The “Dancing With the Stars” ballroom was more electric than ever Tuesday night!
Page Six scored a VIP invite to this week’s “Viral Hits Night”-themed episode, where we got an up-close and personal look at how the Season 35 contestants and their pro partners prepare for a live show.
Now, we’re taking you behind-the-scenes of all the live action from Week 2 of the competition.
Around 3:30 p.m. local time, we headed to the Los Angeles set where the dance competition series is filmed to check in and take our places in the live audience.
Just minutes after making our way through security, we already secured our first celebrity sighting of the evening: “Glee” star Harry Shum Jr. and his pro partner, Jenna Johnson.
The dance pair — who were both dressed in white satin fits — were striking poses for photographers outside while also warming up for their Viennese Waltz to “Iris” by the Goo Goo Dolls.
We also spotted Guillermo Rodriguez and Witney Carson greeting some early-bird fans, who were patiently lined up to take their seats in the ballroom ahead of the 5 p.m. PT start time.
After a short holding period, VIP guests and general audience members were escorted inside by “DWTS” crew members, where we walked by everything from the iconic skybox (where couples receive their scores from the judges) to the “quick change” area backstage, various production booths and more.
Everyone who scored an invite then had to look around the ballroom for their specific assigned seat — which would mark their final placement for the duration of the live show.
We scored a lucky floor spot right across the judges’ table, placing us in perfect view of Carrie Ann Inaba, Derek Hough and Bruno Tonioli. Needless to say, their interactions with each other off camera were just as hilarious and entertaining as you see on TV.
Seated nearby us were friends and family members of Taylor Hanson, Ciara Miller, Tyler Cameron, Amber Glenn, Jackson Olson, Jenna Dewan and Julia Stiles.
As more guests began to take their seats, troupe members entertained the crowd before the contestants eventually made their way into the ballroom for final pre-show warm-ups.
Previously eliminated pros Hailey Bills and Adele Zaikman also played a role in the pre-show entertainment by going live on TikTok and giving fans at home a behind-the-scenes sneak peek.
The live taping then began promptly at 5 p.m. PT, with the whole audience cheering loudly and showcasing their best TV smiles as the Season 35 partnerships were announced.
Jenna Dewan and Val Chmerkovskiy were first up to dance, performing an energetic Jive to “Animal” by KATSEYE.
After the performance wrapped, Page Six spotted Jenna cheering the entire cast on throughout the duration of the show and keeping the energy alive in the ballroom.
At one point, we even caught the “Step Up” star freestyling alongside the troupe in the skybox during a commercial break:
When the song and dance styles for “Viral Hits Night” were revealed, we had a feeling Ciara Miller and Brandon Armstrong’s Tango to “No Broke Boys” by Disco Lines & Tinashe would be one to watch — and let’s just say, they did not disappoint.
We spotted the two locked in on their routine in the minutes leading up to their live performance, focusing on the choreography instead of Ciara’s vulnerable pre-taped interview package.
The reality TV star — who addressed the “Summer House” drama involving ex West Wilson and former best friend Amanda Batula — received full support from the crowd from beginning to end, complete with a well-deserved standing ovation.
“One time a broke boy ruined my life — or he tried. But we’re here tonight, so it didn’t work,” Ciara proudly exclaimed following her performance.
Later in the evening, Guillermo and Witney also had the whole crowd clapping along as they performed a fiery Paso Doble to “Where Have You Been” by Rihanna.
One of the best moments in the ballroom, hands down, was getting to watch Val live react to Guillermo putting his own spin on the pro dancer’s signature knee walks as the audience erupted into cheers.
Val — who was smiling ear to ear alongside the cast after the performance — went viral for his smooth glides across the floor when he was partnered with Alix Earle last season.
We caught the tail end of his reaction on video, as seen below:
Another standout moment was witnessing the supportive partnership between former “Traitors” co-stars Maura Higgins and Mark Ballas.
The two entered the ballroom just moments before they were set to dance a Cha Cha to “September” by Earth, Wind & Fire. We could tell Maura was feeling the nerves of the live show, but we witnessed Mark, on several occasions, calm her down and hype her up, encouraging her to stay in the moment.
She also adorably covered her ears as her pre-taped interview package aired — to tune out the noise, as many celebs opt to do each season. Clearly, it all worked out in her favor, as Maura turned on the confidence and danced like a true performer as soon as the music started playing.
Toward the end of the show, the celebrities and their pro partners all lined up on stage as they awaited the results of the combined judges’ scores with viewer votes.
Co-hosts Julianne Hough and Alfonso Ribeiro announced three couples who were in danger of elimination: Guillermo and Witney, Giada De Laurentiis and Alan Bersten, and Tyler Cameron and Sharna Burgess.
Ultimately, the couple sent home were Giada and Alan. Page Six spotted their fellow competitors quickly flocking over to them as soon as the credits began rolling — to console them and share their support before they exited the ballroom.
The remaining pairs will move on to Week 3 of the dance competition, a “Yacht Rock”-themed episode, airing next Tuesday at 8 p.m. ET on ABC and Disney+, and streaming on Hulu the following day.
Other theme episodes this season will include a tribute show to Mariah Carey, along with a special evening dedicated to the Grammys, a “Horror Movie Night” and more.
In the meantime, stay tuned to Page Six for more “DWTS” news and updates.
The post Behind-the-scenes at ‘Dancing With the Stars’: What you didn’t see on TV during ‘Viral Hits Night’ appeared first on Page Six.
