SOT: DWTS Con 2026 with Hailey Bills

Summary

Pod Meets World – SOT: DWTS Con 2026 with Hailey Bills

Release Date: August 1, 2026
Host: iHeartPodcasts

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Episode Overview

This episode dives into the behind-the-scenes experiences of Dancing with the Stars (DWTS) through the perspective of pro dancer Hailey Bills, recorded during the DWTS Con 2026 weekend. The hosts (primarily Val and Paul) discuss Hailey’s workload at the convention, her recent tour, travel experiences, and what the future might hold for her on the show. The episode also touches on the challenges and joys of live dance events, meeting fans, and industry camaraderie.

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Key Discussion Points and Insights

Workload and Preparation for DWTS Con 2026

• Hailey’s Participation:

  • Hailey prepares to perform in 15 numbers at the convention, all learned in just three days.
    • “Fifteen.” (Haley Bills, 03:23)
    • "It's 15 numbers you had to learn in three days… and perform tomorrow." (Paul, 03:24-03:34)

• Feelings and Challenges:

  • Hailey admits some nerves—especially with pieces freshly learned—but expresses excitement.
    • “We just learned these dances a day ago, so of course it's not in the muscle memory yet... I'm really excited. I feel good about it.” (Hailey Bills, 04:08)

• Dancing with New People:

  • Hailey notes enjoyment in dancing with colleagues she rarely partners with, notably Jan ("Yawn").
    • “I never dance with Yawn. We dance together the whole show. I kid you not.” (Hailey Bills, 04:36)

Onstage Moments and Camaraderie

• About Yawn/Jan:
  • The group jokes about Jan’s grumpy demeanor, likening him to a children’s book character, the “grumpy buffalo.”
    • “He's the grumpy buffalo...” (Paul, 05:14)
  • Hailey sees through the façade: “I know he secretly loves being around us though. I know.” (Hailey Bills, 05:39)

Post-Tour Life and Travel Adventures

• Celebrating the End of Tour:

  • Hailey’s celebration after a 97-show tour is “doing nothing” and traveling with her family to Japan.
    • “My family, we went to Japan a few weeks after tour, which was unreal.” (Hailey Bills, 06:44)

• Love for Japan:

  • Hailey is effusive about Japanese culture and people:
    • “I would move there in a heartbeat... So respectful, so smart. They get it done. It's so clean. I don't know. I fell in love with it.” (Hailey Bills, 06:59)

• 7-Eleven in Japan:

  • Unexpected highlight: Japanese convenience store food.
    • “I think 7-Eleven was my favorite food that I… They have sandwiches. They have really great pastries.” (Hailey Bills, 07:27, 07:43)

• Returning Home/Normalcy:

  • Hailey cherishes time “just being normal” in Utah after tour, spending time with friends and sleeping in her own bed.
    • “I've just been being normal, which I really, really miss... you miss doing normal things, like driving a car, sleeping in a bed, hanging out with my friends.” (Hailey Bills, 09:09)

The Nature of DWTS Pro Selection

• Uncertainty for Next Season:

  • The future for pros is uncertain until the last minute; it depends on the number of celebrities cast.
    • “It's very unclear for all of us... I'm just trying to be a part of it in any capacity here at con with you guys. But I don't know yet.” (Hailey Bills, 10:04)

• Casting Dynamics:

  • Val explains how the number of pros relies strictly on the number of cast celebs.
    • “Because, you know, last season for season 34, there were 14 of us. Which means, of course, they need 14 pros... What if they decide one year we're going big and we're doing 20? Well, now they're going to need 20 pros.” (Val, 10:34)

Reflections on "Dancing With the Stars: The Next Pro" Show

• Hailey’s Feelings:

  • She expresses initial disappointment at not being included due to timing but is philosophical about her unique path and opportunities.
    • “I would be lying if I said I didn't feel some sort of way... God's timing. So I'm just gonna trust, work hard on tour, try to do my best...” (Hailey Bills, 14:21)

• On Learning and Being Grateful:

  • Dwelling on Troop experience and touring as invaluable education:
    • “Such a learning experience and a unique experience that not a lot of people get to have... I'm just gonna choose to be grateful.” (Hailey Bills, 15:29)

• Val’s Maze Analogy:

  • “I like to think of things in life as being like a maze where there's a lot of different paths to the same exit. And so Dancing with the Stars, the next pro is one correct answer to the end of the maze. And that doesn't mean that's the only one.” (Val, 15:45)

Highlights from DWTS Con: Dancing with Fans

• Dancing With Fans Segment:
  • Hailey describes the unique opportunity to pair and dance with fans during the convention, with only two days to rehearse and compete.
    • “There's something called dancing with the fans... We are paired with a fan... We're competing.” (Haley Bills, 17:26)
    • “Jacob, you better start stretching. We're tangoing it out. It's gonna be great.” (Haley Bills, 18:06-18:08)
    • “I love the single dance.” (Val, 18:28)
    • “It's applause.” (Haley Bills, 18:32)

Starstruck Moments and Industry Bonds

• Fangirling Over Icons:

  • Hailey admits to being starstruck by Kim Johnson and Hannah Brown:
    • “I've known about her for so long... she's an angel... and also one more is Hannah Brown.” (Hailey Bills, 19:18–19:43)

• Celebrating Kim’s Birthday:

  • Warm birthday wishes and camaraderie are highlighted:
    • “She had a huge birthday celebration. Flew friends and family out from Australia...” (Val, 20:01)

• Handling Scheduling Chaos:

  • Challenges of assembling multi-cast numbers and last-minute rehearsals are shared.
    • “Some people, myself included, have had to be like, I'm sorry, I'm not going to be able to be there... We have placeholders, or it's like, okay, and now that's an eight count where somebody pretend they're there.” (Val, 20:26)

• Finding Joy in Imperfection:

  • Val emphasizes that the audience appreciates humanity—even the mistakes.
    • “Your favorite memories are when the actors flub their lines... You're going to be seeing humanity. There’s going to be... possibly some flubs. And we're all just going to have to laugh along and know that what we're really here for is to interact with you.” (Val, 21:59–22:19)

Mentorship and Learning Styles

• Learning From One Another:

  • There’s discussion of celebs and pros learning from each other, particularly during tour and filming.
    • “When someone like Haley comes in and he goes, all right, I've got 26 minutes to teach you this entire routine... She gets it in five minutes.” (Val, 24:46)
    • “I've been doing this for so long. I just hope that you guys know...” (Haley Bills, 27:04)

• Mutual Support and Encouragement:

  • Val offers heartfelt support for Hailey’s future.
    • “I will be rooting for you whatever happens next season. I will be rooting for you, screaming for you. Not only at home, but you guys aren't gonna get rid of me. I will be in that damn ballroom every chance I get, just screaming your names.” (Val, 27:18)
    • “Love you, Val.” (Hailey Bills, 27:35)

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Learning Fast:
  • “I've got 26 minutes to teach you this entire routine... She gets it in five minutes... That's what it's supposed to look like.” (Val, 24:46–25:03)
• On Career Paths:
  • “I like to think of things in life as being like a maze where there's a lot of different paths to the same exit...” (Val, 15:45)
• On the Joy of Imperfection:
  • “Your favorite memories are when the actors flub their lines... You're going to be seeing humanity.” (Val, 21:59)
• On Support:
  • “I will be rooting for you whatever happens next season... screaming your names.” (Val, 27:18)
• On Life After Tour:
  • “I've just been being normal, which I really, really miss... you miss doing normal things.” (Hailey Bills, 09:09)
• On Japanese Convenience Stores:
  • “I think 7-Eleven was my favorite food that I…” (Hailey Bills, 07:27)

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Important Timestamps

• 02:18: Hailey is formally introduced
• 03:14–03:33: Hailey shares the scope of her workload at DWTS Con
• 04:04–04:35: Discussing nerves, excitement, and new dance partners
• 06:44–07:20: Hailey talks about celebrating the end of tour with a trip to Japan
• 07:27–07:58: Raving about Japanese 7-Eleven food culture
• 09:09: On cherishing time at home post-tour
• 10:04: Uncertainty regarding next season’s casting
• 14:21: Thoughts about “DWTS: The Next Pro” and career paths
• 17:26–18:11: Explanation of the “Dancing with the Fans” event at Con
• 19:18: Hailey discusses being starstruck by Kim Johnson and Hannah Brown
• 21:59–22:19: Val on the beauty of onstage chaos and imperfection
• 24:46–25:03: Val and Paul discuss the differences in learning speeds between pros and celebs
• 27:18: Emotional sendoff and support for Hailey’s future

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Episode Tone and Style

The conversation is candid, warm, humorous, and supportive, reflecting the close-knit world of DWTS pros and the excitement of convention weekend. Hailey’s humility, energy, and gratitude shine throughout, while the hosts inject fun, personal anecdotes, and honest reflections on the showbiz grind. The atmosphere is upbeat and accessible, offering a welcoming window for both die-hard and casual fans.

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Summary

This episode is a celebratory, insightful look into what it takes to be a DWTS pro, the unpredictability and excitement of live events, and the real lives of the people behind the glitter. Whether you’re tuning in for BTS gossip, professional dance nitty-gritty, or simply to hang out with warm personalities, this is an episode that delivers heart as much as behind-the-scenes revelation.

Transcript

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[Val]

We're in the presence of greatness, Val.

[PetSmart/Capella University Advertiser]

Did you know that?

[Paul]

Oh yeah.

[Val]

This is someone we love. I would say that you know her

[Paul]

better than I very well, as a matter of fact. Greatness rubs off. As you know, greatness multiplies in proximity.

[Val]

Not at all. It is in her genes, of which you do not share.

[Paul]

No, I don't.

[Haley Bills]

Absolutely not.

[Harley Davidson Advertiser]

You don't.

[Val]

You do not welcome, Ms. Haley Bills.

[Haley Bills]

Thank you. I'm so excited.

[Val]

Can you believe he just did that? That is running joke on Pod Meets World that I do that. And the. My co hosts go, oh, God, don't do that. I'm just. Listen.

[Haley Bills]

It's meant to be.

[Val]

It's meant to be.

[Haley Bills]

Love it.

[Val]

Haley, we're talking to you on Dancing with the Stars con weekend.

[Haley Bills]

Yeah.

[Val]

How many numbers are you a part of?

[Haley Bills]

I want to say 15 this week.

[Val]

I want to say that that's a joke. It is not.

[Haley Bills]

It's not a joke.

[HeroBread Advertiser]

No.

[Haley Bills]

Yeah. Fifteen.

[Paul]

Well, which is. Which is a good number if you have an ample amount of time to prepare. Let's just give it some context. It's 15 numbers you had to learn in three days.

[Haley Bills]

Yeah.

[Val]

Yes.

[Paul]

And perform tomorrow.

[Haley Bills]

Yes.

[Val]

How are you feeling, though? Because when you are on stage, I have never seen a single moment from you that is anything less than 100%.

[Haley Bills]

Oh, thank you.

[Val]

Even when you've, like, walked off and you've been like, well, messed that part up. Nope. No one would ever know. You were just spectacular.

[Haley Bills]

That's really nice.

[Ross Stores Advertiser]

Thank you.

[Haley Bills]

That means a lot.

[Val]

How are you feeling in these 15 numbers? Do you have one you're very, very nervous about or one you don't feel confident in?

[Haley Bills]

I mean, we are pulling a few numbers from our tour.

[Val]

Okay.

[Haley Bills]

Which is great. We did that 97 times, so I'm feeling good about that. But, I mean, like Val was saying, I. We just learned these dances a day ago, so of course it's not in the muscle memory yet. We're still thinking about the moves and all the things. But I'm really excited. I feel good about it. Honestly, I'm lucky. I feel like I can pick things up. So I'm feeling just excited. I'm also able to dance with people I haven't really danced with that much.

[Val]

So that's dancing with.

[Haley Bills]

I don't like Yawn. I never dance with Yawn. We dance together the whole show. I kid you not.

[Val]

That's so fun.

[Haley Bills]

So I'm looking forward to it. It's gonna be fun.

[Val]

How funny is Jan?

[Haley Bills]

He's a character. I love him so much.

[Val]

I do, too. When I saw him at rehearsal, I gave him a hug, and I said, how. How did they get so lucky to get you? And he said, well, first they promised me I would only be in four numbers. I'm not in four numbers.

[Haley Bills]

I am in at least 11.

[AT&T Business Wireless Representative]

It's so.

[Haley Bills]

So, like, does he want to be here? Does.

[Val]

It's part of his brand.

[Paul]

It's part of his brand.

[Val]

It's part of his brand, too.

[Paul]

Yeah, he's the grumpy buffalo.

[Val]

He's a grump.

[Paul]

Shout out to a kid's book that I just love reading to Rome. But, yeah, he's the grumpy buffalo.

[Val]

He's a grumpy buffalo.

[Paul]

Until you do. You know this book? It's this Huffle. Puffalo. Puffalo buffalo. And then he gets wet, and he becomes this little, little thing, and he's not as intimidating. That's kind of like yawn.

[Val]

Yeah, I know.

[Haley Bills]

That is kind of like yawn. I just. I know he secretly loves being around us, though. I know.

[Val]

Oh, he has to.

[Haley Bills]

Yeah, for sure.

[Val]

Delightful.

[Haley Bills]

Oh, we are the best. Are you kidding me?

[PetSmart/Capella University Advertiser]

So fun.

[Haley Bills]

So fun.

[Paul]

I think. Look, he's from the Balkans, right? He's Slovenian, so he's got that, like, Eastern Europe essence, which is, you know, we have a resting face.

[Val]

Rbf.

[Paul]

Yeah, yeah, yeah. So he. He's on. On par with that.

[Val]

Okay.

[Haley Bills]

No, I appreciate that. He keeps it real. He's like, my favorite person in the world, so.

[Sephora Advertiser]

Wow.

[Haley Bills]

I love Val.

[Val]

Just.

[Haley Bills]

Sorry.

[Val]

He visibly.

[Sephora Advertiser]

Right here,

[Haley Bills]

like, duh.

[AT&T Business Wireless Representative]

Of course.

[Val]

You met third.

[Haley Bills]

Yeah. Third

[Val]

verse just spilled out.

[Haley Bills]

No.

[Greenies Advertiser]

Yeah.

[Val]

What did you do in order to celebrate, or did you do anything to celebrate the end of tour? 97 dates. It was your first tour after having an incredible season on troupe for Dancing with the Stars. Then you did 97 shows, like you mentioned. Did you do anything to celebrate?

[Haley Bills]

I think the thing I did to celebrate was relax and do nothing good, which is ironic, but my family, we went to Japan a few weeks after tour, which was unreal.

[Val]

Tell me everything about Japan.

[Haley Bills]

I would move there in a heartbeat.

[Val]

Really? You liked it that much?

[Haley Bills]

I loved everything about it. What I like about it is the people.

[Val]

Okay.

[Haley Bills]

They're just, like, precise with it. So respectful, so smart. They get it done. It's so clean. I don't know. I fell in love with it. I want to go back so bad. But that was a great little reset after tour.

[Val]

Did you eat lots of wonderful food?

[Paul]

I was gonna say a lot. What was your favorite food that you discovered for the first time?

[Haley Bills]

I'm gonna sound really lame, But I think 711 was my favorite food that I.

[Val]

Did you have Those sandwiches from 711

[Paul]

Triangle Rice Triangle thingies? Yeah, sandwiches.

[Val]

Well, the. They have sandwiches.

[Haley Bills]

They have sandwiches. They have those.

[Val]

Yep.

[Haley Bills]

They have really great pastries.

[Paul]

Well, what people don't understand is that, like, our convenience stores or the. Like the.

[Sephora Advertiser]

The.

[Paul]

The Chains that aren't necessarily, like, showcasing the best cuisine.

[Haley Bills]

Yeah.

[Paul]

Overseas, they're like, Yes. A plus plus establishments.

[Haley Bills]

No, they are. There's one every corner.

[Val]

Yeah.

[Haley Bills]

So good.

[Val]

Did you buy any 711 merch while you were there?

[Haley Bills]

I wish I said.

[Sephora Advertiser]

Okay.

[Haley Bills]

No, I didn't.

[Val]

No, you didn't. You're gonna.

[Haley Bills]

I don't even know if they had merch.

[HeroBread Advertiser]

They do.

[Val]

I just got a 7 11.

[Haley Bills]

Are you serious?

[Val]

In Japan? No, you did not. That's how I know. That's how I know I'm gonna work. Next time you go, just have that. I didn't go. I haven't been. I had a friend who went and came home and brought me back a 7 11.

[Ross Stores Advertiser]

Are you sure?

[Val]

And it's the greatest. So then you. First of all, it's on your list of places to go again. Now you just know ahead of time.

[Haley Bills]

Now I know that you need to look for that. Oh, I will be purchasing. Okay.

[HeroBread Advertiser]

So you.

[Val]

You went on a family trip to Japan. Loved it. And then did you come? Because that's. Even though you said I did a lot of nothing. That still going on.

[Haley Bills]

That's still something.

[PetSmart/Capella University Advertiser]

That's a lot.

[Haley Bills]

Yes.

[Val]

Did you get some time to, like, just sleep and. Do you. Do you have friends at home? Did you get to. Did you get to see friends and be a young person?

[Haley Bills]

Yes, in that. After Japan, I came home to Utah. That's technically where I live.

[Val]

Okay.

[Haley Bills]

That's what I've been doing for the past month and a half. I've just been being normal, which I really, really miss. Of course. Tour is great and unique and, like, I would not change that for the world. But also, you miss doing normal things, like driving a car.

[Val]

Right.

[Haley Bills]

Sleeping in a bed, like, hanging out with my friends. So I was trying to do stuff like that when I was in Utah. I've been hanging out with friends. Yes, I have friends. You got to see them.

[Kia Seltos Advertiser]

No.

[Haley Bills]

And they're the best. They're from my school, so I've just been being a normal young adult. It's been awesome. Yeah.

[Val]

And so what are we allowed to say? What do we have in store for next season for you? Do you know? I know, like, none of the pros. Nobody knows whether they're officially back. Have you heard anything? You haven't heard anything. It's all just so surprising.

[Haley Bills]

Yeah. No, it's very unclear for all of us.

[Val]

Okay.

[Haley Bills]

I'm crossing my fingers and hoping because this is the dream, but.

[AT&T Business Wireless Representative]

Yeah.

[Haley Bills]

Right now I'm just trying to be a part of it in any capacity here at con with you guys. But I don't know yet. We will see.

[Val]

You know, so much of it I didn't realize in pre, being a fan for previous seasons, I didn't realize how much of it is even just a numbers game of how many celebs do they want to book for a season?

[Haley Bills]

Oh, for sure.

[Val]

Because, you know, last season for season 34, there were 14 of us. Which means, of course, they need 14 pros. Well, what if they decide one year we're going big and we're doing 20? Well, now they're going to need 20 pros.

[Paul]

Yeah.

[Val]

So, you know, and then, of course, having a new show, Dancing with the stars, the next pro, it's like, well, that's a new pro they're bringing on. So, yeah, it's a. It's a little crazy. What did you think when you heard,

[Paul]

hopefully there's enough celebrities out there.

[Haley Bills]

Let's pray.

[Val]

You know, we could always just loosen up the term celebrity.

[Paul]

Oh, we have. It was a few seasons, we definitely loosened it up. But now we're back.

[Val]

We're back better than ever.

[Paul]

Ever?

[Haley Bills]

Heck yeah.

[Paul]

Ever.

[Val]

Yeah, for sure.

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[Val]

All right, we're gonna need a plan here.

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[Haley Bills]

What can't you do?

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Visit Capella Edu to learn more.

[Val]

Can I ask you?

[Haley Bills]

Yes.

[Val]

What was your feeling when you heard Dancing with the Stars? The next pro. Was there any part of you that was like, hello, I'm here and ready? I'm. You could just call me and I could do it.

[Ross Stores Advertiser]

Did you feel that way?

[Haley Bills]

I mean, I would be lying if I said I didn't feel some sort of way. Yeah. I mean, I think I just got a little unlucky with the timing of all of that. I think it's a really cool show idea, so I can't be negative towards it. I think it's an awesome idea, and I think it's really entertaining. I've been watching it. It's funny. We were on tour, we were prepping for tour, and we had all hopped on this little meeting with Dina Katz, and she told us, like, it's officially happening. You guys are going in and out of Australia. And I remember just standing there being like, holy crap. Like, yes. Kind of like dying inside. But also like, that's just not my route. Obviously, that's not my route. And that's okay. I'm a big person of just, everything happens for a reason. God's timing. So I'm just gonna trust, work hard on tour, try to do my best, and also, like, I'm on tour.

[Val]

Yeah, you're like. And not. Not only that, but you having done Troop last season.

[Haley Bills]

Yes.

[Val]

Must have been such a wonderful education.

[Haley Bills]

Yes.

[Val]

For you?

[Haley Bills]

No, it was. And such a learning experience and a unique experience that not a lot of people get to have. So I also have to take a step back and look at where I am. I just experienced that for a year. I'm on tour, so I'm just gonna choose to be grateful.

[Val]

Yeah. I like to think of things in life as being like a maze where there's a lot of different paths to the same exit. And so Dancing with the Stars, the next pro is one correct answer to the end of the maze. And that doesn't mean that's the only one. It's just when you run into a hedge, you turn around and go a different direction until you get to the exit that you're looking for.

[Paul]

Totally. You could become a pro and then not be a pro.

[HeroBread Advertiser]

Right.

[Paul]

You know, so it's like everything happens for a reason.

[Haley Bills]

Yeah.

[Paul]

You know, you got to be ready for the opportunity when it comes. Like, that's what luck is. Right. It's like preparation, meeting, opportunity. And so get the miles in. You got 15 numbers this weekend.

[Bank of America Advertiser]

Good for you.

[Paul]

You know, that's. I feel like that's what you should be focused on.

[Haley Bills]

Yeah.

[Paul]

Everything else will. Will happen. Everything else will fall into place if you're excellent, if you're building value. And. And she is incredibly valuable. I mean, as a dance, as a dancer in this field. I think this is a diamond.

[Val]

Yeah. There's nothing she can't do.

[Paul]

Everything else will fall into place at the right time. So I think you should feel really good.

[Haley Bills]

Thanks, Paul. No, I agree. You just never know.

[Val]

What are you most looking forward to this con weekend?

[Haley Bills]

Oh, I mean, I think one thing that is pretty obvious is that we are very intimate with the fans, which is we're never really like that. We get a hang out with them for three days straight, which is a very unique thing that we get to have. I think one of the most things I'm excited for. There's something called dancing with the fans.

[Paul]

Yes.

[Haley Bills]

And we are paired with a fan. And we. Have you paired with a fan too. Oh, my gosh. No. I'm really excited. His name's Jacob. Shout out Jacob.

[Val]

Have you guys been rehearsing before you got here or did you know it's been.

[Greenies Advertiser]

No.

[Haley Bills]

So that's what I'm really interested in, how it's gonna work. We meet up with them tomorrow, we come up with a dance. It's about a minute, and they're gonna have to whip this out in three days. And we're competing.

[Bank of America Advertiser]

Wow.

[Haley Bills]

Yeah. No I know. It's gonna.

[Val]

Oh, my God.

[Paul]

Not in three days. In one day.

[Val]

Friday, Saturday.

[Haley Bills]

No.

[Val]

Yeah.

[Paul]

Two days.

[Greenies Advertiser]

Days.

[Haley Bills]

Two days. They competed on.

[Paul]

Jacob, you better start stretching.

[Haley Bills]

Start stretching. We're tangoing it out. It's gonna be great.

[Val]

My first week was a tango, too, but we get three weeks. Jacob has two days.

[Haley Bills]

No, they are. Yeah, they have to lock in.

[Val]

Jacob, I hope you're.

[Haley Bills]

Come on, answer. Yeah, No, I don't know. I don't know, but we'll see. I'm really excited, though.

[Val]

Do you know your music?

[Haley Bills]

I do know my music.

[Val]

I love the single dance.

[Haley Bills]

You do? Yes. It's applause.

[PetSmart/Capella University Advertiser]

Okay, great.

[Val]

Oh, that's good.

[Haley Bills]

It'll be great.

[Val]

And did you choreograph the entire thing?

[Haley Bills]

I did indeed.

[Val]

I mean, again, look at this. Look at this opportunity. It's.

[Haley Bills]

Yes.

[Val]

So good.

[Greenies Advertiser]

You.

[Haley Bills]

It's such an opportunity.

[Paul]

Who knows? Maybe that's your next pro moment.

[Val]

Exactly.

[Haley Bills]

Yeah.

[Val]

Here it is.

[Paul]

Jacob, don't let her down.

[Val]

Don't let her down.

[Paul]

This is a lifelong dream here. Jacob.

[Haley Bills]

Don't get stressed. You're gonna be great.

[Val]

Jacob, by the time you hear this, I hope you've all been well.

[Haley Bills]

I hope all has been well, like. But no, I'm very excited for that. I think it's gonna be super fun.

[Val]

That is gonna be a good time.

[Haley Bills]

Yeah.

[Val]

Have you. Is there anybody here that you are meeting for the first time that you just feel starstruck around?

[Haley Bills]

Oh, my gosh. A lot of people. I think one person is Kim Johnson.

[Val]

Yes.

[Haley Bills]

I've known about her for so long and she came to judge last year, but I never got to talk to her. So this is my first time actually having conversations with her. She's an angel.

[Val]

She is.

[Haley Bills]

Oh, my gosh. She is the sweetest person ever. So I'm definitely fangirling over her a lot. And also one more is Hannah Brown.

[Val]

Oh, I love Hannah dying. She's so sweet. She's. We've had quite a bit of time. We're on the same. We're on Team Cha Cha together.

[Haley Bills]

Yes.

[Val]

And so we've had quite a bit of downtime to be able to talk and chat. I've really enjoyed her and Kim and I got to talk. Happy birthday to Kim.

[Haley Bills]

Oh, yeah.

[Greenies Advertiser]

Happy birthday.

[Val]

Just turned 50 and she is having. She had a huge birthday celebration. Flew friends and family out from Australia. So, yeah, she had a big, big birthday celebration. And so, yeah, happy birthday to her.

[Haley Bills]

Happy birthday, Kim.

[Paul]

Happy birthday, Kim.

[Val]

This is going to be a good weekend for us to all Celebrate her.

[Haley Bills]

We need to do.

[Paul]

So get your butt down to Palm Springs because we share a dance section together, and I had to dance with Casper tonight. It's okay.

[Val]

Happy birthday, K. I know at one point, too, when you're in a group number, you were dancing by yourself. And I looked around and I went, who's Val supposed to be dancing with? And everyone's like, oh, he's dancing with Cam. I was like, right, right. Okay, that makes sense. We also. That's another thing that. About this con that's been a little difficult for all of us is that, of course, when you have this many people, there are a lot of schedules, and some people, myself included, have had to be like, I'm sorry, I'm not going to be able to be there for the first couple of hours because I have another work commitment. And so we are. We have placeholders, or it's like, okay, and now that's an eight count where somebody pretend they're there.

[Haley Bills]

Pretend they're seriously 100%.

[Greenies Advertiser]

Yeah.

[Haley Bills]

No, there are some people that we haven't even seen yet, and they're gonna come in and just.

[Val]

And do the damn thing.

[Haley Bills]

We'll hope for the best.

[HeroBread Advertiser]

Yeah.

[Haley Bills]

Yeah. No, it's been insane.

[Val]

I do think that one of the. I'm not just saying this so that we feel better. I think one of the things we need.

[Paul]

We need.

[Val]

I'm trying to build up morale.

[Haley Bills]

Give it to me.

[Val]

I think one of the things that will make this a more special experience for fans who are making this trek, flying in from out of town. I doubt there are a lot of Palm Springs residents who are going to be here. These are people who have either flown in or have driven from far to come and see what we're putting on this weekend. I think a little bit of chaos makes the situation better. When you are a fan of a sitcom and you go to the live taping, your favorite memories are when the actors flub their lives.

[Haley Bills]

Oh, my gosh.

[AT&T Business Wireless Representative]

Yeah.

[Val]

Your favorite moments are not watching everybody nail it and. And get the thing you're getting on tv, you want to see. You want to see the humanity in us. And so what I can promise you, Dancing with the Stars fans, there will be. You're going to be seeing humanity. There's going to be no.

[Haley Bills]

For sure.

[Val]

A lot of that this weekend and possibly some flubs. And we're all just going to have to laugh along and. And know that what we're really here for is to interact with you and to connect with you. And so, yeah, well, Haley, I love you.

[Haley Bills]

I love you.

[Val]

You are one of my favorite people. I'm so glad that I got to connect with you on tour because even though I loved you through the season, my time with you was very limited.

[Haley Bills]

No, you were locked in with Pasha.

[Val]

Yeah.

[Haley Bills]

Like, you didn't get a bond on it.

[Val]

I was locked in, and then the only time I'd get to see you is when you would if I wasn't ready to do. Because we do them.

[Haley Bills]

Yes.

[Val]

The way too early.

[Haley Bills]

We were the wise.

[Val]

Yeah.

[Paul]

I'm curious how that makes the celebs feel.

[Val]

Oh, I'll tell you how it makes

[Paul]

feel because I try not to have, like, it's a. It's a balancing act because we don't want to put so much pressure on you to shoot this wide. Even though we have to get it done if you're not ready. We don't want to, like, push you beyond your comfortable comfort zone to shoot it right there if you have, like, two more days. But at the same time, I'm always. I try to not use another pro to do so.

[Sephora Advertiser]

Right.

[Paul]

Because I. Yeah. Well, I have my reasons, but I'm curious what. What your feelings are on that.

[Val]

So, first of all, the wides are 12 noon on Thursday.

[Haley Bills]

We've just started two days after show day.

[Paul]

Yeah.

[Val]

Wednesday morning, you had not. Even if you have a 9am rehearsal or it's like end of day Thursday, if you have a 9am rehearsal, you have had a total of eight hours with a brand new dance after the live show.

[Paul]

Yeah.

[Haley Bills]

Unreal. Yeah.

[Val]

And maybe. Maybe this isn't the case for every pro, but Pasha definitely made me feel. And not in a bad way made. Just explain to me, like, we don't want to have a wide where you are less than 100% in the dance if you're not going to be able to go. Go full out. We don't want to show that to anybody. Well, I still have all of Friday. I still have all of. And I still have all of Sunday. The odds of me feeling like I can be a hundred percent at the end of the second day are slim to none.

[Haley Bills]

Oh, yeah.

[Val]

And so I was happy to say, well, then you're right. I don't want the director to see me at 60% if that's all I'm able to give. But then when someone like Haley comes in and he goes, all right, I've got 26 minutes to teach you this entire routine. And I've been working on it for, oh, my God, eight hours. She Gets it in five minutes. She's able to shoot the wide two times back to back, And I'm like, that's what it's supposed to look like.

[Bank of America Advertiser]

Yeah.

[Paul]

So I try not to do that to my celebs. Well, just because, again, I also want you to take. Take very particular ownership of that choreography.

[Val]

Yeah.

[Paul]

And when you see it on somebody else, even though it could be helpful,

[Val]

it was definitely helpful because you pick

[Paul]

up little, you know, you just nuances. Right. There's things. There are things. As much as, you know, Pasha is an expert, I too, you know, have my ways. There's a femininity to certain movement that we just won't be able to communicate as well as you can probably see another it.

[Val]

And that was very helpful. I would record it and be like, I'm gonna go back and watch Haley. I want to know.

[Haley Bills]

Okay, well, that makes me happy, cuz I hope it wasn't a bad experience.

[Val]

It wasn't at all.

[Sephora Advertiser]

No.

[HeroBread Advertiser]

It really was.

[Val]

It was things where I was like, oh, look at the way she did that.

[Haley Bills]

Okay.

[Val]

I love that.

[Sephora Advertiser]

So it was.

[Val]

I mean, in a lot of ways, it was very educational. And I did feel like then the minute that was over and the wide was shot, I was like, all right, I've just watched somebody else do it. I've seen little things.

[Paul]

Gives you somewhere to go.

[Haley Bills]

Now correct.

[Val]

Somewhere to go. And even just similarly to, like, oh, the. If, you know, the best way to learn is to teach. I wasn't teaching, but watching someone else do it was a little like, are you good at learning by reading the notes or just hearing it? And it's like, for two days now, I've heard Pasha talk to me about it, but now I've read it, right. Because I've seen it in front of me. So it was. It was very educational. But there is also that the first time it ever happened where I was like, like, oh, I'm gonna throw up,

[Paul]

because she just learned it too well. There's a moment of, like, when you're learning, you're like, wow, this is so difficult. Bosh, man. Are we really gonna get it? He's like, yeah, you will. This is gonna be a huge feat. And you're like, whoa, I'm on the brink of real, like, breakthrough here. And then someone comes in and learns in, like, five minutes. You're like, oh, oh. It's not that, though.

[Haley Bills]

But then you have to think about, here's the thing. If I walked into some sort of script I had to do, if I'm filming for a TV show. I would not be able to do that in however long that takes you.

[Val]

Yeah.

[Haley Bills]

Ever. So like I've been doing this for so long. I just hope that you guys know

[Val]

about was it was a beautiful experience and I loved every second of it and I so enjoyed getting to know you on tour. So.

[Haley Bills]

Me too.

[Val]

Thank you. I will be rooting for you whatever happens next season. I will be rooting for you, screaming for you. Not only at home, but you guys aren't gonna get rid of me. I will be in that damn ballroom every chance I get, just screaming your names.

[Haley Bills]

So yay.

[HeroBread Advertiser]

Thank you.

[Haley Bills]

Love you.

[AT&T Business Wireless Representative]

Thank you.

[Haley Bills]

Love you, Val.

[Ross Stores Advertiser]

Thanks.

[Paul]

Love you too.

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