When Emma Slater, Alan Bersten, and Olympic pommel‑horse star Stephen Nedoroscik took the stage at Proctors Theatre in Schenectady, New York, the Dancing with the Stars: Live! Tour delivered a night of glitter, sweat and laughs that fans hadn’t seen since Season 33 wrapped. The Broadway World review published on January 23 2025 called the evening “packed with laughter, artistry, athleticism, and a deep love for dance.” Co‑host Chandler Kinney popped in as a celebrity guest, while the rest of the cast—Brandon Armstrong, Britt Stewart, Daniella Karagach, Gleb Savchenko, Pasha Pashkov, Rylee Arnold and Ezra Sosa—brought the TV show’s spectacle to life.
Background of the Tour
The Dancing with the Stars Live! Tour first hit the road in 2007, returning in 2008, 2009, and then after a long break in 2015. Aside from a pandemic‑forced pause in 2021, the tour has been a yearly pilgrimage for the show’s biggest fans. This year’s 2025 leg marks a milestone: more than 70 performances across 30 states, and a string of sold‑out venues that tops every previous record.
Why does the tour matter? After Season 33 ended, viewers flooded social media asking for “more of these lovable dancers.” The answer came in the form of a traveling showcase that promises “the most memorable dances from previous seasons, plus brand‑new never‑before‑seen routines.” The format blends full‑scale production numbers with comedy sketches, audience‑participation games, and behind‑the‑scenes banter—a recipe that has proven to be a ratings‑buster on the road.
Proctors Theatre Show Highlights
The Schenectady stop was a perfect illustration of the tour’s high‑octane formula. The opening number kicked off with a flamboyant “Born to Hand Jive” routine, complete with balloon choreography that had the house cheering. From there, the cast rolled through a dizzying mix of styles:
- Latin paso doble by Brandon Armstrong and Rylee Arnold to Survivor’s “Eye of the Tiger.”
- Jazz‑funk‑vogue mash‑up set to Ariana Grande’s “yes, and?” performed by Ezra Sosa, Britt Stewart, Jenna Johnson and Rylee Arnold.
- A soulful tribute to James Brown’s “It’s a Man’s Man’s Man’s World,” featuring Britt Stewart, Alan Bersten, Pasha Pashkov and the rest of the troupe.
The highlight, according to Broadway World, was the “unbelievably difficult lifts and tricks” executed by Britt Stewart and Daniella Karagach. Their athleticism earned a standing ovation that lingered for minutes.
Co‑hosts Emma Slater and Stephen Nedoroscik kept the momentum flowing, sprinkling jokes between numbers and pulling audience members onstage for brief “dance‑off” challenges. The audience’s energy was palpable—cheers rose after every lift, every spin, every comedic punch line.
Audience Reaction and Critical Reception
Reviews across the country sang the same tune: the dance quality far outshines the banter, but the banter still lands because the performers are genuinely having fun. The Independent’s coverage of the Santa Barbara stop noted that “the audience consisted largely of tweens and their moms, overwhelmingly female, glittered, spanged, glowing with excitement.” The same sentiment echoed in the Schenectady review—fans shouted “more!” after each routine.
Critics also pointed out the tour’s savvy blend of nostalgia and novelty. While fan‑favorites like the “Senorita” salsa and “Truth” ballroom classics delighted longtime viewers, new mash‑ups—like the jazz‑funk piece to Ariana Grande—kept the show fresh. Even the occasional substitute, such as Kailyn Rogers stepping in for the injured Rylee Arnold in Santa Barbara, didn’t dent the performance’s polish.
Tour’s Nationwide Impact
Numbers tell the story. The February 19 2025 show at The Andrew J Brady Music Center in Cincinnati sold out in under an hour, while the April 3 2025 Santa Barbara engagement reported a 96 % capacity fill. By the time the tour reached Ames, Iowa, it boasted the “most sold‑out shows ever” according to The Simpsonian.
Economically, each stop brings an estimated $2.3 million in local revenue from ticket sales, concessions, and hospitality. The tour’s success also bolsters the broader franchise, driving higher viewership for the upcoming Season 34, slated for fall 2025.
From a cultural perspective, the tour reinforces the idea that reality‑TV dance can sit alongside Broadway‑level productions. It’s a testament to how far the genre has traveled—from studio back‑drops to arenas packed with cheering fans.
Looking Ahead to Season 34
With the tour’s momentum still soaring, the show’s producers have hinted that Season 34 will feature even more “high‑risk lifts” and “never‑before‑seen choreography,” likely inspired by the live audience’s appetite for spectacle. Fans anticipate that the next batch of professional dancers—many of whom have already been teased on social media—will bring fresh moves to the ballroom.
In short, the Schenectady night was more than a concert; it was a proof‑point that the Dancing with the Stars brand can thrive off‑screen, delivering athletic artistry that feels both intimate and grand.
Key Facts
- Date of Schenectady show: January 23 2025
- Venue: Proctors Theatre, Schenectady, NY
- Number of U.S. performances in 2025: >70
- Sold‑out venues: Cincinnati (Feb 19), Santa Barbara (Apr 3), Ames, Iowa (May 10)
- Featured dance styles: Latin, ballroom, jazz, contemporary, fused genres
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the tour affect local economies?
Each stop generates roughly $2‑3 million in direct spending on tickets, food, and lodging. Smaller towns see a boost to restaurants and hotels, while larger cities benefit from ancillary tourism and media coverage.
Which dancers are considered the night’s standout performers?
Critics repeatedly praised Britt Stewart for her breathtaking lifts and Daniella Karagach for her flawless technique. Brandon Armstrong and Rylee Arnold also drew applause for their fiery paso doble.
What dance styles can audiences expect on future tour dates?
The program blends classic ballroom, Latin rhythms, modern jazz, contemporary, and genre‑fusing mash‑ups. Organizers promise new never‑seen routines that mix hip‑hop beats with traditional waltz steps.
Will the television show’s next season incorporate elements from the live tour?
Producers have hinted that some of the tour’s high‑risk lifts and audience‑interaction segments will inspire new challenges on Season 34, aiming to keep viewers engaged with fresh choreography.
What safety measures are in place for the demanding lifts?
All performers undergo rigorous rehearsals and medical clearance before the tour. The rigging crew regularly inspects equipment, and on‑stage spotters are positioned for every high‑risk lift to ensure dancer safety.
