DWTS Live Tour 2026: Former Pros Share Insights on Skipping Performances

HOLLYWOOD, California — The popular reality competition Dancing With the Stars is set to return to the road in 2026 for its next live tour. The announcement was made during the October 7 episode of ABC’s series.

Season 34 will feature returning pros Val Chmerkovskiy and Jenna Johnson, joined by a cast that includes Alan Bersten, Brandon Armstrong, and several others. Season 33 winner Joey Graziadei expressed his excitement on social media, saying, “The support that we felt all season was unbelievable, and it was so amazing to be able to tour around the U.S. to feel the energy and love face to face.”

However, not all past contestants will take part in the live performances. Pro dancer Rylee Arnold has opted out of the upcoming tour to focus on her health, which she shared in an emotional Instagram video. She explained, “My doctor did not OK me to get back to dancing right now. I’m going to be resting and healing at this time.”

Arnold, who has Type 1 diabetes, previously missed shows in spring 2025 and shared her decision to sit out the 2026 tour to manage her condition on the road. “I’m going to miss it so much, but I’ll definitely be cheering everyone on,” she added.

Pro Gleb Savchenko also announced he will not participate in the tour, opting instead to spend the holidays with his children in Hong Kong. “It’s nice to have a great season,” Savchenko said. “I’m just focusing on myself.”

Former DWTS host and pro Julianne Hough had initially planned to perform in select 2024 shows but later withdrew due to scheduling conflicts. Fellow pro Sasha Farber mentioned needing a break from tours, saying, “I wanted to just emotionally have a break, and take a pause from the tour.”

Elsewhere, former Bachelorette Jenn Tran expressed disappointment at not being asked to join the current tour, emphasizing her desire to continue the dancing experience. “I really wanted to go,” she said. Tran added that receiving the news left her in tears.

The upcoming tour promises a lineup of strong dancers and choreography under the guidance of Mandy Moore. While fans anticipate the exciting performances ahead, the absence of these familiar faces is certainly felt.

Dancing With the Stars airs on ABC and Disney+ on Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET, with new episodes available for streaming on Hulu the following day.