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Dancing with the Stars: The Next Pro continued its competition tonight with the 10 remaining dancers paired off and a solo elimination.
Hosted by wildlife conservationist and Dancing with the Stars Season 34 Len Goodman Mirrorball Champion Robert Irwin, Dancing with the Stars: The Next Pro, began with 12 exceptional up-and-coming dancers who moved into one house to compete in a grueling audition process, all vying for a coveted spot as a pro dancer on Season 35 of Dancing with the Stars.
Three-time Mirrorball champion Mark Ballas and his mother, Shirley Ballas “The Queen of Latin” served as judges.
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“You need to make a huge impact. Don’t waste one single second on this dance floor,” Shirley said when asked what the dancers need to do to get to the next level.
Mark added, “Some of you are coming into tonight feeling great about last week and some of you are maybe feeling defeated, but remember every challenge is a new test of skills. So, wipe the slate clean and attack with vengeance.”
The challenge for Night 2 was set by guest judge Brandon Armstrong, who has 10 seasons with DWTS, who informed the dancers they had to bring a personal story to life through dance, showcasing vulnerability and partnership.
“I want you to use dance to tell a story from your life that is meaningful,” Brandon said. “Story is essential as a pro. We are going to be looking for a clearly expressed narrative that sparks a strong emotional reaction.”
The pairs had to decide whose story they were going to tell and what style of dance they would use.
Here's our spoiler-filled recap of who went home on The Next Pro tonight, and who made it through to Week 3.
Who was eliminated on Dancing with the Stars: The Next Pro tonight?
Benjamin Castro
Who's left onDancing with the Stars: The Next Pro?
Adele Zaikman
AJ Pritchard
Allen Genkin
Erik Linder
Natalie Jolley
Nina Mayster
Selena Hamilton
Stephani Sosa (Ezra Sosa’s sister)
Tristen Sanders
Here’s how the night broke down:
ERIK LINDER AND NATALIE JOLLEY: VIENNESE WALTZ
Shirley: “You went with Natalie’s story, which was the young girl from Hong Kong seeking to find her self-confidence. Well, let me tell you young lady, from last week to this week, you found that confidence. It was divine to watch. Erik, you came across as Prince Charming. Every movement that she did, you addressed her, you put her in the right place, perfect partnering skills. What I get excited about is when I give a note on one week and the following week I see an improvement. That was what I saw in both of you.”
Brandon: “I thought it was good in the studio, it was amazing to me. I didn’t see you struggling with sharing emotion at all. Top-notch and I really enjoyed it.”
Mark: “Natalie, from being in the bottom last week, I could tell you were coming for throats this week, and I love to see that. Erik, as men on this show, our job is to be the frame and you were that tonight. I loved the choreo, I loved the storytelling. Top-notch.”
BENJI CASTRO AND NINA MAYSTER: RUMBA
Brandon: “I am going to be honest, it was disjointed a little bit. It’s hard to tell a story when we’re not extremely clear what story we’re telling.”
Mark: “How was rehearsal together?”
Nina: “There were some speed bumps.”
Mark: “What kind of speed bumps?”
Nina: “A sense of communication. He actually felt unheard, which I wasn’t aware of because it wasn’t verbalized.”
Benji: “I will take accountability. I was confused, but I didn’t question it.”
Mark: “You have to remember that part of the job is communicating. When you’re with your celebrity, you have to find ways to work together.”
Shirley: “It was Nina’s story, but it didn’t envelope anything that this young man is good at. His highlight was his black flips, but does that belong in a rumba? I am not so sure about that. Nina, I think you were the one not listening to when his body came in or particularly when you took the tele spins or any form of spins. It was a disservice to him. Benji, I think you’re a pretty good dancer, but today, it was taken away from you.”
Mark: “I think it’s a learning moment for both of you. Nina, let go of the reins a little bit, and for Benji, speak up a little more. You have to listen to each other.”
Related: Dancing With the Stars: The Next Pro Eliminated 2 Dancers in Its Premiere—See Who Made the Top 10
TRISTEN SANDERS AND STEPHANI SOSA: RUMBA
Mark: “Stephani, beautiful. I loved the stretch of the emotions, the drama, throwing yourself into it full force in these styles. Tristen, you didn’t take your eyes off her once. You’re a good partner. Work on the technique, but from a storytelling aspect, I enjoyed watching you.”
Shirley: “I loved, Tristen, your attention to the detail. Even though there were technical things that were not perfect, you moved from foot to foot. You did not stand there like a prop. This connection between the two of you, this working together, I felt that in the team. I felt you did a good job.”
Brandon: “Tristen, ballroom to me and Latin is about two people dancing together. Being a partner is 50 percent of the battle. You showed up, performed and it came through.”
AJ PRITCHARD AND SELENA HAMILTON: JIVE
Shirley: “I am a little confused, AJ. You had jive last week. We said you played it a little safe. You had the click ball changes in the circle, you did it last week. You did a kick to the side, you did it last week. You need to come here with some creativity. It will not wash in the United States, the same choreography in a different format. It won’t work. Having said that, the partnering skills are outstanding. Selena, you shone for sure and I actually think you ate him for lunch. I want you to believe this and hear it from me, you are amazing. You don’t miss a beat, you are on balance, you’re down the camera lane, I felt you did an amazing job.”
Brandon: “I actually like that it was the only upbeat song on the night. There are very few people who have reached the heights of winning the British Open Championship, which then in turn means there are very few people who can relate to that.”
Mark: “I would agree with that. To me, it felt like too many slows with this type of song. If the music is driving, we’ve got to be giddy-upping the whole time. So, it comes down to choice. Technically today, it just lacked a little umph.”
ADELE ZAIKMAN AND ALLEN GENKIN: RUMBA
Brandon: “Allen, first and foremost, beautiful. I would love for you to remind us what it’s about.”
Allen: “When I was 15, I lost my mom, but when that first season of Dancing with the Stars came out, and we were watching it together, she turned to me and said, ‘My dream is for you to be on that show.’ I had this opportunity to tell the story of dancing with her for the last time.”
Brandon: “I got emotional watching this. I will think about this until the day I am no longer here. Congratulations. I thought it was amazing. Unbelievable.”
Mark: “I will just say this. Adele, I would be happy to dance with you and Allen, I will be happy to dance next to you.”
Shirley: “Even though my eyelashes are coming off here, I got your story. The quality of the movement from both of you was outstanding. For me, the best number of the night. It was by far one of the most beautiful things I have ever witnessed. Well done.”
Then the judges decided which couple had the least compelling story and out of that couple, one dancer went home. That couple was Nina and Benji with Benji having danced his last dance.
“Looking back on my journey, I was most proud that I was able to represent the entire Latino community, and that I stayed true and genuine to myself,” Benji said. “I always put my best forward, so I truly believe that no matter who I was partnered with, it was my time. To be here was a massive honor.”
Dancing with the Stars: The Next Pro airs Monday nights at 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC, with episodes available to stream the next day on Disney+ and Hulu.
