Dancing With the Stars pro Ezra Sosa got especially emotional over his first performance on the 2026 live tour.
“Having a breakdown during intermission because I kept messing up our first show on tour,” Sosa, 25, wrote on Friday, January 23, over TikTok footage of the professional dancer covering his face with his hands and shaking his head.
Sosa added in a caption, “I’m genuinely so upset with myself. I’ll be better for you guys ❤️🩹.” He did not further clarify his apparent stage mistake.
The 2026 DWTS live tour kicked off on Thursday, January 22, in Akron, Ohio, where Sosa and more of the fan-favorite pros performed original choreography in a new stage show.
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“You guys…TOUR STARTS TOMORROW HOLY CRAP!” Sosa wrote via Instagram the day before, sharing rehearsal pics of the ballroom dancers. “I have to say the process to get this show on its feet has been one of the best creative experiences I’ve had.”
He continued, “We all have been working so hard on this show and it’s safe to say that we’re all incredibly proud of it, and most importantly for you guys to see it too. Here goes nothing!!!!! Hope you guys enjoy!”
Sosa was also looking forward to meeting with fans before and after the live shows.
“I was really sad when they made that decision but ultimately it is the safest and healthiest thing for all of us,” he later said in a Thursday TikTok video referring to the new guidelines barring the cast from meeting fans after each show. “Getting to meet all of you is probably one of the funnest things about tour.”
@ezrasosa im genuinely so upset with myself, ill be better for you guys ❤️🩹 #dwts
Sosa added, “The fact that I can’t physically see every one of you really does hurt. It is the safest and healthiest thing for all of us.”
A statement from the production staff, meanwhile, revealed the decision was made out of caution for the performers’ health and safety.
“To help protect the health and safety of our cast and crew and due to the extensive tour we are about to embark on, we wish to inform you that the cast of DWTS LIVE will not be able to come outside the venues to say hi to anyone after the show,” the social media statement read. “This policy is intended to ensure the health and safety of our cast and crew so that they will be able to perform night after night across the country for you.”
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Fans, however, still have the chance to meet the pros by purchasing VIP experiences, which comes with a meet-and-greet photo op.
In addition to Sosa, the DWTS tour stars pros Brandon Armstrong, Hailey Bills, Alan Bersten, Val Chmerkovskiy, Jenna Johnson, Daniella Karagach, Pasha Pashkov, Emma Slater, Britt Stewart and a rotating cast of the celebrities from 2025’s season 34.
Rylee Arnold, however, is among the pros who opted against hitting the road.
“So sad I won’t be on the DWTS tour this year,” Arnold, 20, said in a social media statement in November 2025. “This year, I had to make the hard decision to sit it out and focus on my health, especially with managing my Type 1 diabetes, which can be tricky on the road. I’m gonna miss it SO much, but I’ll definitely be cheering everyone on and can’t wait to come watch.”
