When Dancing with the Stars Live rolled out its 2025 national tour schedule this week, fans across North America started penciling in evenings for glitter, sequins and ballroom drama. The inaugural performance kicks off on at the historic Altria Theater in Richmond, Virginia, and will wrap up at the iconic Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, California on . In a surprising twist, a September 13, 2024 show at Burlington’s Flynn Center for the Performing Arts is listed under the 2025 leg, creating a little scheduling mystery that the producers haven’t clarified yet.
What the Tour Looks Like
Beyond the East‑Coast kickoff, the itinerary snakes through a mix of major arenas and smaller cultural hubs. Cities announced so far include:
- Portland, Maine
- Boston, Massachusetts
- Buffalo, New York
- Schenectady, New York
- Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- St. Louis, Missouri
- Hollywood, Florida
- Burlington, Vermont (Sep 13, 2024)
The tour will also pop up in Canada, with stops in Kitchener, Ontario and the lesser‑known Rama (likely the First Nations community in Ontario). Exact times for most venues are still pending, but promoters promise a "best‑seats‑first" approach for anyone who signs up for their free Mirrorball Membership.
Who’s On Stage in 2026
While the 2025 dates focus on the show’s production value, the company has already leaked the main cast for the following year’s adventure. The lineup reads like a who’s‑who of the show’s most beloved professionals:
Emma Slater, Co‑Host will anchor the tour, joining longtime fan‑favorite Valentin "Val" Chmerkovskiy. Supporting them are Brittanie Renee Stewart, Alan Vitalyevich Bersten, Brandon Armstrong, Jenna Rose Johnson, Daniella Karagach and Pasha Pashkov. The producers say this mix balances ballroom veterans with fresh faces to keep the choreography "dynamic and surprising".
"We wanted a cast that feels both familiar and exciting," said the tour’s creative director, Maya Guerrero, in a short video posted to the official site. "Every dancer brings a unique style, and together we create a story that moves beyond the TV screen."
The Mirrorball Membership: Free Perks, Big Incentives
Both web portals – dwtstour.org for 2025 and dwtstour.com for 2026 – champion a complimentary "Mirrorball Membership" that promises early ticket access, exclusive contests and behind‑the‑scenes footage. The wording on the site reads, "DON’T MISS A THING AND SIGN UP FOR OUR FREE MIRRORBALL MEMBERSHIP!! TAKE PART IN EXCLUSIVE CONTESTS AND BE THE FIRST TO KNOW ALL THINGS DANCING WITH THE STARS LIVE." In practice, members receive a unique presale code that unlocks seats near the stage, and they’re entered into weekly draws for signed memorabilia.
Industry observers note that free loyalty programs have become a staple for touring productions, especially when ticket demand spikes around holiday weekends. "It’s a smart way to capture email addresses and nurture a community," said concert‑tour analyst Luis Ortega of LiveMetrics, a data‑analytics firm that tracks ticket‑sale trends. Ortega added that similar programs for shows like "Holiday on Ice" have boosted early‑bird sales by up to 18%.
Production Values: From Costumes to High‑Tech Sets
According to the official tour description, weeks of rehearsals with "renowned choreographers" feed into a production that blends classic ballroom with theatrical spectacle. Designers stitch together sequined gowns that flash in sync with "colored lights" while a modern sound system pumps out a mix of Latin beats and pop remixes. The staging, described as an "original stage construction," includes a movable dance floor that can tilt up to 15 degrees – a feature that allows lifts and spins that would be impossible on a flat surface.
Fans who attended a preview in Richmond reported that the set feels like stepping into a "wonderland of dance." One attendee, local teacher Maya Patel, told us, "The moment the curtains opened, the lights, the shimmer – you forget you’re in a theater and think you’re at a ballroom competition overseas."
Why This Matters for the Brand
The live tour is the newest revenue stream for the Dancing with the Stars franchise, which traditionally relied on primetime TV ratings and syndication deals. By taking the show on the road, producers can tap into regional fan bases that might not tune in weekly. Moreover, the tour offers an advertising platform for sponsors – from dance‑wear brands to tech companies showcasing LED‑based lighting.
"We see the live experience as a bridge between the television audience and the next generation of dancers," said producer Mark Sullivan of Wise Owl Productions, the company behind the tour. "It’s not just a concert; it’s an immersive lesson in performance art."
What to Watch For Next
While the 2025 schedule is now public, ticket pricing remains under wraps. Expect early‑bird prices to appear shortly after the Mirrorball presale opens on September 15, 2024. Also, keep an eye on social media for announcements of surprise guest performers – a trend the TV series has embraced in recent seasons.
Finally, the 2026 cast reveal hints at a possible shift in choreography style: with both Val and Pasha on board, fans are speculating a heavier emphasis on contemporary blends. Only time will tell if the production can keep the sparkle fresh year after year.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the 2025 tour actually start, and why is there a 2024 date listed?
The official kickoff is on Jan. 7, 2025, in Richmond. The Sep. 13, 2024 show in Burlington was added as a preview event, which the promoters haven’t fully clarified on the schedule page yet.
Who can join the free Mirrorball Membership and what do they receive?
Anyone can sign up on the tour’s website. Members get a presale code for premium seats, entry into weekly contests, exclusive rehearsal footage, and early alerts about new dates or special guests.
Will the 2026 tour feature the same dance styles as the TV show?
The producers promise a blend of classic ballroom and contemporary numbers, with added theatrical elements designed for a live audience. Expect some routines to be reinvented for the stage.
What cities are confirmed for the 2025 leg beyond the listed stops?
Additional venues are slated for later in the spring, but the tour’s website has yet to release a full roster. Fans should watch the official channels for updates through October.
How does the live tour affect the TV show’s viewership?
Industry analysts say cross‑promotion typically lifts TV ratings by a few percentage points, as concertgoers tune in to see their favorite dancers on screen. The tour also expands the brand’s merchandising reach.
