You know that feeling when the glitter cannons go off and you realize you’ve spent ten weeks of your life emotionally invested in a Rumba? Yeah, we’ve all been there. But the 2024 season of Dancing with the Stars—that’s Season 33 for the real nerds—hit a little different. It wasn’t just about the B-list celebs trying not to trip over their own feet; it was the year the pros really took back the narrative.
Honestly, the Dancing with the Stars pros 2024 lineup felt like a "greatest hits" album mixed with some genuinely spicy new energy. We had huge returns, a massive promotion from the troupe, and some of the most creative choreography we’ve seen in years. If you thought this show was getting stale, Season 33 basically told us to hold its beer.
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The Return of the Queen (and Other Pro Surprises)
The biggest shocker? Witney Carson coming back.
Seriously, after she skipped Season 32 to focus on her family and her new baby, Jet, nobody was 100% sure she’d ever step back into those heels. But there she was, announced on Good Morning America like she never left. She didn't just come back to participate; she came back to win. She was paired with former NFL wide receiver Danny Amendola, and their chemistry was... well, let’s just say people were talking. They made it all the way to the finale, finishing in 5th place. Not bad for a comeback.
Then you’ve got Ezra Sosa.
Finally! After years of killing it in the troupe, he finally got his "pro" title. And what did the producers give him for his first season? Anna Delvey. You know, the "fake heiress" who had to wear an actual ankle monitor on the dance floor. It was chaotic. It was messy. It was exactly why we watch this show. They were out early, but Ezra’s debut as a lead pro was a moment fans had been begging for.
Who Else Was on the Floor?
The lineup was a mix of the usual suspects and some rising stars who are quickly becoming the faces of the franchise.
- Jenna Johnson: Partnered with Bachelor Joey Graziadei. (Spoiler: They won the whole thing).
- Rylee Arnold: Back for her second season with "Pommel Horse Guy" Stephen Nedoroscik.
- Val Chmerkovskiy: The reigning champ from the year before, paired with Phaedra Parks.
- Daniella Karagach: Doing the absolute most with NBA giant Dwight Howard.
- Alan Bersten: Partnered with the internet's favorite rugby player, Ilona Maher.
- Brandon Armstrong: Finally getting his flowers with the incredibly talented Chandler Kinney.
Why the Jenna and Joey Win Actually Made Sense
People love to complain when a Bachelor or Bachelorette wins. "Oh, they have a built-in fan base!" "It's a popularity contest!"
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Sure, maybe. But did you see Joey Graziadei dance? The guy actually had rhythm. More importantly, he had Jenna Johnson. Jenna is basically a masterclass in how to coach a non-dancer into a performer. Their freestyle in the finale was a genuine "drop the mic" moment. They took home the Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy on November 26, 2024, and honestly, the leaderboard backed it up.
It wasn't just about the votes. It was about the technical growth. Joey started as a guy who looked a little stiff and ended as a performer who could hold his own next to a pro. That’s the "DWTS" magic people forget about when they're arguing on Twitter.
The "Rylee Effect" is Real
We have to talk about Rylee Arnold. At just 19, she’s become the show’s biggest social media engine.
Her partnership with Olympic gymnast Stephen Nedoroscik—aka the man who slept through the Olympics and woke up to win medals—was pure gold. They finished in 4th place, but if you looked at TikTok, you’d think they won by a landslide. The Dancing with the Stars pros 2024 season really leaned into this younger demographic.
The producers know that if they want the show to survive another 10 years, they need the Gen Z viewers who follow Rylee’s every move. Her choreography for Stephen was smart; she used his gymnastics background (including a literal pommel horse on the dance floor) without making it feel like a stunt. It was a delicate balance that a lot of veteran pros struggle with.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Pro Lineup
There’s this weird misconception that the pros just show up and teach a few steps.
It’s way more than that. In 2024, the pros were also the creative directors, the therapists, and the social media managers for their partners. Look at Alan Bersten and Ilona Maher. Ilona is a powerhouse, a literal Olympic athlete who is very vocal about body positivity and not fitting the "traditional" ballroom dancer mold.
Alan didn't try to change her. He leaned into her strength. He made her feel powerful on that floor. That kind of nuance is what separates a good pro from a great one. They finished as runners-up for a reason. People didn't just vote for Ilona; they voted for the way Alan helped her shine.
The Full Season 33 Pairings (Just for the Record)
If you're trying to settle a bet, here's how the rest of the Dancing with the Stars pros 2024 pairings shook out:
- Sasha Farber & Jenn Tran: The Bachelorette herself. They had a rough exit but some great moments.
- Britt Stewart & Eric Roberts: Eric is a legend, but he definitely struggled with the footwork.
- Emma Slater & Reginald VelJohnson: Pure nostalgia. Watching Carl Winslow dance brought a tear to everyone's eye.
- Pasha Pashkov & Tori Spelling: A pairing we didn't know we needed until it happened.
- Gleb Savchenko & Brooks Nader: High energy, high glamour, but they didn't quite make the distance.
Is the Pro Lineup Getting Too Young?
There’s been some chatter among "legacy" fans that the show is losing its ballroom roots by hiring younger pros and focusing on "viral" moments.
I don't buy it.
The 2024 season proved that you need both. You need the technical brilliance of a Val Chmerkovskiy or a Daniella Karagach to set the bar, but you also need the fresh energy of a Rylee or an Ezra to keep things interesting. Without the "viral" moments, the show wouldn't have the ratings to stay on Disney+ and ABC.
The fact that Mark Ballas—who we all thought was retired—actually came back for Season 34 (partnered with Whitney Leavitt) shows that even the "old guard" still sees the value in this ballroom. But for 2024, the focus was firmly on the new era.
How to Follow the Pros Now
If you’re missing the show, the best thing you can do is follow the pros on their own tours. Most of the 2024 cast, including Alan, Gleb, and Brandon, head out on the Dancing with the Stars Live tour during the winter months.
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It's the best way to see what they can actually do when they aren't restricted by a celebrity partner who might forget the steps at any second. Plus, it gives you a much better look at the troupe dancers, who are basically the "bench" for future pros.
Keep an eye on the official announcements for Season 35. With the way 2024 ended—with Joey and Jenna taking the trophy—the bar for the next crop of pros is incredibly high. You'll want to watch the social media feeds of the "troupe" members like Stephani Sosa and Marcquet Hill; usually, that's where the next big star is hiding.
If you’re looking to improve your own dance knowledge, start by watching the "Pros Only" numbers from the Season 33 finale. Pay attention to the footwork in the Latin medleys—it’s where you can really see the difference between a "celebrity" level and a "pro" level. Turn off the sound and just watch their feet. You'll see why these people are the best in the business.