Full Breakdown
Kamri Peterson Joins *Dancing with the Stars* Troupe for Season 35
8/3/2026, 11:39:24 AM
Announcement and Role
The first troupe dancer for the 35th season of *Dancing with the Stars* is scheduled to be announced on August 2. The reveal will name 18-year-old Kamri Peterson—formerly a professional on *Dancing with the Stars: Juniors*—as the inaugural member of the season’s troupe. The troupe supports the celebrity-professional pairings throughout the competition, performing group numbers and serving as mentors.
Professional Background
According to ABC, Peterson holds a World ProAm championship, three Latin National vice-championship titles, and twelve Latin finalist placements. She has also represented the United States at the Open World Championships in Paris. In addition to her competitive record, she has cultivated a reputation for teaching and mentoring young dancers, a focus she plans to continue while serving in the troupe.
Season 35 Overview
Season 35 will launch with a two-night premiere in mid-September, airing on ABC and Disney+ with next-day streaming on Hulu. Four celebrity contestants have already been confirmed: *Summer House* star Ciara Miller, *Love Island UK* alum Maura Higgins, Savannah Bananas player Jackson Olson, and *Jimmy Kimmel Live!* personality Guillermo Rodriguez. The Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy will be awarded to the winning celebrity-professional pair. Additional troupe members and the full roster of professional dancers will be disclosed on *Good Morning America* later this month.
Significance for the Show
Peterson’s addition marks the first confirmed troupe appointment for the milestone 35th season, highlighting ABC’s emphasis on fresh talent within the supporting dance ensemble. Her competitive pedigree and mentorship experience suggest she will contribute both performance quality and instructional support, potentially influencing the development of the celebrity contestants.
Upcoming Milestones
Following the August 2 announcement, the complete troupe lineup will be expanded in the weeks leading up to the season premiere. The full celebrity cast and professional dancer pairings are slated for public reveal later this month, after which the weekly competition will proceed through the spring, culminating in the awarding of the Mirrorball Trophy.
