Professional dancer Witney Carson announced Monday that she will compete in Season 35 [5] of Dancing with the Stars while pregnant.
Carson is the reigning Mirror Ball champion, and her decision to compete while expecting marks a rare occurrence for the high-intensity competition. The announcement highlights the physical demands of professional ballroom dance during pregnancy.
Speaking on Good Morning America, the 32-year-old [1] dancer confirmed she is expecting her third child [2] with her husband, Carson McAllister. She is approximately five months pregnant [3] at the time of the announcement.
Carson said she does not want to hide her pregnancy from the public. She said she wants to remain active in the competition despite the physical changes of her third pregnancy.
"I don’t want to hide it," Carson said.
The dancer already has two sons, Leo, who is five, and Jet, who is three [4]. She said she is excited to be back on the dance floor while expecting.
"I’m excited to be back on the floor while expecting my third child," Carson said.
Season 35 is scheduled to air later this year in the U.S. Carson intends to continue her role as a professional partner to a celebrity contestant, though the specific partner was not detailed in the initial announcement. She said she wants to continue competing as the current champion.
“"I don’t want to hide it."”
Carson's decision to compete as the reigning champion while pregnant challenges the typical trajectory of professional dancers who often take maternity leave. By maintaining her position on the show, she brings visibility to the physical capabilities of pregnant athletes in a high-pressure, televised environment.
