Alfonso Ribeiro Reveals the Mindset That Helps Him Handle Dancing with the Stars Live
Alfonso Ribeiro says staying fully present is one of the biggest secrets to handling the unpredictable nature of Dancing with the Stars live. As Season 35 approaches, the long-time host is also praising his partnership with Julianne Hough, celebrating the show’s Emmy recognition and looking forward to a new group of celebrity competitors.
Alfonso Ribeiro’s approach to hosting Dancing with the Stars
Live television rarely goes exactly according to plan, and Ribeiro has learned to embrace that uncertainty.
Speaking with PEOPLE at Televerse, Ribeiro explained that he reminds himself to stay focused on what is happening in front of him instead of trying to anticipate the next moment. That mindset helps him react naturally when unexpected moments unfold during the competition.
His approach is particularly useful on Dancing with the Stars, where performances, judging and backstage moments all happen in a fast-moving live environment.
Ribeiro has been part of the show’s hosting team since Season 31. He initially worked alongside Tyra Banks before becoming co-host with Julianne Hough in Season 32.
Why Julianne Hough and Alfonso Ribeiro work well together
Ribeiro believes his chemistry with Hough comes down to trust as much as professional experience.
Both hosts understand the show’s format and have extensive connections to the Dancing with the Stars world. Ribeiro also said their personal friendship gives them confidence when they are working together.
That relationship matters during live broadcasts. If something unexpected happens, each host can rely on the other to respond quickly and keep the show moving.
Their partnership will continue into Season 35, with ABC and Disney+ preparing for the show’s return in September.
Ribeiro is excited about the next Dancing with the Stars season
Although Ribeiro does not know every detail about the upcoming celebrity lineup, he remains optimistic about Season 35.
He teased that the production team has planned new surprises for viewers. That comes after Season 34, which marked the show’s 20th anniversary and was described as a record-breaking season.
Several Season 35 contestants have already been announced, including Maura Higgins, Ciara Miller, Jackson Olson and Guillermo Rodriguez. The full celebrity lineup and professional pairings are scheduled to be revealed later.
Alfonso Ribeiro has high hopes for Maura Higgins
Among the announced contestants, Ribeiro is particularly interested in seeing what Maura Higgins brings to the ballroom.
He praised her personality and suggested that Dancing with the Stars is about more than technical dancing. For him, personality, emotion and commitment can be just as important to a contestant’s journey.
Higgins will therefore be one of the contestants to watch when the new season begins.
Dancing with the Stars earns another round of Emmy recognition
The upcoming season also arrives as the series celebrates fresh Emmy recognition.
The Television Academy currently lists Dancing with the Stars as a 2026 nominee for Outstanding Reality Competition Programme. The show also received 2026 nominations in several craft categories, including technical direction and camerawork, lighting design and makeup and hairstyling.
Ribeiro views that recognition as a reflection of the entire production rather than an achievement belonging to a single person.
The hosts, judges, professional dancers, celebrities and production crew all contribute to creating the live spectacle. That collaborative effort, he said, is what makes the show’s success meaningful.
Will Alfonso Ribeiro compete on Dancing with the Stars again?
Despite having won the competition himself, Ribeiro does not appear eager to return as a contestant.
He won Season 19 with professional dancer Witney Carson in 2014. Carson has since become a two-time champion and is returning for Season 35, where she will partner with Guillermo Rodriguez.
Ribeiro has joked that competing again would only interest him if he could somehow continue hosting at the same time.
For now, however, his attention remains on the host’s role.
When does Dancing with the Stars Season 35 premiere?
Season 35 of Dancing with the Stars is scheduled to begin with a two-night premiere on Tuesday, September 15, and Wednesday, September 16, 2026.
Both premiere episodes are scheduled for 8 p.m. ET on ABC and Disney+, with episodes available on Hulu the following day. ABC’s fall schedule also confirms the September 15 two-night premiere.
With a returning hosting duo, new celebrity contestants and renewed Emmy attention, the upcoming season has plenty of reasons to attract long-time viewers.
For Ribeiro, though, the strategy remains simple: stay present, trust his co-host and respond to whatever happens next.