Let’s dance!
On Monday,Dancing with the Starskicked off its milestone 30th season with a new group of celebrities ready to compete for the mirrorball trophy.
Tyra Bankswas back for her second season as host of the ABC reality dance competition series, whileLen Goodman, Bruno Tonioli,Derek HoughandCarrie Ann Inabareturned to their seats on the judging panel.
Just like previous seasons, thecompeting starsand pro dancers were individually announced in advance and the pairings were revealed during the two-hour premiere.
ABC/Maarten de Boer (3)
Olivia Jade Giannulli, who was teamed up with proVal Chmerkovskiy, performed the salsa as her first dance of the season.
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“I just really want to show people that I have a different side to me, I have a strong work ethic,” she told Chmerkovskiy, adding to the cameras, “This experience means so much to me. I’m excited, but it’s scary, to say the least. I think it’s normal, though.”
In August, ABC confirmed thatJoJo Siwawould make history this season asthe first female celebrity paired with a female pro dancer— who was revealed to beJenna Johnson!
“For the first time inDancing with the Starshistory, I am dancing with another female, and I’m really, really proud,” Siwa said. “I came out in early 2021 and what I love to do is make truly being who you are easier for kids.”
Later,Brian Austin Greenwas teamed up with girlfriendSharna Burgess, whom he began dating late last year. “I’ve never danced with anybody I’ve dated,” theBeverly Hills, 90210actor, 48, told Burgess. “I’m feeling nervous, I’ve got to be honest … If I mess this up, I wouldn’t be surprised if Sharna left me.”
The following partnerships were also announced during the show as the celebrities hit the ballroom to perform their debut dances:
Mel CandGleb Savchenko
Mike “The Miz” MizaninandWitney Carson
Iman ShumpertandDaniella Karagach
Jimmie AllenandEmma Slater
Melora Hardin andArtem Chigvintsev
Suni LeeandSasha Farber
Amanda KlootsandAlan Bersten
Martin Kove andBritt Stewart
Kenya Mooreand Brandon Armstrong
Christine Chiuand Pasha Pashkov
Matt JamesandLindsay Arnold
RELATED VIDEO: JoJo Siwa on MakingDWTSHistory Dancing With Same-Sex Partner: ‘This Connection is Incredible’
Days before the premiere, Giannulli spoke to PEOPLE about herpreparations forDWTSat the iHeartRadio Music Festival in Las Vegas.
“The pros make it look so effortless and easy, but once you get in there and they’re really teaching you the steps, it’s way harder than I ever thought. But what I will say is the pros do such a good job,” she added.
Dancing with the Starsairs Mondays at 8 p.m. ET on ABC.
source: people.com
