Witney Carson is balancing a high-stakes title defense with the physical demands of her third pregnancy as she navigates the 2026 season of Dancing With the Stars. As the series’ reigning champion—following her Season 34 victory with Robert Irwin in November 2025—Carson has returned for Season 35 to partner with Guillermo Rodriguez of Jimmy Kimmel Live!.
The 2026 season presents a unique set of challenges for Carson. Competing while pregnant requires significant adjustments to her choreography and rehearsal stamina, all while maintaining the technical precision expected of a defending winner.
The Sunday Preparation Ritual
For a professional dancer, the preparation for a live broadcast begins well before the first notes of music play. A cornerstone of the “show look” is the professional spray tan, a process that is strategically scheduled for Sundays. By tanning a full day before the live show, the color has sufficient time to develop overnight. This timing is also functional: it ensures the tan is set and less likely to rub off on the intricate, often expensive, costumes during high-energy routines.
Rehearsals throughout the week with Rodriguez focus on balancing his comedic timing with the technical requirements of ballroom dance. Carson must factor in her own physical changes, ensuring the routines remain safe for her pregnancy while remaining competitive enough to pursue a back-to-back Mirrorball Trophy win.
Inside the Live Show Schedule
On days when the show airs live, the schedule is grueling. Performers typically face a call time of approximately 7:30 AM or 8:00 AM, according to reports of the production’s standard operations. This early start begins a marathon of technical rehearsals, lighting checks, and dress rehearsals where every camera angle is scrutinized.
The transformation into a stage-ready performer is a lengthy process. The hair and makeup sessions for the professional dancers can reportedly take up to two hours. This timeframe varies based on the specific theme of the week; more elaborate styles, such as those required for “Disney Night” or “Halloween Night,” often demand more intensive preparation to ensure every hair and accessory stays in place through jumps and spins.
Despite the physical toll of a third pregnancy and the pressure of being the current champion, Carson’s routine remains centered on the technical excellence that secured her win last year. The 2026 season continues to test how the veteran pro manages the intersection of her growing family and her professional career on one of television’s most physically demanding stages.
