NEED TO KNOW
- Season 34 of Dancing with the Stars kicked off on Sept. 16, and PEOPLE was in the studio to witness everything the camera couldn’t
- Find out which of the contestants’ friends and family members supported them in the audience
- During one sweet moment, Lisa Ann Walter teared up during Parent Trap costar Elaine Hendrix’s performance
Season 34 of Dancing with the Stars got off to an electrifying start on Tuesday, Sept. 16 — and there was even more fun to be had behind the scenes.
As contestants performed dances like the salsa and the cha-cha onscreen, PEOPLE was inside the ballroom to witness all of the moments the camera didn’t catch, including the sweet shows of support from the stars’ friends and family in the audience.
Whitney Leavitt and Jen Affleck were cheered on by their fellow Secret Lives of Mormon Wives castmates Miranda McWhorter, Layla Taylor, Jessi Ngatikaura, Mikayla Matthews, Mayci Neeley, Demi Engemann and Taylor Frankie Paul (who was recently announced as the next Bachelorette).
ABC/Disney
Hilaria Baldwin, meanwhile, was supported by her husband Alec Baldwin and three of their children, including 11-year-old daughter Carmen. When Hilaria got close to partner Gleb Savchenko’s face at the end of their cha-cha to Jennifer Lopez’s “Let’s Get Loud,” squeals erupted backstage.
Elaine Hendrix’s Parent Trap costar Lisa Ann Walter was seen crying in the audience as her friend performed the cha-cha to Kesha’s “Woman” with her pro partner Alan Bersten. Later in the night, Bersten was seen giving executive producer Deena Katz a big hug.
Boy Meets World’s Will Friedle and Rider Strong showed out for their very own Topanga, Danielle Fishel. Plus, her longtime friend Lance Bass also cheered her on too.
Robert Irwin had strong family support with his mom Terri, sister Bindi, Bindi’s husband Chandler Powell and their daughter Grace in the audience.
Backstage, former pro Sasha Farber and season 33 contestant Chandler Kinney hung out and were all smiles. Season 29 contestant Chrishell Stause was also in the audience.
This first week ended without an elimination, but at the end of the show, Julianne Hough and Alfonso Ribeiro announced that two contestants will be going home next week.
Stay tuned for more behind-the-scenes insight on Sept. 23.
Dancing with the Stars airs Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET on ABC and Disney+.
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