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Sasha Farber, one of Dancing With the Stars’ most recognizable professional dancers, was missing from the show’s season 35 cast announcement on September 2 — his second consecutive absence from the competition. His recent activity on TikTok and a since-deleted comment offer the clearest public clues yet about why he wasn’t included and whether he would return.
Left off the roster again
The season 35 lineup introduced on September 2 did not include Farber, who last competed on the series in 2023 alongside Jenn Tran. The new pro roster also features talent emerging from the spin-off DWTS: The Next Pro, but Farber’s name was not among the confirmed pros.
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Fans noticed immediately. Many took to social media to ask why he had been omitted, and to encourage the dancer to come back.
Signals on social: likes, emojis and a deleted reply
On September 3, Farber shared a dance video on TikTok that drew attention not for the choreography but for how he interacted with fans. He liked supportive comments and responded with small emojis to followers urging his return to the ballroom.
In one interaction on a separate video, a follower asked whether Farber’s absence was his choice or part of a broader career shift toward hosting. Farber briefly replied, “Not my choice,” before deleting the message. The comment has since been removed, but screenshots and fan accounts circulated quickly.
When another fan asked outright whether he would come back to Dancing With the Stars if asked, Farber replied simply, “Yes,” accompanied by a heart-eyes emoji — a public sign he remains open to returning if the opportunity arises.
How fans and the show might interpret this
Supporters have voiced disappointment at two straight seasons without Farber on the main show, and his social responses have only amplified that reaction. The deleted reply fuels questions about casting decisions and how much control pros have over their participation.
From an industry perspective, the addition of graduates from the spin-off and rotating pro lineups are routine casting moves. Still, for viewers who follow specific pros closely, recurring absences change the chemistry of the ballroom and the show’s familiar faces.
What to watch next
Farber’s public openness to returning leaves the possibility of a comeback alive. Whether producers will invite him back remains unknown. For now, fans will be watching both his social channels and future cast announcements for any sign he’s heading back to the dance floor.
