Sasha Farber visited the Dancing With the Stars studio after claiming his absence from season 35 wasn’t his decision.
Farber, 42, shared a photo via Instagram on Thursday, September 4, of him pulling up to the Television City Studios lot in Los Angeles, where DWTS is filmed. In follow-up posts, Farber spent time with Witney Carson on set while other pros and celebrities were seen in the background.
The DWTS alum was one of several pros who did not return for the newest installment of the hit ABC show. Farber was subsequently asked why he wasn’t included in the comments section of an Instagram post.
“Genuinely at this point you’re all over social and they’re leveraging you …. is this your choice? Are you wanting to be behind the scenes and move into like a hosting entertainment tonight Derek hough thing?” read the fan message, to which Farber replied, “Not my choice.”
Farber has been a pro on and off since season 17 in 2013. He previously spoke out after fans questioned his absence from season 34, saying in a September 2025 video, “It is a beautiful day today. Guys, the Dancing With the Stars cast announcement was today. Wow, so many good names. Who are you going to vote for? I mean, I know who I’m going to vote for. I know who you’re not going to vote for — that’s me. But that’s OK.”
He continued: “Thank you all so much for all your incredible messages. I read them all, I see it all, I adore you. I definitely don’t deserve you because you guys are amazing. I love you. Thank you so much.”
Farber showed his support for his fellow DWTS pros at the time.
“This is going to be quite the season … who’s gonna win? Anyone could win,” he concluded. “This is going to be great and I can’t wait to cheer. Love you all.”
Gleb Savchenko, meanwhile, also spoke out after he was noticeably absent from the cast reveal on Wednesday, September 2.
“Guys, I promise… I’m good 😂❤️,” Savchenko, 42, wrote via Instagram. “Nothing but love and gratitude for all the years in that ballroom. Excited for this next chapter — and wishing everyone an amazing season 🪩.”
He concluded: “No sad messages. We’re moving forward 😉. Guys, we can stop telling me you’re sorry. I’m good.”
Dancing With the Stars season 35 kicks off with a two-night premiere on ABC and Disney+ Tuesday, September 15, and Wednesday, September 16, at 8 p.m. ET.
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