DWTS’ Britt Stewart on making show history, plus Katy Perry, Rihanna revelations
Dancing with the Stars Season 32 is set to premiere on September 26, and with the reveal of a fresh lineup featuring 14 celebrity contestants, it’s time to shine the spotlight on the professional dancers who not only elevate their partners but also inspire fans.
One such remarkable dancer is Britt Stewart, who etched her name in history as the first Black female professional on the show during Season 29 in 2020. This season, she partners with NFL legend Adrian Peterson.
In a conversation with HELLO!, the 34-year-old shared her journey as a DWTS trailblazer and her broader mission to foster inclusivity in the world of dance. She explained, “In 2020, I established Share the Movement, a nonprofit organization where I serve as President. It brought together passionate dancers, choreographers, and dance educators with the goal of promoting diversity within the dance industry and community.”
Unbeknownst to her at the time, Britt was simultaneously making history as the first Black female pro on DWTS. “As I embarked on this new journey with Share the Movement, I found that my work on DWTS was a direct reflection of that mission,” she noted.
To celebrate her commitment to diversity in dance through Share the Movement, Britt partnered with BAND-AID® Brand OURTONE® to organize a series of Dance Clinics across the country. These clinics aimed to uplift Black and Brown dancers while providing them with essential resources to ignite their passion for dance.
One such clinic took place at New York’s Ballet Hispanico, where Britt conducted dance competitions and workshops for a diverse group of children, joined by fellow DWTS pro Brandon Armstrong, who was the first Black male pro on the show.
Britt expressed her deep appreciation for the partnership with BAND-AID® Brand OURTONE®, saying, “I’m incredibly proud to collaborate with a global wellness brand that celebrates the beauty of diversity and embraces various skin tones. They also share a genuine enthusiasm for physical movement, particularly dance, which aligns with our joint initiative for summer 2023.”
While recognizing the beauty of the ABC show’s celebrity casting choices, Britt also pointed out that there is room for growth in terms of diversity among the professional dancers. She remarked, “I’m encouraged by the increasing awareness, but I hope to see more diversity in the future. It’s not limited to just one or two colorful faces; there’s ample space for greater representation, considering the diversity within the Black and Brown communities.”
Beyond her role on the ballroom stage, Britt is a proud member of several dance troupes that have performed alongside some of the world’s biggest pop stars, including Janet Jackson, Rihanna, and Katy Perry. She fondly recalled her time with Katy Perry during the historic 2015 Super Bowl Halftime Show, which remains the most-watched Halftime performance in history.
Reflecting on those experiences, she shared, “Having that platform, especially as a background and commercial dancer, was incredibly enriching. Dancing with Katy Perry for three years allowed me to travel the world. It was a period of personal growth, both as a dancer and as a young woman.”
When asked for advice for those considering taking up dance for the first time, Britt encouraged them to shed their fears. She emphasized the numerous benefits of dance and the transformative power it holds. She added, “This is why I’m so excited about being part of DWTS—I get to teach people who have never danced before, and through my nonprofit organization, I aim to break down barriers.”
And for those wondering which dance style to explore initially, Britt had a pro tip: “If you want to let loose, connect with a community, and are drawn to salsa dancing, go for it!”
