Several familiar Dancing With the Stars professionals — including Sasha Farber, Peta Murgatroyd, Sharna Burgess, Lindsay Arnold, Keo Motsepe, Koko Iwasaki and Artem Chigvintsev — will not appear as competing pros on Season 34, the show’s cast announcement on Sept. 3, 2025 confirmed.
Key Takeaways
- Seven former DWTS pros are absent from the Season 34 pro roster announced Sept. 3, 2025.
- Some departures are voluntary for family or career reasons; others follow past legal or production decisions.
- Several pros — Peta, Sharna and Sasha — have said they remain connected to the show in other ways or would consider returning.
- Artem Chigvintsev was arrested in Aug. 2024; the Napa County DA later declined to file charges and related restraining orders were dropped.
- Proximity to family and postpartum recovery were cited by at least one pro (Peta) as reasons for stepping back.
- Unconfirmed casting rumors and social-media speculation about relationships remain separate from confirmed casting choices.
Verified Facts
ABC and show-related announcements published on Sept. 3, 2025 list the Season 34 cast and pro lineup; the names above do not appear among the competing professionals for this season.
Sasha Farber, a DWTS pro since 2013, last competed on Season 33 with Jenn Tran (The Bachelorette). He previously proposed to fellow pro Emma Slater on the series in 2016 and they divorced in 2022; Sasha has publicly described their post-marriage relationship as professional and amicable.
Peta Murgatroyd, a two-time Mirrorball winner who last competed in Season 32 with Barry Williams, stated in media interviews earlier in 2025 that postpartum recovery and family priorities affected her recent availability; she also indicated willingness to return if invited.
Sharna Burgess — Season 30 competitor with Brian Austin Green and winner in Season 29 with Kaitlyn Bristowe — has expressed openness to rejoining the franchise either as a competitor, guest or judge while balancing family life; she and partner Brian Austin Green welcomed son Zane in 2022 and became engaged in 2023.
Lindsay Arnold confirmed in a TikTok post on Aug. 29, 2025 that she will not compete in Season 34, citing family commitments and her current priorities with daughters Sage and June.
Keo Motsepe, who became a pro in 2014 and last competed publicly on Season 29 with Anne Heche, has previously suggested he hopes to return but has not been named to Season 34’s pro roster.
Koko Iwasaki, who served as a pro on Seasons 31 and 32, announced via Instagram in Sept. 2024 that she would step away to pursue a new phase in her career and life.
Artem Chigvintsev, elevated to pro after time in the troupe, last appeared competitively on Season 32. He was arrested in Aug. 2024 on suspicion of domestic violence; the Napa County District Attorney declined to file criminal charges in Sept. 2024, and the parties later dropped their restraining orders and settled their divorce.
Context & Impact
Dancing With the Stars has a history of lineup turnover: pros step away for parenthood, touring schedules, injury recovery, judging roles on international editions, or other career moves. Season-to-season changes are common and do not always reflect long-term exits.
For the show, losing several recognizable pros in one season reshuffles partner dynamics and may shift audience expectations; producers often replace absent pros with returning troupe members, guest pros, or new hires.
For viewers, familiar faces moving to non-competing roles — judging, guest performances, or commentary — can preserve continuity while introducing new talent to the ballroom.
Possible short-term effects:
- Different choreographic styles and teaching relationships for celebrity contestants.
- Opportunities for newer pros or troupe dancers to gain visibility.
- Potential fan reaction on social platforms to missing favorites, which can influence promotional strategy.
Official Statements
“We’re very professional. We are great friends,” Sasha Farber said in a 2023 interview describing his relationship with Emma Slater after their divorce.
E! / Sasha Farber interview
“The answer is no. I will not be doing Dancing With the Stars this next season,” Lindsay Arnold said in an Aug. 29, 2025 TikTok post.
Lindsay Arnold / TikTok
Unconfirmed
- Social-media speculation that Sasha Farber and Jenn Tran were romantically involved beyond their Season 33 partnership is unverified and remains rumor.
- Reports that certain pros were directly asked to return but declined have not been independently confirmed by producers.
Bottom Line
Season 34 will proceed without several well-known DWTS pros; reasons include family priorities, career shifts and earlier legal matters that were resolved without criminal charges. The departures open spots for new or returning professionals and may change the show’s on-screen choreography and mentor dynamics.
Fans looking for their favorites should watch for guest appearances, judging roles, or special segments, as many pros have signaled continued involvement with the DWTS community in non-competitive capacities.