No one expected a routine rehearsal to end with flashing lights and an ambulance. However, that’s exactly what happened on the latest episode of “DWTS: The Next Pro,” when a split-second mistake during practice left one contestant with a serious facial injury.
The frightening accident not only brought rehearsals to an abrupt stop, but also ended Natalie Jolley’s run in the competition before she had the chance to perform in the week’s showcase.
The latest challenge was supposed to test how well the remaining ten dancers could perform as one team under the guidance of guest judge Britt Stewart.
Instead, rehearsals came to a sudden halt when Jolley was accidentally struck in the face during the routine. The 20-year-old immediately stepped away from the group, holding her face as she cried in pain while Stewart and the other contestants rushed toward her.
After checking on the injured dancer, Stewart learned Jolley was feeling dizzy, and concern only grew when the extent of the injury became visible.
“It’s like a black eye,” fellow contestant Adele Zaikman observed per PEOPLE. Medical staff quickly took over, and Jolley later told them that “it hurts really bad” and that she couldn’t breathe through her nose.
An ambulance was called to the studio, where production staff tried to reassure her. “They’re going to give you some pain relief, okay? Just try to slow your breathing down,” one crew member said.
The injury ultimately forced Jolley to withdraw from the competition, ending her “DWTS: Next Pro” journey before she even performed.
‘DWTS: Next Pro’ Accident Leaves Stephani Sosa Fighting Back Tears
As Jolley received medical attention, Stephani Sosa struggled with the realization that she had accidentally caused the injury.
The dancer became emotional while reflecting on the frightening moment, explaining that everything happened so quickly that she barely understood what had gone wrong.
“I don’t know what happened. The dance was moving so quickly, and Natalie got hit in the face,” Sosa said. Clearly blaming herself, she continued, “I just hate being the one that caused that. Like, I just feel horrible. I know she’s worked really hard to be here, and I hope she’s okay.”
Unable to hold back her emotions, Sosa paused before adding, “Sorry, I just care.” Stewart also reflected on how dangerous group choreography can become when multiple dancers are moving at full speed in close quarters.
“I’m really feeling for Natalie,” the pro dancer said, adding, “She’s part of this group challenge. This incident really showcases why dancing as a unit, being aware of your space, is so important when you’re doing group dance work.”
‘DWTS: Next Pro’ Competitors Face Another Unexpected Twist
Jolley’s departure wasn’t the last surprise awaiting the remaining contestants.
When rehearsals resumed the following day, many expected extra time to adjust to the missing teammate. Instead, Stewart informed the dancers they would head straight into a performance for judges Mark and Shirley Ballas with little opportunity to regroup.
The rushed routine left the competitors feeling uneasy, and Stewart admitted it wasn’t the strongest showing from the group.
After watching the performance, the judges identified Tristen Sanders and Nina Mayster as the weakest dancers in the challenge, leaving both visibly emotional as they awaited their fate.
Rather than sending either contestant home, however, the judges revealed an unexpected reward.
Instead of elimination, Sanders and Mayster were named team captains for the upcoming showcase, giving them an immediate chance to bounce back after a difficult performance and shifting the focus from disappointment to redemption.
‘DWTS: Next Pro’ Contestant Couldn’t Recover From One Mistake
The ballroom has proven to be as unpredictable as it is demanding. While one contestant’s journey ended because of a rehearsal injury, another saw her fate change after a single mistake under the spotlight.
During the opening episode, commercial dancer Briar Nolet lost her footing while performing a high-energy samba, prompting audible gasps from the judges.
Rather than stopping, Nolet quickly regained her composure and finished the routine, earning praise for her resilience.
“I know you slipped… it’s not about falling; it’s about getting up and carrying on,” Mark told her afterward per PEOPLE.
Despite the encouraging feedback, the mistake proved difficult to overcome. Nolet was ultimately eliminated alongside Jake Monreal in the season’s first double elimination,
Val Chmerkovskiy Says ‘DWTS’ Contestant AJ Pritchard’s Confidence Is A ‘Huge Turn-Off’
The physical demands of “DWTS: Next Pro” haven’t been the only challenge contestants have had to navigate this season.
Away from the rehearsal room, competitors have also faced tough critiques from some of the franchise’s biggest names, including three-time Mirrorball champion Val Chmerkovskiy.
Following Episode 2, the star dancer singled out contestant AJ Pritchard, questioning the former “Strictly Come Dancing” professional’s attitude while recapping the show on the “Stepping on Toes” podcast with Danielle Fishel.
Although Chmerkovskiy acknowledged Pritchard’s impressive résumé, he said the dancer’s confidence sometimes came across as arrogance.
“I wish he just kind of wrapped that arrogance into like a little softer presentation,” he said, reminding listeners that “we’ve all got pedigree.”
Chmerkovskiy added that if Pritchard wanted to earn a coveted pro spot on “DWTS,” he needed to focus on proving himself in the present rather than relying on past accomplishments.
He also criticized the dancer for correcting partner Selena Hamilton’s technique by pushing her hips back with his foot, saying the moment, combined with his overall demeanor, was “a huge turn-off” for viewers.
