ABC’s “Dancing with the Stars: The Next Pro” brings a fresh spin to the beloved competition franchise by swapping celebrity contestants for rising dance pros competing for a spot in the main ballroom. Hosted by Season 34 champion Robert Irwin alongside legendary judges Mark and Shirley Ballas, the series made a splash upon its July 2026 debut, quickly captivating longtime fans eager to see the next generation of talent.
Alongside high-energy choreography and emotional drama, the show highlights Australia’s spectacular scenery, leaving fans curious about where production took place. The choice of location played a surprisingly significant role behind the scenes.
Most of “DWTS: The Next Pro” was filmed inside the Thomas Dixon Centre in Brisbane, as Screen Queensland reports. This is where viewers see the competition performances, rehearsal sessions and behind-the-scenes training.
The production also includes exterior establishing shots of Brisbane, giving audiences glimpses of the city’s modern skyline and riverside atmosphere while setting the stage for each episode. Brisbane is enjoyable year-round thanks to its subtropical climate.
The most comfortable months to visit Brisbane are generally March through May and September through November. During these periods, visitors can expect warm days, lower humidity and pleasant weather for walking along the Brisbane River or exploring nearby attractions.
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One of the biggest attractions is South Bank Parklands, located along The Brisbane River. The area features walking paths, restaurants, public art, museums and the famous Streets Beach, Australia’s only inner-city man-made beach.
Wildlife lovers should make time for a visit to Australia Zoo, located about an hour north of Brisbane. Founded by Steve Irwin’s family, the zoo offers visitors the chance to see native Australian wildlife while learning about conservation efforts that Robert continues to champion.
Brisbane is easy to explore thanks to its well-connected public transportation system. Visitors can fly into Brisbane Airport and take the Airtrain to the city center in about 20 minutes.
Buses, trains, CityCat ferries and rideshare services make it simple to reach attractions throughout the city. Many of the highlights in South Brisbane are within walking distance of one another, making the area especially convenient for visitors.
For those looking to explore the filming locations, considering staying in South Brisbane, West End or Brisbane’s Central Business District is a good idea. All of these areas provide convenient access to the Thomas Dixon Centre and many of the city’s top attractions.
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Robert Irwin remains deeply involved in wildlife conservation at the nearby Australia Zoo. Basing the show in Brisbane allowed him to seamlessly balance his hosting duties in the ballroom with his ongoing wildlife preservation work right down the road.
They chose the Thomas Dixon Centre for its world-class studios, rehearsal spaces and performance stages built for elite talent.
This means the show can provide a more authentic and challenging experience for the contestants, which in turn can lead to more compelling television for the audience.
For viewers who want to watch “Dancing with the Stars: The Next Pro”, the series premiered on ABC in July 2026.
It is available to stream.