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# Teacakes and Tangos
- URL: https://www.itsthespark.com/teacakes-and-tangos/
- Published: 2026-09-21T00:01:19.000Z
- Updated: 2026-09-21T00:18:11.000Z
- Description: From Saturday nights at my Nana's to the reality TV show's massive social media success, Dancing with the Stars returns for Season 35. The dance competition series’ tight-knit, familial dynamic draws in younger audiences as they watch their favorite celebrities chase the Mirrorball Trophy.
- Author: Zahra Tran Butler
- Tags: #active, What's Hot, Reviews, Volume 4

With Tunnock’s milk chocolate teacakes in hand, I've spent many Saturday nights at my Nana’s house watching *Strictly Come Dancing.* I stared in awe as the dancers flawlessly executed iconic lifts and acrobatic tricks, shining in their rhinestone-laden dresses and tuxes. Since its 2004 launch on BBC One, the dance competition series has held the[ Guinness World Record](https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/news/2014/4/simon-cowells-got-talent-confirmed-as-worlds-most-successful-reality-tv-format-56587?ref=itsthespark.com) for the most successful reality TV format, becoming so widespread that it inspired an international adaptation: *Dancing with the Stars* *(DWTS).* Celebrity amateurs are paired with professional ballroom dancers (*DWTS* Pros) to compete for the judges’ favor, the audience’s votes, and most importantly, the glitzy Mirrorball Trophy.

In the past, the show has been a staple program enjoyed by...*older* audiences. Yet with the release of Season 33 in 2024 and the show’s growing popularity on social media, younger generations have become increasingly drawn to it. Now, with the 35th season’s two-night premiere on September 15th and 16th, Dancing With The Stars is co-hosted by Alfonso Ribeiro and Julianne Hough, previous contestants (and winners!) on the show. 

Decades of shared history among the cast members have transformed *DWTS* into a tight-knit family. Rylee Arnold, younger sister of *DWTS* Pro Lindsay Arnold, spent her childhood on the show, attending live performances and competing on the *DWTS Juniors* spin-off. It only felt right when Rylee Arnold became a *DWTS* Pro herself in Season 32, stepping into the shoes of her big sister. Many of the *DWTS* Pros even ended up marrying each other after meeting on the show. Their toddlers are often found backstage, imitating their parents’ dance moves and practicing to be the next generation of ballroom stars.Season 35 welcomes Hailey Bills, who joins her *DWTS* Pro aunt—the two having built a sisterly bond through time spent together on the ballroom dance floor. This familial dynamic showcases the authenticity and friendship that younger audiences strive to emulate. 

Luckily for us, the *DWTS* community strengthens the bond between cast members and their fan base through social media. *DWTS* Pro Daniella Karagach and her partner Dylan Efron’s "air walk", performed during an[ Argentine tango,](https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/tv/articles/dylan-efron-daniella-karagachs-air-185814180.html?guccounter=1&guce%5Freferrer=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZ29vZ2xlLmNvbS8&guce%5Freferrer%5Fsig=AQAAAAHFxWBqdXfpvuKLU8vOTmgXoRXV-w7G62Qal3guO2j3n2ZzeXcwdj%5FSfSqVOectHDi9Lp6E254OL2YWng-Uvb0Iaqm-aflRf9pveXVYEBTCV07jCKCdwcFWtBPWCzuXGfpAMO6IjZhYCHGrmb5sY2ybMyJb38hhgdW5Np1YOOAq&ref=itsthespark.com) has gone viral as “\[fans\] flock to social media to show off their \[own\] renditions.” While scrolling through posts isn't quite the same as watching the show at my Nana’s, social media gives fans a glimpse of the behind-the-scenes chemistry of the dance pairs. Posts of *DWTS* Pro Mark Ballas and his partner Maura Higgins goofing around in customized #TeamTink varsity jackets highlight their BFF dynamic. Recently, *DWTS* Pro Val Chmerkovskiy and his partner Jenna Dewan took to Instagram to ask fans to vote on the best team name: #Jaliente, #TeamWeDeWan, or #TeamDewanski. These reels shape the viewer-contestant dynamic that makes us feel like we, too, are a part of the *DWTS* journey. 

The[ cast](https://www.cbc.ca/news/entertainment/dwts-dancing-with-the-stars-season-35-cast-julia-stiles-jena-dewan-9.7330085?ref=itsthespark.com) for Season 35 of Dancing with the Stars has been released, and fans are already overwhelmed with nostalgia. Family sitcom lovers will enjoy watching Tatyana Ali, who played *The* *Fresh Prince of Bel-Air's* younger cousin; film enthusiasts will be thrilled to see actor Julia Stiles from the 90s classic *10 Things I Hate About You;* [sports fans](https://www.olympics.com/en/news/amber-glenn-ezra-frech-dancing-with-the-stars?ref=itsthespark.com) can root for Olympic figure skater Amber Glenn and Paralympic track and field athlete Ezra French. Personally, because of my Grey’s Anatomy obsession (yes, I have watched all 22 seasons), I cannot wait to watch actor Harry Shum Jr. compete for the Mirrorball Trophy.

The Tunnock’s milk chocolate teacakes are restocked, and I am ready to spend my Wednesday mornings watching Season 35 of *Dancing With The Stars!*