The competition intensified on Dancing With the Stars: The Next Pro as the remaining five contestants faced their toughest challenge yet in Episode 5. Each aspiring professional was paired with a devoted Dancing With the Stars fan and content creator, with just two days to teach and prepare a routine for the judges.

Witney Carson joined the episode as a guest mentor and judge, reuniting with her Season 34 partner and Mirrorball Trophy winner Robert Irwin. After all five performances, Selena Hamilton and Nina Mayster were placed in jeopardy, with Nina ultimately becoming the latest contestant eliminated from the competition.

Nina was paired with Jay Wyson for a foxtrot. Although she worked extensively on Jay’s technique during rehearsals, the judges felt she struggled to balance technical coaching with teaching the choreography.

Shirley Ballas pointed out several issues with the pair’s ballroom fundamentals, including posture, hold and footwork. Mark Ballas also criticized Nina’s frame. Witney, however, praised the hip-hop elements incorporated into the routine and acknowledged Nina’s ability to give Jay plenty of information, while emphasizing that time management is essential for a professional dancer.

Adele Zaikman took a different approach, choreographing an ambitious tango for Anthony Riccardo, who entered the performance as the least confident of the contestants. Her demanding teaching style appeared to pay off, with Witney telling the other judges that Adele had demonstrated she could do the job.

Mark praised Adele’s “no-nonsense” approach and the routine’s strong dynamics, while Shirley described her teaching style as “fierce and fair.” The judges also recognized the risks she took with the choreography.

AJ Pritchard was paired with Bailey McKnight for a Viennese waltz. While Witney called the routine beautiful, she wanted to see more emotional connection. Mark praised AJ’s technical expertise and his ability to make Bailey feel comfortable, while Shirley called what he accomplished in just two days “miraculous.”

Allen Genkin and Zaira Yzabelle performed a waltz, earning praise for their partnership and the confidence Allen built in his student. Shirley felt the pair needed to strengthen the basic steps, while Witney highlighted their strong connection throughout rehearsals.

The final performance came from Selena Hamilton and Jeremy Urann, who tackled a quickstep despite a significant height difference and Selena’s relatively limited ballroom experience. The judges enjoyed the energy and musicality but agreed that the routine lacked enough quickstep content and movement across the floor.

That criticism ultimately proved decisive. Selena and Nina were placed in jeopardy, with Shirley acknowledging how difficult the decision was before Nina was eliminated.

With Nina’s departure, Selena, AJ, Adele and Allen advance to the Semifinals. Next week, the four remaining contestants will face another major test as they are paired with actual Dancing With the Stars professionals.

Source: https://www.tvinsider.com/