Sarah Jane Nader is ready to take center stage on Dancing With the Stars season 35, and her journey is already making an impact before she even steps onto the ballroom floor.
The Love Thy Nader star will compete for the prestigious Mirror Ball Trophy alongside professional dancer Hailey Bills. While Nader is following a familiar path after seeing her older sister Brooks compete on the show, she is also creating a milestone of her own.
At just 23, Sarah Jane Nader is part of the third same-sex partnership in the U.S. version of Dancing With the Stars. For the young star, the opportunity represents much more than a dance competition.
Sarah Jane Nader Celebrates DWTS Representation
Nader has spoken openly about the importance of representing something she wished she had seen more often while growing up.
She described being part of the show’s same-sex partnership tradition as something that “meant everything” to her. More importantly, she hopes her appearance will help make same-sex dance partnerships feel completely normal to future generations.
Nader said she feels honored to have the opportunity and hopes that, within a few years, seeing two women dance together on Dancing With the Stars will simply be considered part of the show.
Her partnership with 20-year-old Hailey Bills is therefore significant both personally and culturally.
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Hailey Bills Begins Her First Full-Time DWTS Season
Nader appears to have found a strong match in Bills, who is entering her first season as a full-time professional dancer on Dancing With the Stars.
Bills previously performed with the show’s dance troupe during season 34. Now, she has the opportunity to compete directly for the Mirror Ball Trophy.
Nader praised her new partner, describing Bills as kind and supportive while also being willing to become strict when necessary.
That combination could prove useful as the pair prepares for the intense rehearsals and demanding choreography that come with the competition.
A Special Family Connection to JoJo Siwa
The partnership also has a fascinating family connection. Hailey Bills is the niece of veteran Dancing With the Stars professional Jenna Johnson.
Johnson made history during season 30 when she partnered with JoJo Siwa in the show’s first same-sex pairing. The partnership became an important moment for the series and opened the door for more inclusive pairings.
The following season, drag performer Shangela competed with Gleb Savchenko, becoming the second same-sex pairing in the U.S. edition of the show.
Johnson will also return for season 35, making the new season an especially meaningful one for the Bills family.
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Sarah Jane Nader Gets Advice From Her Sister
Nader will not be entering the competition without some family guidance. Her older sister Brooks previously competed during season 33, giving Sarah Jane valuable insight into what it takes to survive the demanding ballroom competition.
According to Nader, her sister encouraged her to stay true to herself and enjoy the experience.
Brooks also reminded her that the season can pass quickly. As a result, Nader plans to embrace the difficult moments without taking herself too seriously.
That advice could be particularly important as the competition becomes more challenging each week.
Derek Hough Is the Judge Nader Fears Most
Although Nader admits that all of the judges make her nervous, she has singled out Derek Hough as the most intimidating.
Hough is a familiar face in the Dancing With the Stars world and is known for his experience as both a former champion and a judge.
Nader explained that she is especially nervous about Hough because she knows him well and wants to make him proud.
That pressure could add another emotional layer to her performances as the season progresses.
Dancing With the Stars Season 35 Cast
The season 35 cast features a diverse group of celebrities, including Julia Stiles, Harry Shum Jr., Tatyana Ali, Tyler Cameron, Giada De Laurentiis, Maura Higgins, Ciara Miller, Taylor Hanson, Jenna Dewan, Guillermo Rodriguez, Jackson Olson, Ezra Frech, Amber Glenn, Conner Leavitt and Connor Wood.
With Nader and Bills bringing another same-sex partnership to the ballroom, the new season is already generating plenty of interest.
The two-night season 35 premiere of Dancing With the Stars is scheduled for September 15 and 16 at 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC and Disney+.
For Nader, however, the competition is about more than winning a trophy. It is also about representation, embracing the moment and helping make the ballroom a place where everyone feels welcome.
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