DWTS Announces 2026 Tour; Several Pros Won’t Join Live Shows

LOS ANGELES, CA — The beloved dance competition series, Dancing With the Stars (DWTS), is set to hit the road again with its 2026 tour. The announcement was made on Tuesday, October 7, during the show’s season 34 broadcast on ABC.

Among the returning pros for the tour are Val Chmerkovskiy, Jenna Johnson, Alan Bersten, Brandon Armstrong, Emma Slater, and more. Season 33 winner Joey Graziadei expressed excitement about the upcoming tour, stating, “The support that we felt all season was unbelievable.”

However, not all DWTS alumni will be part of this live tour. Pro Rylee Arnold, who was part of the previous years, announced she would skip the 2026 tour due to health concerns related to her ankle. In a social media video from April 2025, Arnold said, “I will not be returning for the extension of the tour, which is just so sad.”

Arnold, who is also managing Type 1 diabetes, further explained her decision: “I wanted to focus on my health… I’m going to miss it so much, but I’ll definitely be cheering everyone on.” Fellow pro Gleb Savchenko confirmed his absence as well, stating he wishes to spend time with his children in Hong Kong over the holidays.

Julianne Hough, a former DWTS pro and co-host, was also set to perform but had to cancel due to a scheduling conflict. “I’ve been so looking forward to connecting with fans,” Hough said. Former pro Sasha Farber noted his absence was about taking a break and focusing on mental health.

Additionally, Jenn Tran, who was partnered with Graziadei during season 33, expressed her disappointment at not being invited to perform: “I really wanted to go,” she said. Her sentiments reflect the passion many contestants feel about connecting with fans.

Despite the absence of several pros, the 2026 tour promises to showcase new talent and the seasoned professionals who will be performing on stage. Dance enthusiasts can look forward to seeing how each performer continues to shine.