With Dancing with the Stars moving to Disney+ and airing without commercial interruptions, the show has room to expand its production elements — including its troupe. The troupe returns this season with four familiar and accomplished dancers: Alexis Warr, Ezra Sosa, Kateryna Klishyna, and Sasha Farber. Together they will perform opening numbers, support the competing pairs, and be ready to step in if a pro or celebrity is unable to perform.
So You Think You Can Dance winner Alexis Warr joins the troupe
Fresh off her victory on So You Think You Can Dance, Alexis Warr joins the Dancing with the Stars troupe this season. A standout on the national dance circuit, Alexis has prior experience with DWTS through the nationwide tour and brings strong contemporary and technical skills to the show. Fans who followed her rise on SYTYCD will likely enjoy seeing her bring that same energy and artistry to the DWTS stage.
SYTYCD alum Ezra Sosa returns, alongside dance coach Kateryna Klishyna
Ezra Sosa reappears in the troupe after performing on the show last year. The Utah native and US National Latin Ballroom Champion is best known for his time on So You Think You Can Dance, where he reached the Top 6. At 20 years old, Ezra has already amassed experience across national tours, television appearances and performance projects, including spots on America’s Got Talent and World of Dance, as well as appearances in music videos. His Latin and ballroom background strengthens the troupe’s versatility across styles.
Joining Ezra is Kateryna Klishyna, a dancer and coach with a sizable online following for her instructional videos. Kateryna has worked with well-known dance professionals and brings teaching experience and choreography skills to the troupe, helping to shape ensemble pieces and support the pro-couple rehearsals behind the scenes.
Sasha Farber joins the troupe amid personal changes
Sasha Farber is the fourth member of this season’s troupe. A longtime DWTS favorite, Sasha has partnered with a range of celebrities over multiple seasons, including elite athletes and pop artists. He has placed highly with several partners across his DWTS tenure and is known for strong technique, athletic performances, and memorable routines. This year Sasha is not paired with a celebrity, a choice that may be due to casting logistics or personal reasons. Recently reported developments in his personal life have drawn attention, but Sasha’s presence on the troupe ensures fans will still see his distinctive dance style on the show.
All four troupe members will be central to the production’s ensemble numbers and will support the competing couples with lifts, transitions and backup choreography. The troupe serves as both an artistic engine for big-opening numbers and a practical reserve, stepping in when necessary to keep the live competition running smoothly.
Pros, hosts and judges returning for season 31
Season 31 brings back a strong roster of professional dancers who will partner the celebrity contestants and lead choreography. Returning pros include Britt Stewart, Cheryl Burke, Peta Murgatroyd, Sharna Burgess, Emma Slater, Koko Iwasaki, Daniella Karagach, Witney Carson, Val Chmerkovskiy, Alan Bersten, Artem Chigvintsev, Gleb Savchenko, Louis Van Amstel, Brandon Armstrong, and Pasha Pashkov. Each of these professionals brings a distinct style and fan following, contributing to the season’s variety and competition.
Tyra Banks returns as host and executive producer, and she will share hosting duties with Alfonso Ribeiro, adding a familiar on-air presence and a previous DWTS winner’s perspective. Behind the scenes, Conrad Green — who executive produced early seasons of the show — takes on a leadership role, replacing the departing executive producer. The judges’ panel also returns intact, with Len Goodman, Carrie Ann Inaba, Bruno Tonioli, and Derek Hough resuming their seats to evaluate the performances and guide the competition.
Disney+ streaming details and live voting
Disney+ renewed Dancing with the Stars for two seasons, with seasons 31 and 32 streaming exclusively on the platform. The show will continue to air live, preserving the real-time element that allows viewers to vote for their favorite couples. Streaming without commercial interruptions may mean longer episode runtimes and more fully staged performances, giving choreographers and dancers greater opportunity to present complex numbers without time constraints.
Season 31 is scheduled to premiere on Monday, September 19 at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT, exclusively on Disney+. With a refreshed troupe, a deep roster of returning pros, and familiar judges and hosts, the season looks to balance tradition with fresh energy on the dance floor.