Witney Carson Explained

Witney Carson
Birth Name:Witney Capri Carson
Birth Date:17 October 1993
Birth Place:American Fork, Utah, U.S.
Years Active:1996–present
Education:
Children:2

Witney Capri Carson McAllister (; born October 17, 1993) is an American professional dancer and choreographer. She first gained recognition as a contestant on the ninth season of the reality competition series So You Think You Can Dance.

Carson then joined Dancing with the Stars as a troupe member, and was promoted to pro in 2014.[1] She won the nineteenth season with actor and comedian Alfonso Ribeiro, and the thirty-fourth season with wildlife conservationist Robert Irwin. For her work on the series, Carson earned a Primetime Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Choreography.[2]

Early life and education

Witney Capri Carson was born on October 17, 1993, in American Fork, Utah.[3] [4] She is the first child of Jill Carson, a travel agent, and Tyler Carson, a software developer.[5] She was raised Mormon with two younger brothers and a younger sister. Carson began her dancing career at the age of three and was trained in a variety of dance styles, such as ballet, jazz, contemporary, hip hop, lyrical, tap, Latin and standard ballroom. After graduating from American Fork High School,[6] she briefly studied ballroom dance at Utah Valley University.[7]

Career

2012–2013: So You Think You Can Dance

On February 23, 2012, Carson auditioned for the ninth season of the Fox competition series So You Think You Can Dance in Salt Lake City. She was one of the top twenty contestants and was paired with ballet dancer Chehon Wespi-Tschopp. As she progressed in the competition, Carson partnered with Nick Lazzarini, Stephen "tWitch" Boss, and Marko Germar. She was eliminated on September 5, 2012, finishing in the top six.[8] Carson returned the following season as an all-star and partnered with contestants Paul Karmiryan and Du-Shaunt "Fik-Shun" Stegall.[9]

WeekPair(s) / typeStyleMusicChoreographerResult
Meet the Top 20
(June 27)
Lindsay Arnold, Nick Bloxsom-CarterCha-cha-cha"Dance Again" — Jennifer Lopez feat. PitbullJason GilkisonNo elimination
Top 10 GirlsContemporary"Where the Light Gets In" — SennenTravis Wall
Top 20"Eyes (Coachella Live 2012 version)" — KaskadeMia Michaels
Week 1
(July 11)
Group DanceModern"Architect of the Mind" — Kerry MuzzeyChristopher Scott
Chehon Wespi-TschoppSamba"Jump" — The Cube Guys & LucianaLouis van Amstel
Week 2
(July 18)
Group DanceJazz"The Beautiful People (District 78 remix)" — Marilyn MansonNappytabsBottom 6
Chehon Wespi-TschoppBollywood"Tandav Music" — Aatish KapadiaNakul Dev Mahajan
Week 3
(July 25)
Group DanceContemporary"The Here and After" — Jun MiyakeTyce DiorioSafe
Chehon Wespi- Tschopp"I Will Always Love You" — Whitney HoustonStacey Tookey
Week 4
(August 15)
Group Dance"Hanging On" — Active ChildMia MichaelsSafe
Chehon Wespi-Tschopp"Calling You" — Celine DionMia Michaels
Week 5
(August 22)
Group DanceBroadway"The Cool World Stomp" — Mark IshamTyce DiorioBottom 4
Nick LazzariniJazz"Sing It Back" — MolokoTravis Wall
SoloSamba"You'll Find a Way (Switch & Sinden remix)" — Santigold
Week 6
(August 29)
Group DanceContemporary"Run Boy Run" — WoodkidPeter ChaoBottom 4
Stephen "tWitch" BossHip-hop"My Homies Still" — Lil Wayne feat. Big SeanLuther Brown
SoloCha-cha-cha"Where Have You Been" — Rihanna
Week 7
(September 5)
Group DanceJazz"Scream" — KelisSonya TayehEliminated
Marko GermarLyrical Jazz"No Nothing" — Curtis & Reinhard feat. BlaireRay Leeper
SoloPaso doble"Malagueña" — Brian Setzer '68 Comeback Special

2013–present: Dancing with the Stars and other projects

In March 2013, Carson joined the reality competition series Dancing with the Stars as a member of the troupe for the sixteenth season.[10] She remained in the troupe for the following season and was promoted to pro on season 18, partnering with singer Cody Simpson. They were eliminated during the fifth week of competition on April 14, 2014, finishing in ninth place.[11] For season 19, Carson was partnered with actor and comedian Alfonso Ribeiro. They won the competition on November 25, 2014, making Carson one of six professional dancers to win the Mirrorball Trophy within their first two seasons.[12]

For season 20, Carson was partnered with The Bachelor star Chris Soules.[13] They were eliminated during the eighth week of competition on May 5, 2015, alongside Robert Herjavec and Kym Johnson; the former couple finished in fifth place.[14] Carson later starred in David Winters's musical film opposite Gary Daniels.[15] For season 21, Carson was paired with Big Time Rush singer and actor Carlos PenaVega.[16] They reached the finale, but were eliminated during its first night on November 23, 2015, finishing in fourth place.[17]

For season 22, Carson was paired with NFL linebacker Von Miller. They were eliminated during the seventh week of competition on May 2, 2016, alongside Kim Fields and Sasha Farber; the former couple finished in eighth place.[18] For season 23, Carson was paired with rapper Vanilla Ice. They were eliminated during the fourth week of competition alongside Babyface and Allison Holker; both couples finished in tenth place.[19] For season 24, Carson was partnered with comedian Chris Kattan. They were the first couple to be eliminated from the competition, finishing in twelfth place on March 27, 2017; Carson's lowest placement and earliest exit to date.[20]

For season 25, Carson was partnered with Malcolm in the Middle actor Frankie Muniz. They reached the finale and ultimately finished in third place on November 21, 2017.[21] For the Athletes season, Carson was paired with Olympic luger Chris Mazdzer. They were eliminated during the third week of competition on May 14, 2018, tying in fourth place with Jennie Finch Daigle and Mirai Nagasu and their partners Keo Motsepe and Alan Bersten.[22] For season 27, Carson was partnered with actor Milo Manheim.[23] They reached the finale and finished as the runner-ups on November 19, 2018, behind Bobby Bones and Sharna Burgess.[24] For season 28, Carson was partnered with Nickelodeon actor and comedian Kel Mitchell. They also reached the finale and finished as the runner-ups on November 25, 2019, behind Hannah Brown and Alan Bersten.[25] During the season, Carson served as the card dealer of the GSN game show Catch 21, which reunited her with Alfonso Ribeiro.[26]

For season 30, Carson returned to the show and was partnered with WWE wrestler Mike "The Miz" Mizanin. They were eliminated during the seventh week of competition on November 1, 2021, finishing in ninth place.[27] For season 31, Carson was partnered with comedian, actor and television personality Wayne Brady.[28] They reached the finale and finished in third place on November 21, 2022.[29] Carson did not return for season 32,[30] but came back for season 33 and was partnered with NFL wide receiver Danny Amendola.[31] They reached the finale and finished in fifth place on November 26, 2024.[32] For season 34, Carson was partnered with wildlife conservationist and television personality Robert Irwin.[33] They won the competition on November 25, 2025, exactly eleven years after Carson won her first Mirrorball Trophy.[34]

Performances

* The average has been adjusted to be out of 30, not 40

SeasonPartnerPlaceAverage
18Cody Simpson9th23.80
19Alfonso Ribeiro1st27.70*
20Chris Soules5th22.05*
21Carlos PenaVega4th26.63
22Von Miller7th22.88
23Vanilla Ice10th19.69*
24Chris Kattan12th14.63*
25Frankie Muniz3rd26.00*
26Chris Mazdzer4th23.50
27Milo Manheim2nd27.54
28Kel Mitchell2nd25.47
30The Miz9th22.69*
31Wayne Brady3rd27.11*
33Danny Amendola5th25.07
34Robert Irwin1st26.97

Season 18 with celebrity partner Cody Simpson

Notes

Season 19 with celebrity partner Alfonso Ribeiro

Notes

Season 20 with celebrity partner Chris Soules

Notes

Season 21 with celebrity partner Carlos PenaVega

Notes

Season 22 with celebrity partner Von Miller

Notes

Season 23 with celebrity partner Vanilla Ice

Notes

Season 24 with celebrity partner Chris Kattan

Notes

Season 25 with celebrity partner Frankie Muniz

Notes

Season 26 with celebrity partner Chris Mazdzer

Notes

Season 27 with celebrity partner Milo Manheim

Notes

Season 28 with celebrity partner Kel Mitchell

Notes

Season 30 with celebrity partner Mike "The Miz" Mizanin

Notes

Season 31 with celebrity partner Wayne Brady

Notes

Season 33 with celebrity partner Danny Amendola

Notes

Season 34 with celebrity partner Robert Irwin

Notes

Personal life

Carson is a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.[35] She was diagnosed with melanoma before her debut appearance of Dancing with the Stars.[36] She underwent two successful surgeries to remove the cancer and hid her diagnosis from the producers, due to fear that it would cost her the season.

On October 3, 2015, Carson announced her engagement to mechanical engineer Carson McAllister, her high school sweetheart, after four years of dating.[37] They were married on December 31, 2015, through a civil ceremony in Salt Lake City;[38] they held a religious ceremony the following day at the Salt Lake Temple.[39] Among Carson's bridesmaids were fellow Dancing with the Stars pros Emma Slater, Lindsay Arnold and Jenna Johnson. Her season nineteen partner Alfonso Ribeiro also attended; his children served as the couple's ring bearers.

Carson and McAllister have two sons together. Their first, Kevin Leo McAllister, was born on January 3, 2021,[40] and their second, Jet Carson McAllister, was born on May 14, 2023.[41] The family resides in Orlando, Florida.[42]

Notes and References

  1. Dancing with the Stars Contestants, Pro Dancers, & host Season 20 . February 11, 2015 . . May 20, 2015 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20150626201609/http://abc.go.com/shows/dancing-with-the-stars/cast/witney-carson . June 26, 2015.
  2. Web site: Martin . Rebecca . July 20, 2015 . DWTS Pro Witney Carson Gets Emmy Nomination . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20150722210453/http://www.wetpaint.com/2015-07-20-dancing-with-the-stars-witney-carson-emmy/ . July 22, 2015 . July 23, 2015 . Wetpaint.
  3. Belle of the Ballroom. Kathryn. Holmes. Dance Spirit. PubWorx - Dance Media LLC. New York City, New York. January 1, 2015. July 26, 2020. July 26, 2020. https://archive.today/20200726152609/https://www.dancespirit.com/belle-ballroom-2326519466.html. live. Birthday: October 17, 1993; Middle name: Capri.
  4. Web site: 2013 . About Me Witney Carson . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20131029195311/http://witneycarson.com/about-me/ . October 29, 2013 . October 24, 2013.
  5. Web site: Orfanides . Effie . April 26, 2018 . Witney Carson's Family: 5 Fast Facts You Need to Know . live . https://archive.today/20250917193447/https://entertainmentnow.com/news/witney-carson-family-parents-siblings-mormon/ . September 17, 2025 . September 17, 2025 . EntertainmentNow . en-US.
  6. Web site: Pierce . Scott D. . October 11, 2019 . Scott D. Pierce: Utahn who’s been Dancing with the Stars is now making like Vanna White . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20211116205220/https://www.sltrib.com/artsliving/2019/10/11/scott-d-pierce-utahn-whos/ . November 16, 2021 . September 18, 2025 . . en-US.
  7. Web site: Micheli . Chelsea . July 16, 2012 . UVU Student Performs on So You Think You Can Dance . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20210227102722/https://www.uvureview.com/news/front-page/recent/featured/uvu-student-performs-on-so-you-think-you-can-dance/ . February 27, 2021 . September 18, 2025 . UVU Review . en-US.
  8. Hoffa . Meredith . September 6, 2012 . So You Think You Can Dance recap: Witney Carson, Cole Horibe eliminated . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20121019145125/http://tvrecaps.ew.com/recap/so-you-think-you-can-dance-season-9-episode-13/ . October 19, 2012 . May 20, 2015 . Entertainment Weekly.
  9. Web site: Halterman . Jim . April 30, 2013 . Meet The All-Stars Of So You Think You Can Dance Season 10! . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20130503001757/http://www.thebacklot.com/video/all-stars-so-you-think-you-can-dance-season-10/ . May 3, 2013 . May 20, 2015 . TheBlacklot.
  10. Web site: Carbone . Gina . March 11, 2013 . Dancing With the Stars 2013: Witney Carson Joins Season 16 Pro Troupe . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20130627152658/https://www.wetpaint.com/dancing-with-the-stars/articles/dancing-with-the-stars-2013-witney-carson-joins-season-16-pro-troupe . June 27, 2013 . October 24, 2013 . Wetpaint.
  11. Web site: Kwiatkowski . Elizabeth . April 15, 2014 . Dancing with the Stars eliminates Cody Simpson and professional partner Witney Carson on 'Disney Night' . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20140728181318/https://www.realitytvworld.com/news/dancing-with-stars-eliminates-cody-simpson-and-professional-partner-witney-carson-on-disney-night-16200.php . July 28, 2014 . August 19, 2022 . Reality TV World.
  12. Web site: Clarke . Suzan . November 25, 2014 . Dancing With the Stars 2014: Alfonso Ribeiro Wins in Season 19 Finals . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20141126053906/https://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/dancing-stars-2014-alfonso-ribeiro-wins-season-19/story?id=27183027 . November 26, 2014 . August 19, 2022 . . en.
  13. March 5, 2015 . Chris Soules Will Become 12th Contestant on Dancing with the Stars . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20150306012517/http://www.people.com/article/chris-soules-contestant-dancing-with-the-stars-bachelor . March 6, 2015 . March 31, 2015 . People.
  14. Web site: Kubicek . John . May 5, 2015 . Dancing with the Stars Results: A Huge Double Elimination . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20150507144201/http://www.buddytv.com/articles/dancing-with-the-stars/dancing-with-the-stars-results-56421.aspx . May 7, 2015 . September 20, 2025 . BuddyTV.
  15. Feller . Alison . January 18, 2013 . SYTYCD Stars Go Hollywood . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20130814042635/https://dancespirit.com/2013/01/sytycd-stars-go-hollywood/#gsc.tab=0 . August 14, 2013 . October 24, 2013 . Dance Spirit.
  16. Web site: September 2, 2015 . Dancing with the Stars Season 21 Cast Announcement . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20151016133959/http://abc.go.com/shows/dancing-with-the-stars/cast-announcement . October 16, 2015 . September 2, 2015 . ABC.
  17. Web site: Dostis . Melanie . November 23, 2015 . Dancing with the Stars finale part I recap: Carlos Pena Vega eliminated while Irwin and Carter blow judges away . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20250906040034/https://www.nydailynews.com/2015/11/23/dancing-with-the-stars-finale-part-i-recap-carlos-pena-vega-eliminated-while-irwin-and-carter-blow-judges-away/ . September 6, 2025 . August 19, 2022 . New York Daily News.
  18. Web site: Mullin . David . May 3, 2016 . Eliminated: No MVP for Von Miller on Dancing with the Stars . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20250918053131/https://broncoswire.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/broncos/2016/05/02/eliminated-no-mvp-for-von-miller-on-dancing-with-the-stars/79832369007/ . September 18, 2025 . August 19, 2022 . . en-US.
  19. Web site: Stone . Natalie . October 4, 2016 . Dancing with the Stars: Babyface, Vanilla Ice Eliminated in Week 4 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20161006093324/http://people.com/tv/dwts-double-elimination-find-out-who-was-sent-home-week-4/ . October 6, 2016 . August 19, 2022 . . en.
  20. Web site: March 28, 2017 . Chris Kattan and Witney Carson eliminated from Dancing with the Stars . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20170905065323/https://www.realitytvworld.com/news/chris-kattan-and-witney-carson-eliminated-from-dancing-with-stars--1054850.php . September 5, 2017 . August 19, 2022 . Reality TV World . UPI.
  21. Web site: Longeretta . Emily . November 22, 2017 . Dancing With the Stars Season 25 Finale Recap: Who Won the Mirrorball? . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20171123003705/https://www.usmagazine.com/entertainment/news/dancing-with-the-stars-season-25-finale-recap-who-won/ . November 23, 2017 . August 19, 2022 . . en-US.
  22. Web site: Iannucci . Rebecca . May 15, 2018 . Dancing With the Stars Week 3 Recap: Are the Right Athletes In the Finale? . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20250223040712/https://tvline.com/recaps/dancing-with-the-stars-athletes-recap-chris-mazdzer-eliminated-946800/ . February 23, 2025 . August 19, 2025 . . en-US.
  23. News: 'Dancing With the Stars' Season 27 Cast Revealed -- Meet the Celebs and Their Pro Partners!. Entertainment Tonight. Desiree. Murphy. September 12, 2018. September 12, 2018.
  24. Web site: Maloney . Michael . 'Dancing With the Stars' Season 27 Winners & Runners-Up React to That Shocking Finale . 2022-08-19 . TV Insider . November 20, 2018 . en-US.
  25. Web site: Iannucci . Rebecca . 2019-11-26 . Dancing With the Stars Finale Recap: Did the Right Couple Win Season 28? . 2022-08-19 . TVLine . en-US.
  26. Catch 21 Show Info . . April 25, 2020 . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20250422214654/https://press.gsntv.com/talent/witney-carson?ref=programming/catch-21 . April 22, 2025.
  27. Web site: Thompson . Andrew . November 1, 2021 . Witney Carson & WWE's The Miz eliminated from Dancing With the Stars . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20211102064722/https://www.postwrestling.com/2021/11/01/witney-carson-wwes-the-miz-eliminated-from-dancing-with-the-stars/ . November 2, 2021 . August 19, 2022 . POST Wrestling . en-US.
  28. Web site: Dugan Ramirez . Christina . September 8, 2022 . Dancing with the Stars : Teresa Giudice, Wayne Brady, Selma Blair and More Celebs Join Season 31 . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20220909090353/https://people.com/tv/dancing-with-the-stars-season-31-cast-reveal/ . September 9, 2022 . August 8, 2022 . . en.
  29. Web site: Joelle Goldstein . November 21, 2022 . Dancing with the Stars Season 31 Finale: A New Celebrity Becomes the Mirrorball Champion . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20221122031646/https://people.com/tv/dancing-with-the-stars-finale-season-31-winner/ . November 22, 2022 . November 22, 2022 . People.
  30. Web site: Jackson . Dory . August 28, 2023 . Dancing with the Stars Pro Witney Carson Not Returning for Season 32: 'I Hope It's Not a Goodbye' . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20230906194624/https://people.com/dwts-pro-witney-carson-not-returning-for-season-32-7853568 . September 6, 2023 . September 12, 2023 . People.
  31. Lenker . Maureen Lee . September 6, 2024 . See the first couple shots of the Dancing With the Stars season 33 duos . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20240906160955/https://ew.com/dancing-with-the-stars-season-33-couple-photos-exclusive-8706733 . September 6, 2024 . September 6, 2024 . . en.
  32. Web site: Bloom . Mike . November 26, 2024 . The Winner of Dancing with the Stars 2024 Is Revealed . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20241127085159/https://parade.com/tv/who-won-dancing-with-the-stars-33-finale-2024 . November 27, 2024 . November 26, 2024 . Parade.
  33. Web site: Rice . Lynette . September 3, 2025 . Dancing With The Stars Cast Reveal: Hilaria Baldwin, Andy Richter & Corey Feldman To Compete In Season 34 . live . https://archive.today/20250903133853/https://deadline.com/2025/09/dancing-with-the-stars-cast-reveal-season-34-2025-1236504833/ . September 3, 2025 . September 3, 2025 . . en-US.
  34. Web site: McKinley . Franklin . November 25, 2025 . Dancing With the Stars Ends Season 34 With Star-Studded Finale as a New Winner Is Crowned: See the Scores, Who Won . November 25, 2025 . The Hollywood Reporter.
  35. Web site: Hanlon . Sarah . September 13, 2014 . All About DWTS Pro Witney Carson & Carson McAllister's Love Story . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20241008023512/https://www.theknot.com/content/witney-carson-relationship . October 8, 2024 . September 21, 2025 . The Knot.
  36. Web site: Brody . Lanae . July 20, 2022 . DWTS Witney Carson Says She Hid Cancer Diagnosis from Producers: 'I Was Embarrassed' . October 16, 2025 . . en.
  37. Web site: Kimble . Lindsay . October 3, 2015 . Dancing with the Stars Witney Carson Is Engaged to Carson McAllister . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20161221114344/https://people.com/celebrity/dancing-with-the-stars-witney-carson-is-engaged-to-carson-mcallister/ . December 21, 2016 . September 21, 2025 . . en.
  38. News: Mullins . Jenna . January 3, 2016 . Witney Carson Is Married: Dancing With the Stars Pro Weds Carson McAllister . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20160205145720/https://www.eonline.com/news/727607/witney-carson-is-married-dancing-with-the-stars-pro-weds-carson-mcallister . February 5, 2016 . January 3, 2016 . .
  39. News: Gomez . Patrick . January 2, 2016 . Dancing with the Stars Witney Carson Weds High School Sweetheart Carson McAllister – Get the Exclusive Details . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20240927010631/https://people.com/tv/witney-carson-wedding-the-dancing-with-the-stars-pro-marries-carson-mcallister/ . September 27, 2024 . December 24, 2025 . . en .
  40. Slater . Georgia . January 3, 2021 . DWTS Pro Witney Carson Reveals Newborn Son's Name and Shares Sweet Meaning Behind His Moniker . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20210116185622/https://people.com/parents/witney-carson-reveals-sons-name/ . January 16, 2021 . January 3, 2021 . . EN.
  41. Web site: Andaloro . Angela . Slater . Georgia . May 15, 2023 . Witney Carson and Husband Carson Welcome Baby No. 2, Son Jet: 'Best Mother's Day Gift' . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20230515192413/https://people.com/parents/witney-carson-welcomes-second-baby-boy-photos/ . May 15, 2023 . May 15, 2023 . . en.
  42. Web site: Simpson . Kaitlin . April 6, 2024 . Witney Carson and Carson McAllister's New Florida Home: Photos . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20240407015732/https://www.usmagazine.com/celebrity-news/pictures/witney-carson-and-carson-mcallisters-new-florida-home-photos/ . April 7, 2024 . September 21, 2025 . . en-US.
  43. Web site: Corinthios . Aurelie . July 31, 2015 . DWTS Pro Witney Carson on Her Emmy Nod, Next Season and Working with The Bachelors Chris Soules . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20210126043444/https://people.com/tv/dancing-with-the-stars-witney-carson-on-her-emmy-nom-working-with-chris-soules/ . January 26, 2021 . September 21, 2025 . . en.