Nobody expected a routine rehearsal to finish with flashing lights and an ambulance. Nonetheless, that’s exactly what happened on the most recent episode of “DWTS: The Next Pro,” when a split-second mistake during practice left one contestant with a serious facial injury.
The frightening accident not only brought rehearsals to an abrupt stop, but additionally ended Natalie Jolley’s run within the competition before she had the prospect to perform within the week’s showcase.
The most recent challenge was alleged to test how well the remaining ten dancers could perform as one team under the guidance of guest judge Britt Stewart.
As an alternative, rehearsals got here to a sudden halt when Jolley was by accident struck within the face in the course of the routine. The 20-year-old immediately stepped away from the group, holding her face as she cried in pain while Stewart and the opposite contestants rushed toward her.
After checking on the injured dancer, Stewart learned Jolley was feeling dizzy, and concern only grew when the extent of the injury became visible.
“It’s like a black eye,” fellow contestant Adele Zaikman observed per PEOPLE. Medical staff quickly took over, and Jolley later told them that “it hurts really bad” and that she couldn’t breathe through her nose.
An ambulance was called to the studio, where production staff tried to reassure her. “They’re going to present you some pain relief, okay? Just attempt to slow your respiratory down,” one crew member said.
The injury ultimately forced Jolley to withdraw from the competition, ending her “DWTS: Next Pro” journey before she even performed.
‘DWTS: Next Pro’ Accident Leaves Stephani Sosa Fighting Back Tears
As Jolley received medical attention, Stephani Sosa struggled with the belief that she had by accident caused the injury.
The dancer became emotional while reflecting on the frightening moment, explaining that every part happened so quickly that she barely understood what had gone fallacious.
“I don’t know what happened. The dance was moving so quickly, and Natalie got hit within the face,” Sosa said. Clearly blaming herself, she continued, “I just hate being the one which caused that. Like, I just feel horrible. I do know she’s worked really hard to be here, and I hope she’s okay.”
Unable to carry back her emotions, Sosa paused before adding, “Sorry, I just care.” Stewart also reflected on how dangerous group choreography can grow to be when multiple dancers are moving at full speed in close quarters.
“I’m really feeling for Natalie,” the professional dancer said, adding, “She’s a part of this group challenge. This incident really showcases why dancing as a unit, being aware of your space, is so necessary whenever you’re doing group dance work.”
‘DWTS: Next Pro’ Competitors Face One other Unexpected Twist
Jolley’s departure wasn’t the last surprise awaiting the remaining contestants.
When rehearsals resumed the next day, many expected overtime to regulate to the missing teammate. As an alternative, Stewart informed the dancers they’d head straight right into a performance for judges Mark and Shirley Ballas with little opportunity to regroup.
The rushed routine left the competitors feeling uneasy, and Stewart admitted it wasn’t the strongest showing from the group.
After watching the performance, the judges identified Tristen Sanders and Nina Mayster because the weakest dancers within the challenge, leaving each visibly emotional as they awaited their fate.
Somewhat than sending either contestant home, nonetheless, the judges revealed an unexpected reward.
As an alternative of elimination, Sanders and Mayster were named team captains for the upcoming showcase, giving them a right away likelihood to bounce back after a difficult performance and shifting the main focus from disappointment to redemption.
‘DWTS: Next Pro’ Contestant Couldn’t Get well From One Mistake
The ballroom has proven to be as unpredictable because it is demanding. While one contestant’s journey ended due to a rehearsal injury, one other saw her fate change after a single mistake under the highlight.
Throughout the opening episode, industrial dancer Briar Nolet lost her footing while performing a high-energy samba, prompting audible gasps from the judges.
Somewhat than stopping, Nolet quickly regained her composure and finished the routine, earning praise for her resilience.
“I do know you slipped… it’s not about falling; it’s about getting up and carrying on,” Mark told her afterward per PEOPLE.
Despite the encouraging feedback, the error proved difficult to beat. Nolet was ultimately eliminated alongside Jake Monreal within the season’s first double elimination,
Val Chmerkovskiy Says ‘DWTS’ Contestant AJ Pritchard’s Confidence Is A ‘Huge Turn-Off’
The physical demands of “DWTS: Next Pro” haven’t been the one challenge contestants have needed to navigate this season.
Away from the rehearsal room, competitors have also faced tough critiques from a few of the franchise’s biggest names, including three-time Mirrorball champion Val Chmerkovskiy.
Following Episode 2, the star dancer singled out contestant AJ Pritchard, questioning the previous “Strictly Come Dancing” skilled’s attitude while recapping the show on the “Stepping on Toes” podcast with Danielle Fishel.
Although Chmerkovskiy acknowledged Pritchard’s impressive résumé, he said the dancer’s confidence sometimes got here across as arrogance.
“I wish he just type of wrapped that arrogance into like a bit of softer presentation,” he said, reminding listeners that “we’ve all got pedigree.”
Chmerkovskiy added that if Pritchard desired to earn a coveted pro spot on “DWTS,” he needed to give attention to proving himself in the current quite than counting on past accomplishments.
He also criticized the dancer for correcting partner Selena Hamilton’s technique by pushing her hips back along with his foot, saying the moment, combined along with his overall demeanor, was “an enormous turn-off” for viewers.