Why So Many DWTS Pros Are From Utah

Dancing With the Stars hires pros with diverse dance backgrounds, but many grew up in Utah.

How Many DWTS Pros Are From Utah?

This season features 6 out of 16 pros from Utah, and at least 13 pros have been from Utah since 2005.

Utah's Dance Culture

Utah parents push kids into structured activities like dance, creating a strong community of skilled dancers.

“I feel like in Utah, it’s very common, parents definitely want their kids to be doing an activity. That’s just kind of something that is, like, very prominent.”

Mormon Culture and Dance

Mormon culture emphasizes discipline, leading parents to push children into structured activities like dance.

“The Mormon culture is very much, like, we want our kids to be good kids and to not get into trouble and to not explore different things that could lead them in troubled areas.”

Utah Dance Scene

Utah's dance scene is intense and well-supported, with many dancers paving the way for future talent.

“There’s been so many of us that have kind of paved the way that these dancers and parents see what’s possible.”

Witney Carson's Inspiration

Witney Carson watched Julianne Hough on DWTS and wanted to be her, seeing her as attainable.

“Oh, yes. Julianne was like my idol. That was who I looked up to, like I wanted to be her so badly.”

Why Utah Dancers Excel

Utah's dance community produces cross-trained dancers ready for DWTS auditions with discipline and talent.

“We were just positioned beautifully when 'Dancing With the Stars' opened.”