Dancing With the Stars pro Witney Carson has made a bold move, announcing her pregnancy while continuing her role as a professional dancer on the show for season 35. In an exclusive interview, Carson opens up about her feelings on the news, her decision to return, and the challenges she faces as a pregnant dancer. She also discusses her experience as a guest judge on The Next Pro and her thoughts on potential future roles as a judge on the main show.
A Surprising Announcement
Carson's announcement came as a surprise to many, especially given the initial speculation that she might bow out of the show due to her pregnancy. She reveals, "I feel a little bit crazy, to be honest, but I’m really excited for it to all finally come out. I feel like I’ve been keeping a dark, dirty secret for a really, really long time." The two-time mirrorball champion explains that her decision to return was not made lightly, considering her health and the demands of the show. "In my first trimester, I was extremely sick. I dropped out of some things that I had been contracted in just because I was so, so sick," she says.
Embracing the Challenge
Despite the challenges, Carson is determined to make it work. "I genuinely didn’t think I was going to be physically able to do the show, and Deena Katz and I, the casting director, had a lot of conversations, and I started to feel a little bit better. We just decided, kind of me, my husband, and Deena were like, if you feel good enough, why not?" she says. Her partner, Guillermo Rodriguez, is supportive, and she plans to continue her partnership with him, participating in group numbers and focusing on her dance with him.
The Next Pro and Beyond
Carson's experience as a guest judge on The Next Pro was a pleasant surprise. "I’ve always been a performer, always a competitor, and I just didn’t really know what to expect," she says. "I loved being able to give really positive criticism. It was so much fun." This role piqued her interest in potentially becoming a judge on the main show, as she enjoyed the authoritative role and the opportunity to give constructive feedback.
A Full Circle Moment
Carson also reflects on her connection to Kamri Peterson, a former Dancing With the Stars: Juniors dancer who has joined the troupe. "The last time I worked with her, she was like nine or 10. She was so, so little, and the fact that I just saw so much of myself in her then, and now that she’s actually on Dancing With the Stars and she’s around the age that I started, it feels so full circle," she says. This moment of full circle highlights her personal connection to the show and its future.
As Carson embarks on this unique journey, she embraces the challenges and opportunities that come with being a pregnant dancer on Dancing With the Stars. Her determination, passion, and love for dance will undoubtedly make for a memorable season, inspiring and entertaining fans worldwide.
