This week on “Dancing With the Stars: The Next Pro,” the top six competitors were challenged to create a routine with a major “wow” moment.
To prepare for the challenge, they were treated to a one-of-a-kind experience: a day at the Australia Zoo. The dancers met and drew inspiration from the animals, especially Nina Mayster and AJ Pritchard.
Now that the episode is out, some of the contestants have shared fun behind-the-scenes photos with fans.
‘DWTS: The Next Pro’ Dancers Get Inspired at the Australia Zoo
In the new episode of “Dancing With the Stars: The Next Pro,” the top six competitors visited the Australia Zoo. With Robert Irwin as their host and guide, they all received a unique experience and got to interact with the animals in their habitats.
“I’ve carried a fear of snakes for as long as I can remember, and somehow, surrounded by this cast, I found the courage to face it, 🐍” “The Next Pro” contestant Nina Mayster captioned a new Instagram post.
Nina attached several photos of herself and the other competitors petting and interacting with Robert Irwin’s beloved animals.
“But my heart? Totally stolen by the kangaroos, koalas, and dingos- all the fur babies, 🥹” the dancer continued. “Oh and DJ the rhino of course. 🫶 Being surrounded by creatures like these reminds you of what’s truly important. Thank you @robertirwinphotography and @australiazoo for such a special experience.”
AJ Pritchard also attached a fun video as the group headed to the Australia Zoo for the day. The top six dancers all beamed at the camera, smiling and laughing. Though the competition is still incredibly fierce, the remaining dancers all seem bonded and happy to enjoy each other’s company.
Fans Felt Saddened By This Week’s Elimination
Since July 13, viewers have grown very attached to “The Next Pro” cast. Sadly, only one competitor can be the winner. Erik Linder and Selena Hamilton crafted the strongest routine in week four, but the momentum didn’t carry over into week five.
The judges determined that Erik and Selena didn’t create a big enough “wow” moment in their routine, landing both of them in the bottom two. Ultimately, the judges opted to give Selena another chance, sending Erik home.
All three judges emphasized that each routine was spectacular in its own way. Erik and Selena’s routine featured challenging choreography, but just didn’t quite follow the assignment the way the other routines did.
Next week, reigning “Dancing With the Stars” champion Witney Carson will mentor the top five contestants. They’ll have to teach a routine to someone with no dance experience, a regular component of DWTS.
As Mark Ballas aptly put it, if a dancer can’t teach, they really don’t have a place on “Dancing With the Stars.”
Fans can catch next week’s episode of “Dancing With the Stars: The Next Pro” at 8 p.m. on Monday. DWTS season 35 begins at 8 p.m. on Tuesday, September 15. There will be another episode the following night on Wednesday, September 16.
