And this time, it wasn’t just about dancing well to get through.<\/p>\n
It was about how well he could teach someone else to dance.<\/p>\n
In our Dancing with the Stars The Next Pro Episode 6 recap<\/strong>, we’re looking at a challenge that struck at the heart of what it really means to be a professional dancer.<\/p>\n Episode 6, \u201cBut Can You Teach? Coaching Superfans with Witney Carson,\u201d<\/strong> threw a curveball at the remaining contestants. Instead of simply learning choreography and performing it themselves, they had to take on a responsibility that professional dancers know very well: helping someone else succeed.<\/p>\n The task was simple in theory \u2014 but a whole lot harder in practice:<\/p>\n Take a complete beginner and get them up to speed in just two short days.<\/strong><\/p>\n For Allen Genkin, it was an opportunity to put into practice something we see all the time here at Fred Astaire Dance Studios:<\/p>\n It\u2019s not just about putting on great shows. True dance professionals help make great dancers.<\/p>\n And Allen delivered.<\/p>\n After weeks of challenges testing technique, choreography, chemistry and performance skills, the remaining contestants were presented with a whole new question:<\/p>\n Are you good at instructing?<\/strong><\/p>\n That distinction matters.<\/p>\n The original Dancing with the Stars<\/em> isn’t built around professionals dancing exclusively with other professionals. The show’s pros have to partner with celebrities who can arrive with wildly different levels of dance experience, confidence and physical ability.<\/p>\n That’s one reason Episode 6 felt so relevant to the actual job these contestants are trying to win.<\/p>\n The challenge paired the aspiring pros with Dancing with the Stars<\/em> superfans who were ballroom newcomers. With Witney Carson joining judges Mark Ballas and Shirley Ballas, the competitors were given just two days to prepare their new partners for a ballroom performance.<\/p>\n The episode’s challenge and its two-day turnaround were designed to test something we hadn’t seen to quite this degree before: Could these talented performers actually transfer what they know to someone else?<\/strong><\/p>\n The pairs included:<\/p>\n Suddenly, it was about more than being the best dancer in the room.<\/p>\n These pros had to talk. Adapt. Encourage. Choreograph to the strengths of their students. And somehow transform a nervous beginner into a confident dance partner before time ran out.<\/p>\n Sound familiar?<\/p>\n For dance instructors, it certainly should.<\/p>\n Until this point, the competition had tested many of the things we naturally associate with a professional dancer.<\/p>\n Technique matters. Musicality matters. Choreography matters. Performance matters. The ability to connect with a partner matters.<\/p>\n But teaching introduces another layer entirely.<\/p>\n Knowing how to perform a movement and knowing how to explain that movement to somebody else<\/strong> aren’t necessarily the same skill.<\/p>\n A professional may understand exactly where their weight needs to be, how their frame should feel or how a movement connects to the music. A beginner doesn’t have years of training to draw from.<\/p>\n The teacher has to find another way in.<\/p>\n Maybe that means changing the explanation.<\/p>\n Maybe it means demonstrating the movement instead of describing it.<\/p>\n Maybe the student needs to understand the timing first and the footwork second. Someone else might need the exact opposite.<\/p>\n And sometimes the biggest obstacle isn’t a dance step at all.<\/p>\n It’s convincing the person standing in front of you that they’re actually capable of doing it.<\/p>\n That made this challenge feel particularly close to home for us at Fred Astaire Dance Studios.<\/p>\n Allen\u2019s challenge partner was Zaira Yzabelle<\/strong>, and they had the iconic Waltz to learn together in just a couple of days.<\/p>\n But this was more than simply teaching Zaira where to put her feet.<\/p>\n Allen had to build trust.<\/p>\n He had to learn how she learned things.<\/p>\n He had to give her enough technique to make her dance look convincing without overloading her with information.<\/p>\n And, more importantly, he had to convince her that she belonged on that ballroom floor.<\/p>\n That relationship became a huge part of the strength of their performance.<\/p>\n By the time Allen and Zaira were finally on the floor together, they were no longer simply a professional and a beginner trying to survive a routine.<\/p>\n They looked like partners.<\/p>\n And that’s an important distinction.<\/p>\n A Waltz can have beautiful steps, but ballroom dancing is about more than executing choreography in the right order. The movement between two people has to feel connected.<\/p>\n That requires communication.<\/p>\n For a professional working with a brand-new dancer, it also requires an enormous amount of trust.<\/p>\n The judges had plenty to say about Allen and Zaira’s performance.<\/p>\n Shirley Ballas praised their partnership while also pushing Allen to continue working on some of the ballroom fundamentals.<\/p>\n Mark Ballas addressed Allen’s energy and what the pair had been able to accomplish within such a short deadline.<\/p>\n But one of the most interesting parts of the feedback centered on the confidence and trust Allen had managed to build with his partner.<\/p>\n And that’s the million-dollar question.<\/p>\n On Dancing with the Stars<\/em>, a professional isn’t necessarily dancing with another professional.<\/p>\n They’re working with someone who might be entering the ballroom with an entirely different background.<\/p>\n So the professional has another job.<\/p>\n They have to help that person believe:<\/p>\n \u201cYou can totally do this.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n And that was at the heart of this challenge.<\/p>\n There\u2019s a little bit of a lesson underneath Episode 6.<\/p>\n When you think of a career in dance, you probably think of flashing lights, fancy costumes and the rush of performing.<\/p>\n Competitions, travel, TV… the whole shebang.<\/p>\n But what people so often forget is that behind the performance there can be something much less glamorous \u2014 and arguably much more important.<\/p>\n Teaching.<\/strong><\/p>\n Of course a dance instructor needs dance skill. Technique provides the foundation that allows a professional to understand movement and communicate it effectively. It’s one reason we continue to emphasize the importance of developing strong ballroom fundamentals throughout a dancer’s growth.<\/p>\n But instructors also need patience.<\/p>\n And communication skills.<\/p>\n They have to be able to inspire confidence in their students and understand that two students can process the exact same instruction in completely different ways.<\/p>\n Sometimes that means correcting a foot or two.<\/p>\n Sometimes it means changing the choreography.<\/p>\n Sometimes it means explaining the same idea three different ways until something finally clicks.<\/p>\n And sometimes it means taking someone who is pretty sure they can’t dance and showing them that maybe \u2014 just maybe \u2014 they can.<\/p>\n That’s where a dance career becomes more than just performance.<\/p>\n Ballroom dancing gives a teacher quite a few moving pieces to work with.<\/p>\n There are steps and timing, of course. But there is also posture, frame, connection, musicality, balance, lead and follow, direction and partnership.<\/p>\n Try dumping all of that onto a first-time dancer at once and you’ll probably get one very confused student.<\/p>\n So a good instructor learns how to prioritize.<\/p>\n What does this student need right now<\/strong>?<\/p>\n What can wait until later?<\/p>\n What explanation makes sense to this particular person?<\/p>\n That’s where teaching becomes its own skill.<\/p>\n A student may need to feel the rhythm before worrying about beautiful technique. Another might feel more comfortable understanding exactly where each foot goes. Someone who is nervous may simply need a few minutes to realize nobody expects perfection.<\/p>\n And then there’s choreography.<\/p>\n The most impressive routine isn’t necessarily the one containing the greatest number of difficult steps. Especially with a new dancer, smart choreography can showcase what the student does well while giving them room to become more comfortable on the floor.<\/p>\n Episode 6 put those decisions under a microscope \u2014 and gave the contestants very little time to make them.<\/p>\n Versions of Allen\u2019s challenge happen every single day across our Fred Astaire Dance Studios.<\/p>\n Fortunately, most of our instructors have a little more than 48 hours to figure things out.<\/p>\n Someone enters a dance studio for the first time.<\/p>\n It\u2019s possible they’ve never even been on a dance floor in their life.<\/p>\n Some are very excited.<\/p>\n Others are getting quite scared.<\/p>\n Some swear they have two left feet.<\/p>\n Some were dragged in by their spouse whether they wanted to go or not.<\/p>\n And then the music starts.<\/p>\n The professional instructor teaches one step, then another, and before you know it the student is starting to relax.<\/p>\n Things begin to fall into place.<\/p>\n The nerves start to disappear.<\/p>\n Confidence begins replacing that initial uncertainty.<\/p>\n And one of the absolute best moments is when someone who really thought they couldn’t dance suddenly realizes:<\/p>\n Wait a minute. I’m dancing.<\/strong><\/p>\n And that, friends, is one of the most satisfying parts of being a dance instructor.<\/p>\n You’re teaching more than a few fancy moves.<\/p>\n You’re helping people discover a whole new dimension of themselves.<\/p>\n After the performances, the judges had a tough decision to make.<\/p>\n Ultimately, Nina Mayster was eliminated from the competition.<\/strong><\/p>\n That left the final four:<\/p>\n Adele Zaikman. AJ Pritchard. Selena Hamilton. Allen Genkin.<\/strong><\/p>\n Allen is now one round away from the finale \u2014 and another step closer to the opportunity at the center of this entire competition.<\/p>\n According to Hulu’s official guide to the series, the winner of The Next Pro<\/em> earns a professional dancer spot on Season 35 of Dancing with the Stars<\/em>.<\/p>\n So, yes.<\/p>\n This is kind of a big deal.<\/p>\n And it’s another reason for everyone across Fred Astaire Dance Studios who has been following Allen’s journey to celebrate.<\/p>\n But not so fast on those champagne corks…<\/p>\n There is still dancing to do.<\/p>\n The Next Pro<\/em> might have you thinking about your own life and career.<\/p>\n But what if you<\/strong> were the teacher?<\/p>\n Maybe you’ve been dancing since you were a kid.<\/p>\n Maybe you were a competitive teen.<\/p>\n Maybe you’ve trained in ballet, jazz, contemporary, ballroom or a little bit of everything.<\/p>\n Maybe you’ve always wanted to be a performer but never quite figured out how to turn that passion into a real career.<\/p>\n Or maybe you simply know that being stuck behind a desk from nine to five was never going to be your story.<\/p>\n You may be closer to a dance career than you think.<\/p>\n Fred Astaire Dance Studios offers opportunities for dance instructors along with training and professional development designed to help instructors continue growing as dancers and teachers.<\/p>\n And here’s something that may surprise you:<\/p>\n Previous teaching experience isn’t always necessary.<\/strong><\/p>\n What matters is a desire to learn, an ability to connect with people and an interest in helping others discover the joy of dance.<\/p>\n Professional instructors can continue developing their own dancing while building the skills that help make them effective teachers \u2014 including choreography, communication, student relationships, performance and competition.<\/p>\n And for some people, teaching is only the beginning.<\/p>\n Our organization also offers professional growth opportunities that can lead into training, coaching, studio management and leadership.<\/p>\n Your first step doesn’t have to be onto a TV stage.<\/p>\n It can be through the doors of a dance studio.<\/p>\n The latest episode of The Next Pro<\/em> brought something important back into focus.<\/p>\n The final performance is only one part of what makes a great professional.<\/p>\n Of course you have to be able to dance.<\/p>\n But you also have to be able to help someone else become a dancer.<\/p>\n That’s what Allen was asked to prove this week.<\/p>\n Now he’s through to the semifinals.<\/p>\n Perhaps watching Allen’s journey has you wondering where your own dance career could lead.<\/p>\n Maybe it’s time to stop wondering.<\/p>\n Take that first step toward a dance career with Fred Astaire Dance Studios.<\/strong><\/p>\n Explore dance instructor opportunities, professional training and career paths available throughout our studio network.<\/p>\n Every pro starts somewhere.<\/p>\n Your somewhere could be here.<\/p>\n Episode 6 challenged the remaining contestants to do something very different: teach ballroom dancing rather than simply perform it. Each professional was paired with a ballroom newcomer and given two days to prepare a routine. The challenge tested not only dance ability, but communication, choreography, patience and the ability to build confidence in a partner.<\/p>\n Yes. Allen Genkin advanced through Episode 6 and earned a place in the Dancing with the Stars: The Next Pro semifinals.<\/strong><\/p>\n He joins Adele Zaikman, AJ Pritchard and Selena Hamilton in the final four.<\/p>\n Allen was paired with Zaira Yzabelle<\/strong> for the Episode 6 teaching challenge.<\/p>\n Instead of preparing with another seasoned professional, Allen had to help his new partner learn a ballroom routine under a tight deadline.<\/p>\n Allen and Zaira performed the Waltz<\/strong>.<\/p>\n Their challenge required Allen to balance teaching technique with choreography while building enough trust and confidence for his partner to step onto the floor and perform.<\/p>\n Episode 6 was titled \u201cBut Can You Teach? Coaching Superfans with Witney Carson.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n The remaining professionals were challenged to teach ballroom novices and prepare them to perform in only two days. Witney Carson joined Mark Ballas and Shirley Ballas for the episode.<\/p>\n Previous teaching experience isn’t always necessary to explore opportunities with Fred Astaire Dance Studios.<\/p>\n People come into professional dance careers from many different backgrounds. Training can help dancers develop the ballroom technique, communication skills and teaching tools they’ll need to work effectively with students.<\/p>\n The willingness to learn and the ability to connect with people can be every bit as important as knowing how to perform.<\/p>\n Now only four dancers remain.<\/p>\n There is one professional opening.<\/p>\n And Allen Genkin is very much in the running.<\/p>\n Come support Allen alongside the entire Fred Astaire Dance Studios family as he heads into the Dancing with the Stars: The Next Pro semifinals.<\/strong><\/p>\n And don’t stop with the episode.<\/p>\n Follow @fred_astaire_dance_studios<\/strong> for performance reactions, behind-the-scenes fun, ballroom insights, exclusive content and plenty more as Allen’s journey continues.<\/p>\n Come on, #TeamAllen!<\/strong><\/p>\n Want to learn more about the competition Allen is fighting to win?<\/strong> Hulu\u2019s official Dancing with the Stars: The Next Pro<\/em> guide explains the competition format, contestants, and the ultimate prize: a professional dancer spot on Dancing with the Stars<\/em> Season 35. Looking for more details from Episode 6?<\/strong> The Episode 6 listing for \u201cBut Can You Teach? Coaching Superfans with Witney Carson\u201d<\/em> includes the August 17 air date, guest judge Witney Carson, and additional episode information. What Happened in Dancing with the Stars: The Next Pro Episode 6?<\/h2>\n
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Why Episode 6 Was So Different From the Rest of The Next Pro<\/h2>\n
Allen Genkin & Zaira Yzabelle Take on the Waltz<\/h2>\n
Judges Recognize Allen\u2019s Ability to Inspire Confidence<\/h2>\n
Professional Dance Is More Than Simply Performing<\/h2>\n
What Does It Actually Take to Teach Ballroom Dancing?<\/h2>\n
It\u2019s Something We See Every Day in Our Fred Astaire Dance Teachers<\/h2>\n
Allen Genkin Reaches the DWTS: The Next Pro Semifinals<\/h2>\n
Is This the Start of Your Dance Career With Fred Astaire Dance Studios?<\/h2>\n
Every Pro Starts Somewhere
![\"Dancing](\"https:\/\/www.fredastaire.com\/arrowhead-ranch\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/257\/2026\/08\/start-your-dance-career-300x300.png\")
<\/a><\/h2>\nDancing with the Stars: The Next Pro Episode 6 FAQ<\/h2>\n
What happened on Dancing with the Stars: The Next Pro Episode 6?<\/h3>\n
Did Allen Genkin make the semifinals of The Next Pro?<\/h3>\n
Who did Allen Genkin dance with in Episode 6?<\/h3>\n
What dance did Allen Genkin and Zaira Yzabelle perform?<\/h3>\n
What was the challenge in The Next Pro Episode 6?<\/h3>\n
Can You Become a Dance Instructor Without Teaching Experience?<\/h3>\n
Let\u2019s Root for Allen in the DWTS: The Next Pro Semifinals!<\/h2>\n
Read Hulu\u2019s official DWTS: The Next Pro guide<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n
View the Dancing with the Stars: The Next Pro Episode 6 listing<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n