A Night to Remember! See Exclusive Behind-the-Scenes Photos from Opening Night of the 2026 “Dancing with the Stars” Live Tour
- - A Night to Remember! See Exclusive Behind-the-Scenes Photos from Opening Night of the 2026 “Dancing with the Stars” Live Tour
Brendan LeJanuary 27, 2026 at 4:03 AM
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Daniella Karagach, Hailey Bills, Jenna Johnson, Emma Slater and Britt Stewart
Amy Ryerson | @catch.her.in.the.rye
Following a record-breaking season, Dancing with the Stars is taking a victory lap with its 2026 tour.
On Jan. 22, the Dancing with the Stars Live tour in support of the ABC show's most recent season began in Akron, Ohio. Season 34 contestant Danielle Fishel joined pros Val Chmerkovskiy, Jenna Johnson and more, as a celebrity guest performer.
Throughout the 74 stops — which conclude back in Akron on May 13 — several star competitors from the 34th season will make special appearances, including winner Robert Irwin and runner-ups Alix Earle, Jordan Chiles, Elaine Hendrix and Dylan Efron.
PEOPLE has exclusive behind-the-scenes and on-stage photos from the spectacular opening night. Ahead, see Fishel and the pros prepare for the grand kick-off to its nationwide tour.
01 of 19
Look Over There
'DWTS' Live tour cast
Amy Ryerson | @catch.her.in.the.rye
The entire cast gathered backstage in their most comfortable outfits during rehearsal.
02 of 19
Curl Girl
Emma Slater
Amy Ryerson | @catch.her.in.the.rye
Emma Slater does her hair in preparation for the show.
03 of 19
Merch Moment
Britt Stewart
Amy Ryerson | @catch.her.in.the.rye
Also in the dressing room, Britt Stewart shows off her tour-exclusive jacket.
04 of 19
Pre-Show Pump-Up
'DWTS' cast
Amy Ryerson | @catch.her.in.the.rye
Everyone put their hands to the sky to cheer for opening night!
05 of 19
Peace Out!
Hailey Bills
Amy Ryerson | @catch.her.in.the.rye
DWTS troupe dancer Hailey Bills is thrilled to start tour.
06 of 19
Pretty in Pink
Daniella Karagach
Amy Ryerson | @catch.her.in.the.rye
Daniella Karagach glows in a sparkly pink dress off-stage.
07 of 19
Ready to Go
Danielle Fishel
Amy Ryerson | @catch.her.in.the.rye
Danielle Fishel prepares to take the stage.
08 of 19
Couple of Dancers
Val Chmerkovskiy and Jenna Johnson
Amy Ryerson | @catch.her.in.the.rye
Couple Val Chmerkovskiy and Jenna Johnson match in navy blue.
09 of 19
Speak Now
Pasha Pashkov, Danielle Fishel and Emma Slater
Amy Ryerson | @catch.her.in.the.rye
Fishel chats with former dance partner Pasha Pashkov and co-host Slater onstage.
10 of 19
Sparks Fly
Emma Slater and Alan Bersten
Amy Ryerson | @catch.her.in.the.rye
Slater and her boyfriend Alan Bersten have intense chemistry during their dance.
11 of 19
Take My Hand
Val Chmerkovskiy and Jenna Johnson
Amy Ryerson | @catch.her.in.the.rye
Johnson and Chmerkovskiy also have an elegant couple's dance.
12 of 19
Easy Lift
Jenna Johnson and Pasha Pashkov
Amy Ryerson | @catch.her.in.the.rye
Pashkov carried Johnson during a number.
13 of 19
Reunited and It Feels So Good
Danielle Fishel and Pasha Pashkov
Amy Ryerson | @catch.her.in.the.rye
Fishel dances with her season 34 partner Pashkov once more.
14 of 19
Green Machine
Brandon Armstrong and Hailey Bills
Amy Ryerson | @catch.her.in.the.rye
Brandon Armstrong is fully focused during his dance with Bills.
15 of 19
Life of a Dancer Girl
The women of the 'DWTS' Live tour cast
Amy Ryerson | @catch.her.in.the.rye
The women of the Dancing with the Stars Live tour channel The Life of a Showgirl for a glitzy performance.
16 of 19
Hit Your Mark
'DWTS' Live tour cast
Amy Ryerson | @catch.her.in.the.rye
An ensemble piece ends with a fierce pose.
17 of 19
Take a Bow
'DWTS' Live tour cast
Amy Ryerson | @catch.her.in.the.rye
Bills and Pashkov take centerstage for a round of applause.
18 of 19
Signature Smile
Ezra Sosa
Amy Ryerson | @catch.her.in.the.rye
Ezra Sosa is more than happy to sign a few tour posters.
19 of 19
Sign Here Please
Emma Slater
Amy Ryerson | @catch.her.in.the.rye
Along with the rest of her cast mates, Slater also gives out her autograph.
on People
Source: “AOL Entertainment”
