Bruno Tonioli Promises No Free Rides on DWTS Season 35

The latest season, which launched September 15 with a demanding two-night premiere, has introduced a sharper competitive edge. With both a male and a female contestant slated for elimination after the first week, the pressure to perform is immediate. Tonioli, a veteran judge, insists that the panel will maintain rigorous standards regardless of a celebrity's prior training.

“Expectations are higher, so obviously they know that,” Tonioli said. “Nobody’s gonna get a free ride.”

At the center of the dispute is actress Jenna Dewan, whose background as a professional dancer has fueled speculation among cast members. Critics, including former winner Bobby Bones, argue that prior experience provides an inherent advantage in rhythm and spatial awareness, comparing the disparity to a professional athlete entering a casual league. However, both the contestants and their partners argue that ballroom is a distinct discipline. Dewan described the process as a form of “unlearning” previous habits, while professional partner Jenna Johnson noted that the unique stress of a live, weekly televised competition remains an equalizer that no amount of prior training can fully mitigate.