Well, this is awkward. Just a few days after the new Dancing With the Stars pros were revealed, ABC announced fan-favorites Sasha Farber and Jenna Johnson have been seemingly demoted to troupe dancers for Season 25. And, frankly, the internet is not happy Jenna and Sasha won’t be paired with celebs on DWTS‘ upcoming season.
As the excitement for the new season builds, the unexpected news of Sasha and Jenna's demotion has left many fans puzzled. The announcement was made via the official Dancing With the Stars Instagram page on August 28, sparking a flurry of comments and reactions from devoted followers. Some fans expressed disbelief, questioning why Sasha, known for his engaging performances, was not included as a pro this season.
This change comes after a lineup reveal that also includes new faces like Drew Scott from the ‘Property Brothers.’ With the return of beloved dancers like Mark Ballas, the competition for spots in the pro lineup has become even more intense. The reshuffling of roles has led to heated discussions among fans on social media, expressing their disappointment and concern.
The decision to move Sasha and Jenna to the troupe has raised eyebrows, particularly due to their popularity and previous success as pro dancers. Sasha, age 33, has previously dazzled audiences with his performances alongside various celebrities, while Jenna, aged 23, has made a name for herself as a talented dancer in her own right.
Fans took to social media expressing their discontent, with one commenting, “What’s with Sasha not being a pro? Definitely one of my favorites! Bad move, in my opinion.” Another fan echoed similar sentiments, stating, “Jenna should really be a pro by now… I mean, maybe it’s a personal choice on her end but if not, you guys gotta make her a pro!” This sentiment reflects a broader concern about how talent is recognized and utilized within the show.
One of the crucial factors speculated to have influenced this lineup change is the return of fan-favorite Mark Ballas after a two-season hiatus. His comeback has created a ripple effect throughout the pro dancer lineup, leading to unexpected changes. Many fans believe that Sasha's demotion might be a result of Mark's return, as the competition for pro positions becomes increasingly fierce.
With the show's format evolving, the introduction of familiar faces can create both excitement and tension within the existing roster. The dynamics of the show continue to shift, and fans are left to wonder how these changes will play out in the upcoming season.
Following the troupe announcement, Sasha took to his Twitter account to share his feelings about the news. Initially, he shared a simple sad face emoji, capturing the mood many fans felt. However, he later expressed gratitude towards his followers, stating, “I’m very lucky to have such amazing support from my fans! I love them all.” This heartfelt message showcases the strong bond he has with his audience.
On the other hand, Jenna, who is currently dating fellow pro Val Chmerkovskiy, has also captured the hearts of many with her talent. She has previously danced as a pro with Disney star Jake T. Austin in Season 23 and has appeared in several seasons of So You Think You Can Dance. Despite her limited pro experience, her skills and charisma have made her a standout performer.
As the premiere of Season 25 approaches on September 18, fans are left with mixed feelings about the new changes. The excitement for the show remains, but questions linger about how the new lineup will affect the performance dynamics. Will Sasha and Jenna shine in their new roles as troupe dancers, or will fans continue to voice their opinions on their demotion?
Despite the uncertainty, it is clear that both Sasha and Jenna have dedicated fan bases eager to support them. As the upcoming season unfolds, viewers will be watching closely to see how the new troupe lineup will impact the overall experience of Dancing With the Stars.
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