Emma Slater Teams Up With Savannah Bananas Ahead of ‘Dancing with the Stars’ Premiere

Emma Slater is taking pre-season promotion to a whole new ballgame. Ahead of the upcoming return of *Dancing with the Stars*, the fan-favorite professional dancer took to the field with her latest celebrity partner, Jackson Olson. The pro didn't just stand on the sidelines either—she joined in on a live, full-energy dance performance right alongside his viral exhibition baseball squad, the Savannah Bananas. The unexpected stadium routine comes right before the long-running competition series launches its newest run on ABC this Tuesday. Instead of keeping their preparations behind closed studio doors, Slater chose to immerse herself directly into Olson's athletic ecosystem. Swapping standard rehearsal gear for team-adjacent flair, she brought her signature ballroom energy to thousands of roaring fans in attendance. ## Who is Emma Slater paired with on Dancing with the Stars? Olson, an infielder and fan favorite for the wildly popular Savannah Bananas, is trading his baseball cleats for ballroom shoes this season. The exhibition team has built a massive internet following thanks to their unique blend of fast-paced baseball, choreographed dance numbers, and theatrical on-field comedy. Because Olson already dances during games, pairing him with a seasoned pro like Slater makes them an immediate team to watch. The joint appearance served as a powerful publicity move to fire up both baseball enthusiasts and reality television diehards. By stepping onto his home turf, Slater showed she is fully leaning into her partner's built-in audience. Photos and clips from the event quickly flooded social platforms, giving curious viewers an early taste of their timing and performance chemistry before the high-stakes live shows begin. ## When does the new season of Dancing with the Stars start? The latest season of *Dancing with the Stars* makes its official premiere Tuesday night on ABC. Fans will finally see if Olson's stadium rhythm can translate into sharp technique, solid footwork, and top scores from the notoriously tough judging panel. With Slater leading the way, the couple hopes to convert sports lovers into weekly voters. Slater is no stranger to deep runs in the competition, having previously taken home the coveted mirrorball trophy. She understands that winning the hearts of the audience early on is essential for avoiding premature elimination. By embracing Olson's viral roots from day one, she is proving that her competitive drive is already in peak form. As Tuesday approaches, all eyes will be on whether this high-energy crossover pays off on the scoreboard. If their pre-season synergy is any indication, Slater and Olson are ready to swing for the fences once the spotlight turns on.