Israeli Dancer Adele Zaykman Wins "Dancing with the Stars" Spin-Off, Joins U.S. Show

Israeli professional dancer Adele Zaykman has won the debut season of "Dancing with the Stars: The Next Pro," a U.S. spin-off competition for professional dancers, securing her spot in the upcoming 35th season of the main show. The competition, which featured 12 dancers vying for a professional spot, tested their technique, choreography, partnership, storytelling, and teaching abilities.

Zaykman, who will be paired with reality TV star Connor Weil, expressed her elation at the win, calling it a "big moment of 'I did it.'" She shared her journey, including her early start in dance at age six and a significant challenge at 13 when diagnosed with scoliosis. Zaykman had to wear a back brace for 20 hours a day for two and a half years, but continued dancing during her four hours off the brace, describing those hours as the happiest of her life and stating that dance "saved me."

Born in Israel to Ukrainian parents, Zaykman speaks Russian, Hebrew, and English and is now based in Los Angeles. She is an accomplished competitive Latin dancer with international achievements, including winning an event at the Blackpool Dance Festival in England in 2022 and placing third there in 2019. She also achieved top rankings in other international competitions.

Zaykman's former competitive partner, Romanian dancer Catalin Căuca, announced the end of their "competitive partnership" in August 2026, wishing Zaykman well. Judges on "The Next Pro," including Mark Ballas and Shirley Ballas, praised Zaykman's performances, with one judge comparing her dancing to a "Rolls-Royce" for its precision and artistry. Zaykman had previously expressed a dream of dancing with Justin Bieber on the show, but will instead be partnered with Weil.