Jenna Johnson Wants Trio Dances Back on 'Dancing With the Stars'

The pro dancer shares her big wish for the show's 35th season.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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Jenna Johnson, a professional dancer on 'Dancing With the Stars,' has revealed that she would love to see the return of trio dances on the show. Trio dances, where a pro dancer whose celebrity partner had been eliminated or a member of the troupe would dance with a celebrity and their partner still in the competition, were popular in past seasons. Johnson's season 33 partner, Joey Graziadei, also expressed his desire to be a part of a trio dance. The show is also launching a new fan convention, 'Dancing With the Stars Con 2026,' where fans will have the opportunity to engage with pros, judges, and past contestants.

Why it matters

Trio dances were a beloved element of 'Dancing With the Stars' in the past, adding an extra layer of excitement and complexity to the competition. Bringing back this format could help reinvigorate the show and appeal to longtime fans. The new fan convention also represents an exciting opportunity for the show to connect more directly with its passionate fanbase.

The details

Jenna Johnson, a professional dancer on 'Dancing With the Stars,' has revealed that she would love to see the return of trio dances on the show. Trio dances, where a pro dancer whose celebrity partner had been eliminated or a member of the troupe would dance with a celebrity and their partner still in the competition, were popular in past seasons. Johnson's season 33 partner, Joey Graziadei, also expressed his desire to be a part of a trio dance, saying he never got the chance to experience it. The show is also launching a new fan convention, 'Dancing With the Stars Con 2026,' where fans will have the opportunity to engage with pros, judges, and past contestants in a more interactive and immersive way.

  • The trio dances typically occurred during the quarterfinals or the semifinals of 'Dancing With the Stars'.
  • Dancing With the Stars Con 2026 is scheduled to take place from July 31 to August 2, 2026.

The players

Jenna Johnson

A professional dancer on 'Dancing With the Stars' who has expressed her desire to see the return of trio dances on the show.

Joey Graziadei

Jenna Johnson's season 33 partner on 'Dancing With the Stars' who also wants to experience a trio dance.

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What they’re saying

“I really loved trio nights, and there was kind of an element of it this year. But I wish it would be with pros because I feel like they always just really spiced up the week or the season.”

— Jenna Johnson, Professional Dancer (usmagazine.com)

“I do like when they add little wrinkles, or go back to old fads that people loved. With trio night, I never got to see. I never got to be a part of it. It would be really, really cool to see two pros and a celebrity at some point next season, if they can do it.”

— Joey Graziadei, Season 33 Winner (usmagazine.com)

What’s next

Fans will likely have to wait until the fall to see if trio dances return for season 35 of 'Dancing With the Stars'.

The takeaway

The potential return of trio dances and the launch of the new 'Dancing With the Stars Con 2026' event demonstrate the show's efforts to reinvigorate the competition and engage more directly with its passionate fanbase, which could help sustain the franchise's popularity in the years to come.