DWTS Sarah Jane Nader Reveals Brooks Nader’s Cheeky Advice After Gleb Savchenko Romance

The sparkling lights of the ballroom are calling once again, and the Nader family is stepping right back into the rhythm of reality television competition. As the premiere of Dancing With the Stars Season 35 approaches, the entertainment world is buzzing with anticipation over the latest cast lineup, dynamic partnerships, and behind-the-scenes drama. Among the most talked-about contestants entering the ballroom this season is Sarah Jane Nader, star of the Freeform reality series Love Thy Nader. Stepping out of her family’s collective shadow to forge her own path, the 24-year-old is preparing for the performance of a lifetime. However, she does not have to navigate this high-stakes environment entirely blind, thanks to the humorous, cautionary, and deeply affectionate advice handed down by her older sister and former DWTS competitor, Brooks Nader.

Brooks Nader, who famously competed on Season 33 of the ABC hit competition series in 2024 and finished in a respectable 9th place, knows firsthand the immense physical and mental demands of chasing the coveted Mirrorball trophy. Her stint on the show also drew considerable media attention due to her romance with her professional dance partner, Gleb Savchenko. Having experienced the whirlwind distraction of romance and intense rehearsals firsthand, Brooks is uniquely positioned to guide her younger sibling through the pressures of the ballroom. In a recent exclusive interview alongside sister Mary Holland Nader during the Live From E! Stream at the Tommy Hilfiger Spring 2027 Runway Show, Brooks candidly addressed the playful yet earnest warnings she gave Sarah Jane regarding her upcoming run on Season 35.

A Candid Warning from One Sister to Another

The sibling dynamic among the Nader sisters—which also includes Grace Ann Nader—is notoriously tight-knit, characterized by constant support, sharp wit, and a healthy dose of sibling rivalry. When Sarah Jane officially signed on for Season 35, Brooks made it abundantly clear that her younger sister needed to focus strictly on the technical and competitive aspects of the show, avoiding the personal distractions that characterized Brooks’s own tenure.

"I said, ‘Lock in, girl. Don’t even think about it,’" Brooks shared exclusively during the New York Fashion Week event. "Do as I say, not as I do. Do not do what I did. I had my partner over every day. I was so distracted. I said, ‘Just do the opposite of what I did.’ And she was like, ‘Noted.’"

This tongue-in-cheek guidance underscores the evolution of the Nader sisters’ media presence. While Brooks navigated her ballroom journey while publicly tied to the headlines surrounding her relationship with Savchenko, Sarah Jane is deliberately charting a different course. The younger Nader sibling has expressed a distinct desire to establish her individuality, stepping away from the ensemble dynamic of Love Thy Nader to prove her own capabilities as a solo performer and athlete.

The Historic Partnership: Sarah Jane Nader and Hailey Bills

Adding to the intrigue of Sarah Jane’s debut is her official partnership with newcomer professional dancer Hailey Bills. The pairing represents a landmark moment for Dancing With the Stars, marking only the second same-sex duo in the program’s history since 2022, and the third overall across its illustrious 21-year run. The inclusion of same-sex pairings continues to break traditional boundaries in ballroom dance, promoting inclusivity and showcasing technical versatility at the highest level of television entertainment.

Brooks Nader was quick to voice her admiration for the historic pairing and the immense dedication both women have demonstrated in the rehearsal studio. "I’m so proud of both of them," Brooks stated. "Hailey is such a talented dancer, and for this to be her first season is so special. To make history is always the coolest thing ever. They’re working extremely hard. I have to hand it to them. There’s no time for chitter-chatter, and I’m so proud. So, we’ll see what happens on the dance floor. I can’t wait!"

For Hailey Bills, stepping into the professional roster for Season 35 comes with immense responsibility, but industry insiders have already praised her rigorous training regimen and creative choreography tailored to Sarah Jane’s athletic capabilities. The duo faces high expectations as they prepare to take the stage for the season premiere on September 15.

The Competitive Nader Household and Family Support

Despite the playful warnings and sisterly teasing, the Nader household remains fiercely competitive. Brooks set a high bar during her Season 33 run, and she has made it clear that Sarah Jane must match or exceed that standard to avoid permanent friendly teasing.

"If she doesn’t go further than me, I’ll never let her forget that, ever," Brooks joked at the September 10 fashion event. "And if she does go further, I’ll be applauding every step of the way."

Logistics will also play a role in Sarah Jane’s motivational timeline. Due to pre-existing travel commitments, Brooks revealed that she will be out of town during the middle weeks of the competition. "I’m going to be gone for her middle dances," Brooks noted. "So, I was like, ‘You better make it past October 15th because I’m out of town.’ So, there’s some motivation."

To ensure Sarah Jane feels entirely supported throughout the premiere phase, the entire Nader family plans to be seated in the live audience. Mary Holland Nader confirmed the family’s unwavering solidarity, stating, "The whole family will be at the first dance, so we will be supporting, as we always are."

Stepping Out of the Family Ensemble

For Sarah Jane, the decision to join Dancing With the Stars represents a significant psychological and professional milestone. Known primarily to television audiences through the Freeform reality series Love Thy Nader—which offers an intimate look into the personal lives, careers, and close bonds of the Nader siblings—Sarah Jane acknowledged the daunting nature of doing something entirely on her own.

"I’m excited and scared in a way to be separated from my sisters during this and doing something so on my own," Sarah Jane exclusively shared with E! News during the official DWTS cast announcement on September 2. "I’m excited for people to see who I am as an individual and not just as a sister and yeah, just challenge myself."

This desire for autonomy resonates deeply with many reality television personalities who transition into structured competition formats. By stepping onto the ballroom floor without her sisters by her side as co-stars, Sarah Jane is inviting viewers to evaluate her purely on her work ethic, physical endurance, and artistic growth week after week.

A Star-Studded Season 35 Lineup

Sarah Jane Nader and Hailey Bills are joined by an eclectic and formidable cast of celebrities for Season 35 of Dancing With the Stars, setting the stage for one of the most competitive seasons in recent history. The diverse roster brings together icons from film, television, sports, and social media, each paired with elite professional partners:

• Julia Stiles & Ezra Sosa: The celebrated 10 Things I Hate About You star brings her classic screen presence and theatricality to the ballroom.
• Giada De Laurentiis & Alan Bersten: The renowned celebrity chef is turning up the heat in the kitchen and the dance studio.
• Harry Shum Jr. & Jenna Johnson: The acclaimed Glee actor brings his extensive musical theater and dance background directly to the competition.
• Taylor Hanson & Britt Stewart: The iconic ’90s teen heartthrob and musician hopes to rhythmically secure a spot at the top of the leaderboard.
• Tatyana Ali & Jan Ravnik: The beloved Fresh Prince of Bel-Air actress brings her signature energy and fresh moves to the floor.
• Jenna Dewan & Val Chmerkovskiy: Twenty years after capturing global attention in Step Up, the professional dancer returns to the spotlight to tackle ballroom choreography.
• Amber Glenn & Pasha Pashkov: The 2026 Olympic figure skater transitions her elite ice-dancing grace to the hardwood floor.
• Ezra Frech & Daniella Karagach: The Team USA Paralympic track and field champion showcases his remarkable athleticism and determination.
• Connor Wood & Rylee Arnold: The popular comedian and digital creator, known as Fibula on social media, aims to entertain and impress the judges.
• Conner Leavitt & Adele Zaikman: The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives personality follows in the footsteps of his wife, Whitney Leavitt, who competed on Season 34.
• Tyler Cameron & Sharna Burgess: The prominent Bachelor Nation star trades in roses for classic rumbas and tangos.
• Jackson Olson & Emma Slater: The Savannah Bananas baseball star brings his high-energy diamond flair into the ballroom.
• Guillermo Rodriguez & Witney Carson: The beloved Jimmy Kimmel Live! fixture is ready to surprise audiences with newly acquired dance skills.
• Ciara Miller & Brandon Armstrong: The Summer House star has openly discussed her rigorous physical preparation to build the necessary stamina for the demanding routines.
• Maura Higgins & Mark Ballas: The Love Island UK alum manifested her appearance on the show meticulously through vision boards, ensuring she is fully prepared for the challenge.

Broader Implications for the Franchise

As Dancing With the Stars enters its milestone Season 35, the casting strategies reflect a calculated effort to blend nostalgic pop-culture figures with contemporary digital creators and athletes. The inclusion of heritage reality stars like the Nader family highlights the symbiotic relationship between cable networks and major broadcast competitions, where cross-platform visibility drives audience engagement. Furthermore, historical milestones such as same-sex partnerships emphasize the show’s ongoing commitment to cultural relevance and modern inclusivity.

With rehearsals officially underway and the premiere date set for September 15, the pressure is mounting. Whether Sarah Jane Nader can heed her sister’s cheeky advice, avoid the distractions of the ballroom, and outlast Brooks’s Season 33 finish remains one of the season’s most compelling storylines. As Hailey Bills and Sarah Jane prepare to make history, fans and family alike will be watching every single step.