ABC
Kicking off the new, all-athlete season of “Dancing with the Stars” are Chris Mazdzer and Witney Carson, dancing a salsa to “Mr. Put It Down” by Ricky Martin featuring Pitbull.
Len Goodman says he is “so impressed” with his dance, praising his style and confidence. Bruno Tonioli calls him the king of luge and adds that he likes his style. He warns him, however, to watch his weight. Carrie Ann Inaba says he’s incredible and has a lot of potential. They score a 21.
Welcome to “Dancing with the Stars” season 26! Athletes are trading in their sneakers for sequins as the new, four-week season premieres tonight. Stars from the sports world will compete for the coveted Mirrorball trophy during the special, all-athlete season. Ten couples will dance a cha cha, salsa, Viennese waltz or foxtrot during the two-hour-long premiere and, by the end of the episode, two people will be eliminated based on live voting and judges’ scores.
Dancing with the Stars Social Media Reactions
2 minutes in and Witney Carson is and Chris Mazdzer is and I am already crying. #DWTS
— Gina Mazzone (@gmazz) May 1, 2018
Okay chris you got it! #TeamMoveitOrLugeit #DWTS
— Gaby (@velezvirus) May 1, 2018
SO IMPRESSED WITH CHRIS AND WITNEY He has natural rhythm and musicality. His personality is so loveable. I want to see so much more from them!!! #DWTS #TeamMoveItOrLugeIt
— Anastasia✨ (@lovestasiaxoxo) May 1, 2018
GUYS I’M HERE FOR CHRIS @mazdzer #moveitorlugeit@DancingABC #DWTS pic.twitter.com/0bpmz8xma8
— Tony Morrison (@THETonyMorrison) May 1, 2018
THAT WAS A GOOD FIRST DANCE, Chris and Witney #DWTS @WitneyCarson @mazdzer
— Gee (@allrealitychat) May 1, 2018
Well that was a good start Chris … good coaching by Witney #DWTS
— ShannonGoodPress (@ShannonGoodpres) May 1, 2018
I see good things to for Chris! #TeamMoveitOrLugeit #DWTS
— Gaby (@velezvirus) May 1, 2018
Mazdzer is an Olympic luger. According to ABC, “Chris made history becoming the first-ever American athlete to win a medal in the Men’s Single Luge event” at this year’s Winter Olympics. He “is continuing his training and intends to compete for Team USA one last time in 2022, in what will be his fourth Olympic Games.”
“Dancing with the Stars: Athletes” is hosted by Tom Bergeron and sports broadcaster Erin Andrews. The judging panel is composed of ballroom experts Len Goodman, Carrie Ann Inaba and Bruno Tonioli. Their scores, along with America’s votes, determine who gets to stay and who is sent home as couples vie for the coveted Mirrorball trophy during the special, four-week season.
The current contestants include Olympic figure skaters Adam Rippon and Mirai Nagasu, NBA legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Notre Dame basketball player Arike Ogunbowale. Other athletes who are competing this season include Chris Mazdzer, Jamie Anderson, Jennie Finch, Johnny Damon, Josh Norman and Tonya Harding.
The all-athlete edition of “Dancing with the Stars” airs every Monday night at 8 p.m. on ABC.
What did you think of their performance tonight? Sound off in the comments section below!
Photo credit: ABC
