Emma Slater Reacts to Savannah Bananas Star Jackson Olson Joining Dancing With the Stars

The ballroom is getting a whole lot livelier. As *Dancing With the Stars* prepares for another high-stepping season, professional dancer Emma Slater is sharing her immediate reaction to one of the show's newest celebrity recruits. When news broke that Savannah Bananas second baseman Jackson Olson was trading the baseball diamond for the dance floor, Slater couldn't hide her excitement about the crossover casting. According to recent reports, Slater was so thrilled by the announcement that she nearly took matters into her own hands. The seasoned pro revealed that as soon as she learned Olson was joining the competition, she felt an overwhelming urge to race straight to show producers to pitch herself as his ideal partner.

Watch

Clips tied to this story.

▶Watch on TikTok

Olson has built a massive following on social media as a standout star for the Savannah Bananas, an exhibition baseball team famous for blending athletic skill with theatrical dance routines and crowd entertainment. His background in high-energy performance makes him an intriguing addition to the mirrorball race. While typical sports stars enter the ballroom with raw athleticism, Olson already possesses a unique flair for choreography and showmanship. The addition of internet-famous performers like Olson connects to a longstanding conversation among viewers regarding contestants who step onto the stage with prior dance experience. Over the years, the series has featured several high-profile stars with established dance credentials, including Jenna Dewan. Dewan's extensive background in professional dance set a memorable standard for how trained performers navigate the rigorous training schedule and intense weekly judgment.

BUZZBEAT

The debate over whether prior background gives certain stars an unfair edge is a staple of every single season. While trained background dancers like Dewan or viral performers like Olson come in with rhythm and stage presence, ballroom dance presents its own strict technique requirements that can test even seasoned artists. Judges often hold contestants with previous training to a much higher standard, demanding perfection in Latin and ballroom holds. For pros like Slater, working with talent who already understand crowd engagement is an exciting prospect. Whether Olson lands Slater as his official professional partner or takes the stage with another veteran, his inclusion promises plenty of viral moments in the upcoming season.