Two decades later, the ballroom magic is back. To celebrate its 20th anniversary, Dancing With the Stars is reuniting several of its original professional dancers from Season 1 — and longtime fans can’t contain their excitement.
On Sunday, November 9, veteran pro Louis Van Amstel gave fans a first look at the emotional reunion on Instagram, posting behind-the-scenes photos of the original cast rehearsing together for the first time in 20 years.
Van Amstel, who placed third with Kelly Osbourne in Season 9, will perform alongside Edyta Śliwińska, Jonathan Roberts, Ashly DelGrosso, Charlotte Jørgensen, and Alec Mazo in a special opening number on Tuesday’s “20th Birthday Party” episode — choreographed by judge Derek Hough himself.
“The first six are back together again,” Van Amstel captioned the post. “We are so grateful for the opportunity to be part of the 20th anniversary of Dancing With the Stars. The opening number is going to be epic.”
Fans Celebrate the Reunion
It didn’t take long for the post’s comment section to fill with love and excitement.
“Omg I love this!!! I can’t wait to see you all perform,” one fan wrote.
“I haven’t seen Jonathan in forever! You two were my favorites!” added another.
Fellow DWTS pro Lindsay Arnold commented, “This is epic,” while Sasha Farber called the reunion “legendary.”
Fans also praised Śliwińska’s return, calling her “stunning as ever.”
A Night of Celebration and Tribute
The anniversary special will also feature a heartfelt tribute to late DWTS icons, including beloved judge Len Goodman and celebrity contestants Shannen Doherty, Jerry Springer, Kirstie Alley, Anne Heche, and more. The memorial dance, set to Lady Gaga’s “Always Remember Us This Way,” will be choreographed and performed by Ezra Sosa and Rylee Arnold.
Adding to the nostalgia, former host Tom Bergeron will return as a guest judge, joining Carrie Ann Inaba, Derek Hough, and Bruno Tonioli at the panel.
Dancing With the Stars airs Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC and Disney+, and streams the next day on Hulu.
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