Emma Slater dances wildly with Jackson Olson—see why it's a headline

**Emma Slater, Jackson Olson Dance Pre‑Season for Season 35 of *Dancing with the Stars***

Emma Slater and her new dance partner, Savannah Bananas second baseman Jackson Olson, took the floor at Grayson Stadium in Georgia on Tuesday, 10 September, to rehearse a routine set to “Rewrite the Stars” from *The Greatest Showman* soundtrack.

The performance was part of a broader publicity push ahead of the premiere of Season 35 on ABC, scheduled for 15‑16 September. The pair’s choreography showcased Slater’s ballroom finesse and Olson’s athletic flair, hinting at a strong opening week.

The stakes are high for the new season. , a double‑elimination will be staged during the first week, meaning two contestants—one male and one female—will leave the competition after the premiere. This format marks a return to an elimination structure not seen since 2018, adding an extra layer of tension to the opening nights.

Podcast host Amanda Hirsch confirmed the change on her September 10 episode of *Get Real* with the quote: “This is the first time since 2018 that one male celebrity and one female celebrity will be sent home after the two‑night premiere,” she said.

“That hasn’t happened in many years.” Her statement clarified that the double elimination will occur immediately following the initial performances.

## Background & Context

Season 35 of *Dancing with the Stars* brings together a diverse group of celebrities, including Tatyana Ali, Tyler Cameron, Taylor Hanson, Julia Stiles, Jenna Dewan, Giada De Laurentiis, Paralympian Ezra Frech, Olympian Amber Glenn, comedian Connor Wood, Whitney Leavitt’s husband Connor Leavitt, Sarah Jane Nader, Harry Shum Jr., Guillermo Rodriguez, Maura Higgins and Ciara Miller.

These participants have been actively engaging fans on social media in anticipation of the show.

Jackson Olson is more than a Bananas player; he is a prolific content creator known for macro baseball insights and personal storytelling about family, relationships, and food. His presence on the dance floor signals a crossover appeal that could broaden the show's audience beyond traditional dance fans.

Emma Slater, a former pro ballroom dancer, has previously partnered with celebrity contestants, bringing technical expertise that often earns judges’ praise.

The decision to feature a double‑elimination after the premiere adds dramatic urgency. Historically, *Dancing with the Stars* has used single eliminations each week, but the 2018 season introduced this format to heighten suspense.

By returning to it, producers aim to increase viewer engagement during the critical first week when audience votes begin to shape the competition’s direction.

## What People Are Saying

Amanda Hirsch’s podcast discussion highlighted that the double‑elimination was a deliberate choice to “reset the stakes” early in the season. She noted that viewers will see the immediate impact of their voting power, a factor that has energized social media conversations leading up to the premiere.

Slater’s pre‑season appearance with Olson drew praise from dance enthusiasts who appreciated the blend of athleticism and technique displayed on stage.

Olson’s followers on platforms like Instagram and YouTube have already shared behind‑the‑scenes footage, reinforcing his reputation as a relatable and engaging personality.

Fans of the Bananas have expressed excitement about seeing their favorite player in a new setting, while dance fans await to assess how Slater’s experience will translate into televised performance. The buzz around the show’s format change is visible across comment sections of streaming platforms and fan forums.

## What Happens Next

The season will premiere on ABC on September 15, with the first two nights featuring all contestants’ debut dances. Following these performances, the double‑elimination will determine which male and female participants exit the competition.

The official schedule indicates that voting opens immediately after each performance segment, allowing viewers to influence outcomes in real time.

Contestants who survive the opening week will return for subsequent rounds that test versatility across dance styles such as salsa, tango, and contemporary. Judges’ critiques and celebrity guest appearances are expected to shape the narrative of the season.

As the show progresses, viewers can anticipate a mix of strategic choreography, emotional storytelling, and high‑stakes competition that could elevate some contestants to breakout status while eliminating others.

The next steps involve watching how Slater and Olson’s rehearsal energy translates on television, whether the double‑elimination format will deliver the intended drama, and how the extensive cast of celebrities will navigate the rigorous dance schedule.

As Season 35 unfolds, fans and analysts alike will track audience votes, judges’ scores, and social media engagement to gauge the show’s success in a crowded entertainment landscape.