Dancing with the Stars debuted on Tuesday, September 16. It features a star-studded cast that features Boy Meets World star Danielle Fishel and Olympian Jordan Chiles. While it may look fun and glamorous, there are some strict rules that celebrities must follow.
DWTS Secret Rules
Check out who else is joining the DWTS 2025 cast. In the meantime, People got the exclusive on some of the rules they must follow. The biggest rule is that stars must keep their casting news a secret for weeks or months before the premiere.
Additionally, the contestants have no say in who they are paired with. What you see is exactly what happens: they get thrown into rehearsals and find out who they’re dancing with.
However, the stars can choose which songs they perform during certain weeks, like Dedication Night. However, it’s a “collaborative process” between “the show’s creative team and the pair.” Most of the time, the show dictates which song they perform.
What Happens Backstage
Every pair has a different schedule. They don’t rehearse at the same time. Certain stars might have “no off days,” even though this is not the case for most. The schedules can change and vary throughout the season. (Find out how DWTS producers planned to push the envelope in Season 34.)
When it comes to the dress code, the stars don’t wear their costumes until the day of the show. Also, they use the show’s hair and makeup team, which provides the glamour for them.
Like the music and theming, the costume is also a collaborative process among the pairs, the wardrobe team, and the costume designers. The costumes are created two hours before the show.
The dress code extends beyond the ballroom. During rehearsals, stars aren’t allowed to wear logos or brands. This rule isn’t enforced, but it’s common practice in the entertainment industry not to promote any brand without consent.
