Adele Zaikman, the trailblazing winner of Dancing With the Stars: The Next Pro, is poised to make her highly anticipated debut as a professional dancer on Dancing With the Stars Season 35, marking an unprecedented entry into the show’s revered cast. Her victory in the spin-off competition, which saw 12 dancers vie for a coveted spot, was officially announced on Monday, swiftly followed by the full reveal of celebrity and professional pairings for the upcoming season.
The Unprecedented Rise of a New Star
Zaikman’s journey to the main ballroom floor represents a significant new pathway for professional dancers joining the long-running reality competition. Unlike previous pros, she earned her place through a direct televised contest, captivating audiences and judges alike. The news of her win sent ripples of excitement through the devoted Dancing With the Stars fandom, eager to see how this fresh talent will impact the dynamics of the new season. At 24 years old, Zaikman describes the experience as "surreal," expressing her astonishment at how rapidly her life has transformed.
The decision to introduce The Next Pro reflects the evolving landscape of reality television and the immense popularity of Dancing With the Stars. Showrunner Conrad Green previously emphasized the critical role professional dancers play, stating they are "at the core" of the program’s enduring success. Their consistent presence and ability to forge strong connections with both celebrity partners and viewers have cultivated a loyal fanbase that closely follows their careers and partnerships. Zaikman’s unique path has immediately catapulted her into the public eye, leveraging the significant buzz surrounding the show’s Season 34 finale and the subsequent casting announcements for Season 35.
A Whirlwind of Change and Secrecy
The period following Zaikman’s victory in late February has been a whirlwind of emotion and strict secrecy. For months, she was compelled to keep her triumph confidential, a challenge for anyone achieving a dream-come-true moment. "When you win something, you want to talk about it. You want to be proud of it," she recounted, detailing the relief she felt once the news was finally public. This period also involved intense, clandestine preparations for Dancing With the Stars Season 35, with Zaikman often needing to wear elaborate disguises, including large masks, coats, and glasses, to evade paparazzi while attending rehearsals.
The sudden intrusion of public scrutiny into her daily life, from being followed by photographers to seeing her images online, has been a stark adjustment. Zaikman acknowledges the "insane" feeling of newfound celebrity, a testament to the show’s massive reach and dedicated following. She expresses immense gratitude for the outpouring of support she has received on social media, finding strength in the messages from fans as she navigates this new chapter.
From Competition to Creativity: A Dancer’s Evolution
Zaikman credits The Next Pro with profoundly shaping her identity as an artist. Having spent her life in competitive dance, adhering to strict rules and structures, the spin-off provided a crucial opportunity for creative liberation. "As a dancer, I became so much more confident after The Next Pro," she explained. The competition encouraged her to delve deeper into her unique artistic voice, exploring what she could bring to the dance floor that might be "new that people haven’t seen before."
The experience taught her that Dancing With the Stars operates with a different set of artistic freedoms compared to traditional competitive circuits. The ability to "break the rules" and "be more creative" resonated deeply with her, fostering a sense of excitement for the possibilities ahead. She views her development as a dancer, choreographer, and artist as a direct result of this journey, feeling prepared to introduce a "refreshing" perspective to the main show and eager to continue her artistic exploration on the grand stage of Dancing With the Stars.
Navigating the Pressure Cooker: Lessons from the Spinoff
One of the most significant lessons Zaikman carried from The Next Pro to Dancing With the Stars Season 35 was the ability to perform under extreme pressure. The spin-off’s demanding format required contestants to choreograph, teach, and perfect a routine within a mere two days, often dancing with an amateur partner. This intense schedule, she notes, proved to be invaluable training for the rigorous pace of the main competition.
"Just working under so much pressure, making great product in two days was so, so hard," she recalled. This experience instilled in her a profound confidence that she can excel with the more generous weekly preparation time afforded on Dancing With the Stars. She anticipates using this extra time to thoroughly understand her celebrity partner’s strengths and tailor routines that will maximize their potential, stating confidently, "If I’ve done it in two days, I can do it in a week."
Memorable Moments on ‘The Next Pro’ Journey
Among the many performances on The Next Pro, three numbers stand out in Zaikman’s memory. She fondly recalls the emotional "dedication dance" in week two, performed with Allen Genkin, which she described as "amazing, so emotional" and felt privileged to be a part of. The Samba she danced with Gleb Savchenko was another highlight, a performance she thoroughly enjoyed. Finally, the Foxtrot in the semi-final round with AJ Pritchard also holds a special place, underscoring the diverse range of styles and partnerships that marked her winning journey.
Joining the DWTS Family: Mentorship and Camaraderie
As Zaikman transitions into her role as a professional dancer on Dancing With the Stars, she has been met with warmth and guidance from her new colleagues. Mark Ballas, who served as a judge on The Next Pro, has become a supportive mentor. Zaikman describes him as "the sweetest person to me in the world," readily offering assistance and advice. The shift from judge to colleague has felt natural due to Ballas’s welcoming demeanor, and she anticipates dancing alongside him in upcoming opening numbers.
Perhaps the most impactful advice came from fellow pro Daniella Karagach. Zaikman shared that Karagach told her, "It’s so much fun, and it’s not that serious. Just enjoy it." This simple yet profound counsel has become a guiding principle for Zaikman, helping her manage her competitive drive and inherent seriousness. It serves as a reminder to embrace the joy and camaraderie of the Dancing With the Stars family amidst the pursuit of the coveted Mirrorball trophy. Other pros, like Jenna Johnson, have also extended a hand, inviting Zaikman to lunch and reinforcing the show’s reputation for fostering a supportive community among its dancers.
Anticipation Builds for the Live Ballroom Debut
The culmination of Zaikman’s journey will arrive with her first live performance in the iconic Dancing With the Stars ballroom. Though her interview took place before this milestone, she expressed intense anticipation for the moment. Her initial rehearsal in the ballroom, scheduled for a Friday morning, was expected to be deeply emotional. "It’s happening, you know," she mused, predicting her heart would beat "really fast" as she stepped onto the hallowed dance floor for the first time.
Having watched Dancing With the Stars from her couch just a season prior, the reality of being a part of the live broadcast feels truly surreal. The veteran pros have cautioned her about the unique rush and nervousness that accompanies the "four clicks" signaling a live broadcast, an experience she is both excited and apprehensive to embrace. These raw emotions—a blend of excitement, thrill, and nerves—underscore the magnitude of her achievement and the dream she is now living.
Partnering for Success: Conner Leavitt’s Guiding Hand
For her inaugural season, Zaikman is partnered with celebrity Conner Leavitt, a pairing she describes as "exactly what I need." She praises Leavitt for his infectious personality—funny, bubbly, positive, humble, and exceptionally hardworking. His eagerness to push himself and his dedication make him an ideal partner. Leavitt brings a unique advantage to their partnership; having supported his wife, Whitney Leavitt, during Season 34, he possesses an insider’s understanding of the show’s demands and environment, even offering to "show [her] around."
This dynamic creates an interesting situation where Zaikman, the professional, is learning some of the show’s practicalities from her celebrity partner. She also had the opportunity to meet Whitney Leavitt in New York, further integrating her into the supportive network surrounding Conner. Zaikman expresses immense enthusiasm for this partnership, believing it provides the perfect foundation for her debut season.
Hopes and Aspirations for Season 35
Looking ahead to Dancing With the Stars Season 35, Zaikman’s primary aspirations extend beyond winning. She is eager to gain invaluable experience performing on live television, believing it will further her growth as a dancer. Crucially, she is committed to ensuring Conner Leavitt has an unforgettable and positive experience. Recognizing the immense stress and self-doubt that can accompany competitive dancing, Zaikman aims to be a steadfast source of support for her partner.
While acknowledging both her and Conner’s competitive spirits, she emphasizes the importance of balancing the pursuit of the Mirrorball trophy with the enjoyment of the "once in a lifetime" journey. Her focus remains on personal and artistic development, fostering a strong partnership, and cherishing every moment of her groundbreaking debut season.
The Road Ahead for ‘Dancing With the Stars’ Season 35
Dancing With the Stars Season 35 is set to kick off with a double premiere on September 15 and 16, broadcasting live on ABC and streaming concurrently on Disney+. Episodes will be available for streaming the following day on Hulu. Audiences eager to revisit Adele Zaikman’s journey to the main stage can catch up on Season One of The Next Pro, now streaming on both Disney+ and Hulu. The upcoming season promises to be a thrilling showcase of talent, emotion, and the unique magic that only Dancing With the Stars can deliver.
