Inside the 'Dancing With the Stars' Ballroom: A Look Behind the Scenes of 'Viral Hits Night'

The "Dancing With the Stars" ballroom buzzed with energy during its "Viral Hits Night" episode for Season 35, with Page Six gaining exclusive behind-the-scenes access to the live broadcast in Los Angeles.

Guests arrived at the studio around 3:30 p.m. local time, passing through security and catching early glimpses of contestants. "Glee" star Harry Shum Jr. and his professional partner, Jenna Johnson, were seen warming up outside in matching white satin outfits for their Viennese Waltz performance. Early-arriving fans were also greeted by Guillermo Rodriguez and his partner Witney Carson.

VIP guests and audience members were then escorted into the ballroom, passing by areas such as the skybox, the quick-change zone, and production booths. Attendees were directed to their assigned seats for the duration of the show. The judging panel, featuring Carrie Ann Inaba, Derek Hough, and Bruno Tonioli, were seated nearby, with their off-camera interactions described as entertaining.

Family and friends of contestants including Taylor Hanson, Ciara Miller, Tyler Cameron, Amber Glenn, Jackson Olson, Jenna Dewan, and Julia Stiles were also present. Before the live taping began at 5 p.m. PT, troupe members provided pre-show entertainment, and eliminated professional dancers Hailey Bills and Adele Zaikman engaged with fans via TikTok.

The show commenced with Jenna Dewan and Val Chmerkovskiy performing a Jive to “Animal” by KATSEYE. Throughout the evening, Dewan was observed cheering on other contestants and even freestyling with the troupe during commercial breaks.

Ciara Miller and Brandon Miller delivered a Tango to “No Broke Boys” by Disco Lines & Tinashe. Miller, who addressed personal drama in a pre-taped segment, received a standing ovation for her performance.

Guillermo Rodriguez and Witney Carson performed a Paso Doble to Rihanna's “Where Have You Been.” A notable moment occurred when Rodriguez incorporated his own spin on Val Chmerkovskiy's signature knee walks, drawing cheers from the audience. Chmerkovskiy, who previously went viral for similar moves with Alix Earle, was seen smiling during the performance.

Former "Traitors" co-stars Maura Higgins and Mark Ballas performed a Cha Cha to Earth, Wind & Fire's “September.” Higgins appeared nervous before the performance, but Ballas was seen encouraging her, helping her to channel confidence for the live routine.

At the conclusion of the night, the couples in danger of elimination were announced as Tyler Cameron and Sharna Burgess, Giada De Laurentiis and Alan Bersten, and Guillermo Rodriguez and Witney Carson. Ultimately, Giada De Laurentiis and Alan Bersten were eliminated. Fellow competitors offered support to the departing pair as the credits rolled.

The remaining contestants will advance to Week 3, which will feature a "Yacht Rock" theme. Future themed nights this season include tributes to Mariah Carey and the Grammys, as well as "Horror Movie Night."