Champion ballroom dancer Natalie Jolley was eliminated from "Dancing With The Stars: The Next Pro" during the show's third episode, not due to her performance but because of an injury sustained during a group dance rehearsal. Jolley, 20, was struck in the face by fellow competitor Stephanie Sosa, leading to a swollen eye and dizziness that prevented her from continuing.
The incident occurred while contestants were practicing a group number, emphasizing spatial awareness, a key element for aspiring "Dancing With The Stars" professionals. Jolley was taken to the hospital for evaluation and was ultimately not cleared to compete further.
This medical elimination had a ripple effect on the competition. Two dancers, Nina Mayster and Tristan Sanders, had initially been identified as the weakest performers and were at risk of elimination. Following Jolley's departure, the remaining contestants were then tasked with leading smaller groups in different dance styles. Mayster's group performed a Tango, while Sanders' group presented a Paso Doble.
Ultimately, Mayster's group was saved, leaving Tristan Sanders and commercial dancer Selena Hamilton in the bottom two. However, neither Sanders nor Hamilton faced an official elimination from the competition, as Jolley's injury had already removed one competitor.
New episodes of "Dancing With The Stars: The Next Pro" air Mondays at 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC, with episodes available for streaming the following day on Disney+. Subscription options for Disney+ range from $11.99 per month with ads to $18.99 per month ad-free, with various bundle options available that include Hulu, HBO Max, and ESPN+.