The world of ballroom dance is buzzing as Dancing with the Stars veteran Louis Van Amstel reveals electrifying details about the show’s upcoming 20th Anniversary “Birthday Party” episode, confirming the highly anticipated reunion and performance of all six original professional dancers from Season 1 on November 11.
As Dancing with the Stars approaches a remarkable two-decade milestone, excitement among fans has reached a fever pitch. On November 11, the beloved competition series will air a special “20th Birthday Party” episode, promising a nostalgic celebration of its rich history. The biggest revelation comes from long-time professional dancer Louis Van Amstel, who has confirmed the return of an iconic group: the entire original cast of professional dancers from Season 1.
Van Amstel, a staple in the DWTS ballroom for many seasons, shared these exciting details in a video posted to his Instagram, igniting a wave of enthusiasm across the fan community. He disclosed that all professional dancers and celebrities from the show’s 33 seasons have been invited, making this a truly star-studded affair. “I can’t believe him saying this,” Van Amstel announced, “but the six pros from Season 1 will be on that dance floor as part of the opening number.” This marks a rare and highly anticipated reunion, as many of these pioneering dancers haven’t graced the DWTS stage in years, as Parade reported.
A Look Back: The Original Six Professionals Who Started It All
The foundation of Dancing with the Stars’ enduring legacy was laid by six extraordinary professional dancers in its inaugural season, which premiered in June 2005. These trailblazers captivated audiences and set the standard for the ballroom magic that would follow for years to come. Their return for the 20th Anniversary episode is a powerful tribute to where it all began.
The six professional dancers who kicked off DWTS Season 1 were:
- Louis Van Amstel
- Edyta Śliwińska
- Jonathan Roberts
- Ashly DelGrosso
- Charlotte Jørgensen
- Alec Mazo
It was Alec Mazo who, alongside General Hospital actress Kelly Monaco, claimed the coveted Mirrorball Trophy in that historic first season. Van Amstel himself competed in numerous seasons, including seasons 1-3, 6, 9-12, 15, 21, and 31, before his retirement from the ballroom.
Fans instantly flooded social media with reactions, expressing sheer joy and nostalgia at the prospect of seeing the original pros reunited. Comments like, “You’re joking right Louis?!?! 😮 you, Edyta, Alec, Jonathan, Ashly, and Charlotte dancing together again??? 🥹❤️” and “I just got goosebumps! I am thrilled for you!” captured the widespread excitement among the dedicated fan base.
Where Are They Now? Catching Up with the Season 1 Pioneers
While their return to the DWTS ballroom is a momentous occasion, many of the Season 1 pros have forged impressive paths both within and outside the world of professional dance. People.com recently provided an update on many of the show’s notable dancers, shedding light on the lives of these original cast members.
Louis Van Amstel: Dance, Family, and Future Ambitions
Beyond his extensive history with DWTS, Louis Van Amstel has built a successful career off the ballroom floor. He founded the innovative dance fitness program LaBlast, which offers online classes and masterclasses led by the pro dancer himself. His personal life has also flourished; he married Joshua Lancaster in 2017 and they have two adopted sons, Daniel and Jonny, welcomed in 2019 and 2020 respectively.
Recently, Van Amstel opened up about more than just the anniversary special. During an appearance on Cheryl Burke’s podcast, “Sex, Lies, and Spray Tans,” he addressed past controversies, including comments related to Lacey Schwimmer’s body image, clarifying how a journalist had twisted his words. In the same candid conversation, Van Amstel also revealed his aspiration to become the fourth judge on DWTS and shared details about the expansion of his LaBlast fitness program, as discussed on Omny Studio.
Edyta Śliwińska: Family Life and Continued Dance Legacy
One of the most recognizable faces from Season 1, Edyta Śliwińska graced nearly a dozen seasons of DWTS. Off the show, she married fellow DWTS pro Alec Mazo in 2007. The couple are proud parents to two children: a son, Michael, born in 2014, and a daughter, Leia, born in 2017.
Jonathan Roberts: Choreography and New Beginnings
Jonathan Roberts was another key professional dancer from the inaugural season. In addition to his DWTS appearances, he lent his choreographing talents to So You Think You Can Dance. He was previously married to fellow DWTS pro Anna Trebunskaya, though they divorced in 2012.
Alec Mazo: Mirrorball Winner and Business Acumen
The first male pro to hoist the Mirrorball Trophy, Alec Mazo’s victory with Kelly Monaco is etched in DWTS history. After his run on the show, which included several seasons, Mazo pursued higher education, earning an MBA from Stanford Business School in 2012. He is now a general partner at DGA Capital, balancing his business career with his family life alongside wife Edyta Śliwińska and their two children.
The Enduring Appeal of Dancing with the Stars
The impending 20th Anniversary “Birthday Party” episode is more than just a reunion; it’s a testament to the cultural impact and enduring appeal of Dancing with the Stars. From its humble beginnings in 2005 to its current 34th season, the show has brought ballroom dancing into millions of homes, creating household names out of professional dancers and celebrities alike. The return of the original six pros symbolizes the show’s rich history and the powerful bond shared by those who first brought its magic to life. As fans eagerly await November 11, the excitement serves as a vibrant reminder of why DWTS continues to be a cherished staple in television entertainment.
