Adele Zaikman, the 24-year-old winner of the Dancing With the Stars: The Next Pro spinoff, has secured a spot in the professional lineup for Dancing With the Stars Season 35. Following her victory, Zaikman used Instagram to address viewer criticism regarding her perceived lack of emotion during performances.
The Promotion to Dancing With the Stars Season 35
Adele Zaikman's victory in the Dancing With the Stars: The Next Pro spinoff has fundamentally altered her career trajectory. By winning the inaugural season, the dancer has earned a direct promotion to the professional cast of Dancing With the Stars Season 35.
Executive producer Conrad Green highlighted Zaikman's technical skill in an August 2026 interview with Deadline, describing her as one of the finest Latin dancers the franchise has ever seen. This technical prowess appears to be the foundation of her success, even as she navigates the intense scrutiny of a ballroom-focused fanbase.
Zaikman’s Instagram Defense Against Personality Criticism
The move to the main Dancing With the Stars stage has brought unexpected social media friction for the 24-year-old dancer. Following her win, Zaikman addressed fans on Instagram Stories on Thursday, August 27, who had criticized her for appearing unemotional during her routines.
Zaikman argued that being an introverted person should not be conflated with a lack of personality. This defense highlights a recurring tension in reality television, where the demand for high-octane, extroverted "characters" often clashes with the authentic temperaments of highly skilled professionals .
The Genkin-Zaikman Connection and Playground Dance Class
The bond between Zaikman and her dance partner, Allen Genkin, has become a central pillar of her new public profile. The pair, who reached the semi-finals together, have become a focal point for fan speculation regarding a potential romantic relationship.
While Zaikman has not confirmed a romance, she acknowledged the high volume of messages she receives regarding the pairing. She noted that while she and Genkin share a deep connection as partners, she will let fans know if their relationship evolves beyond the ballroom.
The commercial appeal of the duo was recently evidenced by a dance class held at Playground. According to the report , the event drew 100 participants and even resulted in a waiting list, underscoring the significant interest in the Zaikman-Genkin brand.
Will the Network Greenlight a Second Season of 'The Next Pro'?
The long-term future of the The Next Pro spinoff remains a subject of significant debate among industry observers . While Conrad Green told Deadline on Monday, August 31, that a second season is likely, the exact frequency of the series remains unconfirmed.
Green noted that the network would be part of future discussions and that airing the series every year is not a guarantee.. As the report only provides the producer's perspective, the network's official stance on the spinoff's long-term viability remains an unverified piece of the puzzle.
Comments 0