Emma Slater Takes No Chances Ahead of Dancing with the Stars Season 35 Premiere With High-Stakes Savannah Bananas Collaboration

The competitive landscape of reality television often demands unconventional promotional strategies, but professional dancer Emma Slater has taken pre-season preparation to an entirely new level ahead of the upcoming milestone installment of Dancing with the Stars. As the long-running ABC competition series prepares to launch its historic 35th season, Slater is leaving nothing to chance. Partnered with Jackson Olson, the charismatic second baseman for the viral exhibition baseball phenomenon the Savannah Bananas, the seasoned pro capitalized on the massive digital footprint of her partner to build early momentum.

The stakes for the upcoming two-night premiere—scheduled for Monday and Tuesday—are exceptionally high, driven by a game-changing format shift that has already sent ripples of anxiety through the celebrity cast. With an immediate double elimination looming at the conclusion of the opening week, contestants and professionals alike are scrambling to secure fan votes before stepping onto the ballroom floor for the very first time.

By merging the high-energy world of competitive ballroom dance with America’s favorite pastime, Slater and Olson have successfully captured the attention of mainstream media and millions of social media users, setting the stage for what promises to be one of the most unpredictable seasons in the history of the franchise.

From the Baseball Diamond to the Ballroom: The Savannah Bananas Crossover

In an effort to maximize audience outreach before the official commencement of the competition, Emma Slater traveled to Grayson Stadium in Georgia to participate directly in a Savannah Bananas exhibition event. Rather than relying solely on traditional television interviews or standard studio rehearsals, the duo took their chemistry straight to the turf, performing an energetic routine to the sweeping, emotional track “Rewrite the Stars” from the hit cinematic musical The Greatest Showman.

The performance, which was captured and subsequently shared across multiple social media platforms, seamlessly blended athletic showmanship with classical choreography. For Olson, performing in front of a live crowd at Grayson Stadium was familiar territory, but executing intricate ballroom lifts and footwork under the watchful eye of a veteran professional required an entirely different set of physical demands. For Slater, stepping into the eccentric and wildly popular ecosystem of the Savannah Bananas provided direct access to a demographic of sports fans who might not traditionally tune into a dance competition series.

The collaboration proved mutually beneficial. The Savannah Bananas have revolutionized modern baseball promotion through viral marketing, choreographed player introductions, and non-stop entertainment, making them a natural stylistic match for the theatricality of Dancing with the Stars. By leaning into Olson’s core competency as a digital content creator and professional athlete, Slater effectively bridged the gap between sports entertainment and primetime television.

The Threat of the Double Elimination: A Historic Format Shift

While the pre-season publicity tour has generated significant enthusiasm, the urgency behind Slater and Olson’s aggressive promotional campaign is rooted in a sobering reality of the upcoming season’s rules. According to revelations made by Amanda Hirsch, host of Hulu’s Get Real podcast, during the Sept. 10 episode featuring guest Mark Ballas, the production team has reinstated a formidable elimination structure that has not been utilized in nearly a decade.

During the podcast, Hirsch disclosed that one male celebrity and one female celebrity will be eliminated from the competition immediately following the conclusion of the two-night premiere event on Sept. 15 and 16.

“This is the first time since 2018 that one male celebrity and one female celebrity will be sent home after the two-night premiere,” Hirsch detailed during the broadcast. “That hasn’t happened in many years.”

This sudden pressure cooker environment fundamentally alters the strategic approach required for Season 35. In previous recent iterations of the show, the initial premiere week typically served as a gentle introduction, allowing contestants to perform without the immediate threat of elimination, thereby giving audiences time to acclimate to the roster and register their votes over a broader window.

The reintroduction of an immediate double elimination places immense weight on the very first live performance. Contestants who fail to capture the imagination of the viewing public on night one will find their journeys cut short before they have even had the opportunity to grow, improve, or showcase their versatility. Consequently, professionals like Slater have recognized that pre-season advocacy, audience engagement, and early brand positioning are no longer optional—they are absolute prerequisites for survival in the tournament.

A Look at the Star-Studded Season 35 Roster

The urgency felt by Jackson Olson and Emma Slater is shared by an eclectic and competitive roster of celebrities assembled for the milestone 35th season. ABC casting directors have curated a diverse mix of talent spanning television, film, sports, comedy, and social media influence, ensuring broad demographic appeal.

Among the notable names vying for the coveted Mirrorball Trophy this season is beloved The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air star Tatyana Ali, who brings considerable nostalgic star power and performing arts experience to the ballroom. Reality television enthusiasts will also be tracking the progress of The Bachelor franchise alumnus Tyler Cameron, known for his immense dedicated fanbase and physical conditioning.

The music industry is heavily represented by Taylor Hanson, recognized globally as a member of the legendary sibling pop-rock band Hanson. Meanwhile, the acting contingent features acclaimed film and television luminaries including Julia Stiles, celebrated for her iconic performances in cinematic hits like Save the Last Dance and 10 Things I Hate About You, and Jenna Dewan, an accomplished actress and professional dancer whose background could pose a significant competitive threat to her fellow contestants.

Culinary arts and daytime television presence will be championed by celebrity chef Giada De Laurentiis, whose vibrant personality and massive following across food networks could translate well to live audience voting. The athletic sphere extends far beyond Jackson Olson, welcoming Paralympian track and field athlete Ezra Frech and competitive figure skater Amber Glenn, both of whom possess elite levels of physical discipline, spatial awareness, and resilience under pressure.

Comedy and digital media are well-represented by comedian and podcaster Connor Wood, alongside Connor Leavitt, husband of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives star Whitney Leavitt, who steps into the spotlight following widespread viral interest in her family’s life. The cast also features Sarah Jane Nader from Love Thy Nader, critically acclaimed Grey’s Anatomy star Harry Shum Jr.—whose formidable dance background is already a frequent topic of discussion among fans—and Guillermo Rodriguez, the lovable comedic fixture from Jimmy Kimmel Live.

Rounding out the robust lineup are Maura Higgins, the breakout personality known for her appearances on Love Island and Peacock’s The Traitors, and Ciara Miller, fan-favorite cast member from Bravo’s hit reality series Summer House.

Content Creation Meets Traditional Television

The inclusion of individuals like Jackson Olson and several digital-first personalities highlights a broader evolution in how casting decisions are made for modern television. Unlike previous decades where contestants were primarily drawn from traditional Hollywood studios or professional sports leagues, today’s reality television ecosystem heavily favors individuals who command active, highly engaged online communities.

Olson is far from a novice when it comes to capturing audience attention in the digital space. Beyond his professional athletic commitments in the infield for the Savannah Bananas, he has established himself as a prolific and successful content creator. His online portfolio features macro-level insights into baseball, humorous anecdotes regarding family life, culinary explorations, and relationship commentary. This existing digital infrastructure provides him with a distinct structural advantage over traditional celebrities who may need to build their social media engagement from scratch.

However, content creation and viral fame do not automatically translate to success on a technical dance floor. The physical demands of ballroom choreography—involving strict posture, rhythm, frame, and footwork—often humble even the most athletically gifted individuals. While Olson’s baseline physical fitness and comfort in front of large crowds provide a solid foundation, the rigorous training schedule overseen by Emma Slater will ultimately determine how long the partnership can survive the unforgiving environment of Season 35.

Implications and Analytical Outlook for Season 35

As the countdown to the two-night premiere reaches its final hours, industry analysts and long-time viewers are evaluating the potential implications of the format adjustments and promotional strategies dominating the lead-up to the show.

The decision to implement an immediate double elimination during premiere week marks a decisive pivot back toward high-stakes competition. For years, critics of modern reality competition formats have argued that early-season protections dilute the competitive tension, allowing underperforming contestants to coast through the initial weeks while fanbases organize. By removing this safety net, ABC and the production team are signaling that Season 35 will prioritize immediate impact, technical execution, and voter engagement from the very first minute of live broadcasting.

For professional dancers like Emma Slater, this environment requires a masterclass in psychological management and tactical choreography. Slater must balance the necessity of teaching complex technical routines with the pressure of delivering an instantly memorable, highly entertaining spectacle that compels viewers to pick up their phones and cast votes. Her proactive collaboration with Olson and the Savannah Bananas demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of modern media ecosystems—recognizing that the battle for the Mirrorball Trophy is won not just in the rehearsal studio, but across social media feeds and public appearances nationwide.

As the curtains rise on ABC for this landmark season, the margin for error has officially vanished. With one male and one female celebrity scheduled to exit the competition before the first week even concludes, the entire cast is on notice. For Emma Slater and Jackson Olson, their high-profile trip to Grayson Stadium was merely the opening act; the true test of their partnership will be determined live on the ballroom floor as the nation watches, votes, and decides who stays in the race for television’s most coveted dancing prize.