A West End landmark will step into the international dance spotlight, with the Thomas Dixon Centre among the Brisbane locations used for Dancing with the Stars: The Next Pro, a new Robert Irwin-hosted series following emerging dancers competing for a professional place in the franchise.
West End Steps Into The Dance Spotlight
West End’s Thomas Dixon Centre has become part of a new chapter in the Dancing with the Stars franchise, with the Robert Irwin-hosted spin-off completing filming in Brisbane.
Dancing with the Stars: The Next Pro is an ABC US series produced by BBC Studios. The show is hosted by Queensland-born wildlife conservationist Robert Irwin, who was previously named champion of Dancing with the Stars season 34.
The series follows 12 up-and-coming dancers as they live together and compete for a place as a professional dancer in the next season of Dancing with the Stars. Unlike the main program, the focus is on emerging dance talent seeking a professional role within the franchise.
Thomas Dixon Centre Among Brisbane Filming Locations
Filming took place in Brisbane earlier in 2026, with locations including the Thomas Dixon Centre in West End, the home of Queensland Ballet.
The choice of location gives the series a clear connection to Brisbane’s performing arts scene. The Thomas Dixon Centre is closely associated with dance in the city, making it a natural setting for a program centred on ballroom performers competing for a place on a major television stage.
The production also brought screen work to Brisbane during filming, with an estimated $7.2 million contribution and around 110 local cast and crew employed.
Robert Irwin Leads The New Format
For Robert Irwin, The Next Pro continues his connection with Dancing with the Stars, moving from competitor to host.
The judging line-up includes Mark Ballas and Shirley Ballas, bringing established dance figures into the new competition format. The series is produced by BBC Studios, with Conrad Green serving as showrunner and executive producer.
BBC Studios’ recent work connected to Queensland also includes the upcoming Bluey feature film from Brisbane’s Ludo Studio.
Brisbane-filmed Series Heads to US Television
Dancing with the Stars: The Next Pro is scheduled to premiere on Monday 13 July on ABC in the United States.
The series places a local arts venue within a new dance-focused television format. For Brisbane, it adds another screen production to the city’s recent film and television activity, while giving the Thomas Dixon Centre a role in a program built around the next generation of professional dancers.
Published 21-May-2026
