There are four dancers left on “Dancing With the Stars: The Next Pro.” After Nina Mayster’s elimination this week, AJ Pritchard, Allen Genkin, Selena Hamilton, and Adele Zaikman are the final four heading into the semifinals.
Though Nina wasn’t ready to go home, she learned quite a bit from the experience and made many long-lasting friendships.
In a new interview, “The Next Pro” contestant reflects on her genuine connection with AJ Pritchard and their emotional moment.
Nina Mayster Bonded With AJ Pritchard on ‘The Next Pro’
Though “The Next Pro” contestants were in direct competition with one another, several went on to form deep, meaningful friendships. Nina Mayster and AJ Pritchard were among them.
During a previous episode this season, AJ felt overcome with emotion, and Nina settled him. Now, she’s reflecting on the experience.
“Nina is sharing how she REALLY feels about AJ 👀” the “Viall Files” Instagram account shared. “Nina opens up about AJ, their connection, and what really happened between them on ‘DWTS: The Next Pro.’ From their chemistry to where things stand now, she’s giving The Viall Files her unfiltered take. Watch Nina break down AJ and all things ‘DWTS: The Next Pro’ on The Viall Files with Nick Viall.”
“I think when I had that moment with AJ, I almost felt like… I mean, the simplest way to put it is, I felt like I was enough finally,” Nina told Nick Viall. “He reminds me so much of what I’m comfortable with.”
The dancer went on to explain that AJ Pritchard is an excellent example of strong masculinity in the dance industry. To have him show emotion was an eye-opening moment for her.
“To have him be vulnerable like that and to, I don’t want to say ‘break down,’ but more, ‘open up,’ and show that vulnerability and also have a value and a trust and a faith in me and what I could do, it was an amazing partnership,” Nina added.
She went on to say that it could’ve quickly become a situation where AJ took control and she submitted, but she’s so glad that it never came to that.
“When he said that he was learning from me, I got emotional instantly,” Nina admitted.
The Competition Heads to the Semifinals
After Nina Mayster’s elimination, the final four are preparing for the semifinals. At this point in the competition, everyone needs to step up their game and prove they have what it takes to be a professional dancer on “Dancing With the Stars.”
This week, the competitors were challenged to teach social media influencers how to dance. As Mark Ballas put it, if they can’t teach, they shouldn’t be on DWTS.
Next Monday, several of the current pros will appear to help guide the final contestants. The competition is coming down to the wire and viewers can’t wait to see what happens next.
“Dancing With the Stars: The Next Pro” airs a new episode next Monday at 8 p.m. on ABC. DWTS season 35 begins at 8 p.m. on Tuesday, September 15 with a second episode the following night on September 16.
