with the Stars ecosystem. The network emphasized the full-circle nature of her advancement, celebrating her journey from the junior competition format to joining the professional ensemble on ABC's flagship dance competition.
The troupe dancers function as the backbone of each DWTS season, performing opening numbers, group routines, and supporting the celebrity-professional partnerships that drive the show's narrative. These roles offer visibility and opportunity for dancers to potentially partner with celebrities in future seasons.
Season 35 continues Dancing with the Stars' strategy of rebuilding its roster after significant changes to the judging panel and hosting arrangement in recent years. The show has leaned on internal talent development and franchise alumni to refresh its creative approach while maintaining the competition's core appeal to devoted viewers.
Peterson's confirmation arrives as the show ramps up its season rollout, with celebrity contestants and pro pairings expected to follow. DWTS: Juniors, which ran for multiple seasons before concluding, served as a pipeline for young talent entering the professional ranks. Peterson's ascension exemplifies how the franchise cultivates long-term relationships with performers, giving junior competitors a clear pathway to the main event.
The announcement at DWTS Con reflects the show's investment in fan engagement and community building around the franchise. These convention events function as marketing platforms while rewarding the passionate audience that sustained Dancing with the Stars through ratings fluctuations and format shifts. Season 35 premieres later this year on ABC.