Britt Stewart Wants to Surprise You on ‘Dancing With the Stars’ Season 35
Britt Stewart, who joined Dancing With the Stars in 2020 as the show’s first Black female professional, is set to compete in season 35 with pop star Taylor Hanson. The veteran dancer credits fan support for her drive and hopes to reach the finale with her new partner. Stewart reflects on her journe…
Britt Stewart has become a household name for fans of Dancing With the Stars (DWTS) after her historic promotion to professional status in 2020. The Colorado‑born dancer, who first appeared on the show’s troupe in 2016, is now heading into season 35 with pop star Taylor Hanson as her celebrity partner. Stewart says the outpouring of love from viewers over the past year has fueled her ambition to go all the way to the finale and claim her first mirrorball.
From High School Musical to the Ballroom
Stewart’s dance career began on the silver screen. At 15 she was cast in the original High School Musical film, a role that still draws questions from fans 22 years later. She credits the movie’s impact on pop culture for opening doors to television, film, and commercial work, including a stint as a backup dancer for Disney’s 60th anniversary special. It was there that she was discovered by the DWTS casting team, leading to her first audition for the troupe.
Unlike many of her peers who came from competitive ballroom backgrounds, Stewart started dancing at 15 and had no formal ballroom training before joining the show. Her journey illustrates that the DWTS roster is built from a mix of talent pathways, from So You Think You Can Dance alumni to dancers from regional studios.
Historic Casting and the COVID Era
When Stewart was promoted to pro in 2020, she became the first Black female dancer to hold that title on DWTS. The promotion came at a time of significant social and political unrest in the United States, and the show was also navigating a pandemic‑induced production schedule. Stewart recalls the surprise of the call and the weight of representing her community on a national platform. She has spoken about how the role’s significance has stayed with her, motivating her to push for greater visibility and success.
Meeting Taylor Hanson: A Match Made in Music
Stewart’s partnership with Taylor Hanson was a topic of intense speculation on Reddit and TikTok before the season’s premiere. The pop star, best known for his work with the band Hanson, was a millennial fan of Stewart’s early dance work. When they first met, Stewart was struck by Hanson’s commitment: he expressed willingness to rehearse at the studio, even staying overnight to perfect their routines. “If we have the same goal and he’s willing to work hard, why not put it out there that this year might be the season?” Stewart said, underscoring their shared ambition.
Stewart also noted that both she and Hanson share a love for 1990s pop culture, which helped cement their chemistry early on. Their partnership is expected to bring fresh energy to the ballroom, and fans are eager to see how the duo will navigate the show’s demanding choreography.
Personal Milestones and Professional Aspirations
Beyond the dance floor, Stewart’s personal life has intertwined with her career. She married fellow pro Daniel Durant during season 31, and the couple celebrated their first anniversary shortly before the current season’s start. Stewart has described the magic of meeting Durant on the show and the joy of sharing that story with their children in the future. She also revealed that she and Durant rarely rewatch their past seasons, preferring instead to live in the present and cherish fan‑shared moments.
Looking ahead, Stewart remains optimistic about her chances to reach the finale. She acknowledges the unpredictable nature of DWTS, noting that “sometimes there are people you think might go out early who make it all the way.” However, she believes that with a dedicated partner like Hanson, the season could be her breakthrough.
Why This Story Matters
Stewart’s journey highlights the evolving diversity of DWTS and the impact of fan engagement on a performer’s career trajectory. Her story also underscores how personal relationships can flourish within the high‑pressure environment of a televised dance competition.
Fans and industry observers alike are watching season 35 to see if Stewart’s historic promotion and partnership with a high‑profile celebrity will translate into a deeper run on the show.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What was Britt Stewart’s first role on DWTS? She began as a troupe member in 2016 before being promoted to professional in 2020.
- Who is Britt Stewart’s partner in season 35? Pop star Taylor Hanson.
- How did Britt Stewart meet her husband? She met Daniel Durant while both were part of the DWTS troupe; they later married during season 31.
- What makes Stewart’s casting historically significant? She is the first Black female professional on DWTS.
- What style does Stewart find most challenging to teach? She cites samba as the hardest due to its nuanced technique.
Why it matters
Britt Stewart’s ascent to the pro ranks and her partnership with a mainstream pop star exemplify the growing inclusivity and star power of DWTS, offering inspiration for aspiring dancers and fans alike.
Key points
- Britt Stewart is the first Black female pro on DWTS
- She partners with pop star Taylor Hanson in season 35
- Fan support fuels her ambition to reach the finale
- Stewart’s journey from High School Musical to the ballroom showcases diverse talent paths
- Her marriage to Daniel Durant began on the show and continues off‑stage
- She highlights samba as the most difficult dance to teach
Frequently asked questions
What was Britt Stewart’s first role on DWTS?
She began as a troupe member in 2016 before being promoted to professional in 2020.
Who is Britt Stewart’s partner in season 35?
Pop star Taylor Hanson.
How did Britt Stewart meet her husband?
She met Daniel Durant while both were part of the DWTS troupe; they later married during season 31.
What makes Stewart’s casting historically significant?
She is the first Black female professional on DWTS.
What style does Stewart find most challenging to teach?
She cites samba as the hardest due to its nuanced technique.
