Hi everyone — welcome to Week Four of Dancing with the Stars: The Next Pro. After last week’s group-focused challenge, where guest judge and mentor Britt Stewart guided the contestants on working together and crafting memorable ensemble choreography, the field returns for a night dedicated to chemistry and connection on the ballroom floor.
Last episode ended with an unexpected twist: no one was eliminated after performances, but earlier a contestant, Natalie Jolley, had to withdraw due to injury. Tonight’s guest mentor is Jenna Johnson, who will teach the competitors how to create intimacy and believable partnerships. Each pair will perform either a Rumba or an Argentine Tango, two styles that demand emotional commitment and genuine connection. By the end of the evening, one duo will be sent home, bringing a dancer’s dream of becoming a pro to an end. Robert Irwin hosts, with Mark Ballas and Shirley Ballas returning as judges.
In rehearsals, Jenna tests the contestants’ natural chemistry by having them dance with multiple partners. Nina reminds Jenna that she and Allen have danced together for years; other pairings quickly reveal different levels of ease. Stephani finds a comfortable flow with Allen, Selena and Erik create a promising connection, while AJ and Stephani struggle to find compatibility. Tristen, who normally expects to be chosen early, is left unpicked when the men and women line up and select partners; Allen is chosen by two women and ultimately picks Nina, leaving Stephani paired with Tristen. That decision leaves Tristen visibly annoyed.
Jenna ups the stakes by announcing that this week a PAIR will be eliminated — not a single dancer. The weakest duo will go home together. The couples pick their styles from Rumba or Argentine Tango and begin shaping their performances around themes: love, tension, redemption, and raw intimacy. Throughout rehearsals Jenna emphasizes authenticity. She encourages AJ and Adele to avoid melodrama and instead find true emotional truth. She asks Selena and Erik to mine everyday moments for tenderness, and she reminds Stephani to breathe and trust her instincts. Allen and Nina focus on variety and storytelling, while informal off-site meetups — a visit to an amusement park, time on the water, a quiet cafe — help several couples build rapport and confidence.
Show night arrives. The mood in the ballroom is charged — nerves, excitement and the pressure of knowing a duo will leave. The first performance belongs to Adele and AJ.
Adele & AJ – Rumba
The routine showed solid technical Rumba fundamentals: lines, hip action and musicality were all present. What felt missing was intimacy. Their steps looked polished but emotionally restrained; the performance read like two accomplished dancers executing the style rather than two partners living the moment. Shirley praised Adele’s star quality and urged AJ to dig deeper to create more chemistry. Jenna appreciated that they’d taken feedback on board, and Mark acknowledged a bumpy opening but ultimately called it a strong Rumba.
Selena & Erik – Argentine Tango
This pair delivered a smoldering, intimate performance that felt alive with chemistry; they owned the floor and the audience could feel the spark. My only critique was the balance of authentic Argentine Tango elements — at times the routine leaned more toward dramatic tango-inspired movement than strictly traditional Argentine technique. Still, the connection and presence were undeniable. Jenna was left speechless, Shirley gave a standing ovation, and Mark called the dance a redemption for Selena. Erik’s leadership and pair’s confidence positioned them as a possible frontrunner.
Stephani & Tristen – Rumba
Unfortunately, this Rumba failed to convince. The routine felt basic and disconnected — the steps were there, but the personal, intimate ingredient was missing. Tristen appeared uncomfortable at times, and the partnership lacked the sustained stillness and emotional depth a Rumba requires. Mark noticed moments of fight and pain but said the couple didn’t maintain the stillness that sells a love-driven dance. Shirley felt the choreography was cluttered and didn’t land emotionally. Jenna told Stephani the performance needed a small but truthful spark; Stephani left shaken, emotional but determined to learn from the critique.
Nina & Allen – Argentine Tango
Their number was steady and purposeful, driven more by storytelling and chemistry than strict adherence to Argentine Tango form. While judges noted the piece blended styles and didn’t always emphasize textbook tango technique, the partnership felt honest, focused and engaging. Jenna praised the passion and narrative clarity; Shirley quibbled with the mix of styles but acknowledged Nina’s reliable timing, and Mark reminded everyone that sometimes breaking the rules serves the performance. Overall, it was a confident, memorable delivery.
After all the dances, I’d personally rank the evening as: Erik & Selena first for chemistry, Nina & Allen second for storytelling and consistency, Adele & AJ third for technical skill but lacking intimacy, and Stephani & Tristen fourth for missed connection. The judges’ critiques set the stage for the elimination.
RESULTS
Mark announced Stephani and Tristen as the first couple in jeopardy. Shirley named Nina and Allen as the second couple up for elimination. The judges debated choreography choices and stylistic fidelity: Shirley questioned whether Nina and Allen’s piece contained enough true Argentine Tango, while Mark suggested Stephani and Tristen’s routine might have been overstuffed and could have benefited from editing and focus.
Ultimately Shirley delivered the verdict: Tristen and Stephani were eliminated. The pair hugged and exchanged heartfelt words. Stephani spoke about closing this chapter and keeping her fire alive; Tristen reflected on the positive company and support he found in the group. For Stephani, who had previously faced setbacks on the main Dancing with the Stars troupe, tonight’s elimination feels especially painful — and a reminder of how unforgiving competition can be.
Looking ahead to Week Five: Daniella Karagach will mentor the contestants on creating standout moments and inventive choreography. Tensions and emotions are rising — AJ shows vulnerability, Selena feels the pressure of expectations, and Adele questions whether she can keep up. The physical and mental toll of the competition is becoming clear. Tune in next Monday for Week Five of Dancing with the Stars: The Next Pro as the remaining hopefuls push toward their goal of joining the pro ranks.