Primary Production Venues for Dancing with the Stars
Dancing with the Stars is filmed primarily at two U.S. locations: the Walt Disney Studios in Burbank, California, used for most seasons, and, since season 32, the Universal Television Studio in Los Angeles for live shows. Both venues provide soundstages, dance floors, and integrated production infrastructure to support live broadcasting. This article outlines the exact studios, lot areas, and technical setups used, drawing on production records and studio disclosures. Below is a quick reference table summarizing key venue attributes and dates.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Studio (seasons 1–31) | Walt Disney Studios, Stage 1 and adjacent soundstages, Burbank, CA | Studio lot disclosures |
| Primary Studio (season 32 onward) | Universal Television Studio, soundstages 1 and 2, Los Angeles, CA | Production announcements |
| Typical Taping Days | Multiple days per week across several weeks per season cycle | Network schedules |
| Live Show Venue | Same studios with enhanced audience and broadcast infrastructure | Network press releases |
Walt Disney Studios, Burbank
For the majority of its run, Dancing with the Stars used soundstages at the Walt Disney Studios in Burbank. Stage 1 and adjoining stages offered a large, flat performance area that could be reconfigured for dance setups, audience seating, and camera rigs. Disney’s backlot also provided control rooms, dressing rooms, and storage space tightly integrated with ABC broadcast systems. This location gave the show consistent access to ABC’s parent infrastructure, technical staff, and post-production partners. The Burbank lot is secured and managed by Disney, which historically allowed for controlled access and long-term set retention between seasons.
Universal Television Studio, Los Angeles (Season 32+)
Starting with season 32, production shifted to the Universal Television Studio in Los Angeles. This move aligned with broader studio scheduling changes and allowed the show to tap into Universal’s soundstages, audience facilities, and local union resources. The Universal lots house multiple soundstages with modular floor space suitable for dance floors, camera platforms, and live audience configurations. Production workflows remained similar, but the change in venue introduced new logistical considerations, including parking, crew commutes, and coordination with other NBCUniversal productions in the area.
Stage and Technical Infrastructure
Regardless of the venue, Dancing with the Stars relies on a standardized technical spine that supports live judging, broadcast graphics, and camera coverage. The main performance floor is built to precise dimensional specs to accommodate dance routines, with sprung flooring to reduce impact. Multiple camera tiers, including robotic rigs and handheld units, are positioned around the perimeter and overhead. Control rooms house directors, technical directors, and graphics operators, feeding live content to ABC’s broadcast chain.
Soundstage Specifications
- Clear height: sufficient for overhead camera rigs and lighting trusses
- Floor load capacity: reinforced to support stage sets and audience seating
- Power capacity: high-load capacity for lighting, cameras, and live broadcast gear
- Acoustic treatment: designed to minimize echo and support audio capture
Audience and Logistics Planning
Audience logistics are a core part of the filming process. Depending on the season, the show uses a mix of studio audiences and virtual audience components, with strict seating plans to maintain sightlines and camera coverage. Production schedules coordinate dancer call times, rehearsals, and live segments so that cameras, lighting, and judging panels are in place. Health and safety protocols, including backstage access and performer support areas, are standardized regardless of the venue.
Comparing the Two Main Venues
| Aspect | Walt Disney Studios (Burbank) | Universal Television Studio (Los Angeles) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Use Period | Seasons 1–31 | Season 32 onward |
| Studio Features | Integrated ABC production infrastructure and backlot support | Modular soundstages within NBCUniversal campus |
| Access and Security | Disney-managed secure lot with controlled access | Universal lot access under NBCUniversal security protocols |
| Logistical Considerations | Established crew housing and parking tied to Disney operations | New parking and commute patterns; proximity to broader LA production services |
On-Set Workflow During a Taping Week
Each taping week follows a tightly orchestrated schedule. Rehearsals begin early in the day to block dance moves and camera moves, followed by technical checks for cameras, audio, and lighting. Live segments are filmed with minimal interruption, though contingency edits are prepared for unforeseen issues. Producers coordinate talent, judges, and crew timing to keep the show within its broadcast window, and post-processing for graphics and music overlays is completed before final broadcast.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is Dancing with theStars filmed in the same place every season? No. The show moved from Walt Disney Studios in Burbank to the Universal Television Studio in Los Angeles starting with season 32.
- Can audiences visit the filming location between tapings? Access varies by season and studio policy. When permitted, audiences are booked through official ticketing channels; filming days are not open walk-in events.
- Are any outdoor shots used for Dancing with the Stars? The core show is produced indoors on soundstages. Some special episodes or promotional segments may include limited outdoor elements, but these are exceptions rather than standard practice.
- How are live judges’ scores synced with the broadcast? Scores are entered into an integrated scoring system in the control room and displayed through on-screen graphics timed to each dance. Producers run live technical rehearsals to ensure synchronization.
Takeaway
If you are researching how Dancing with the Stars is produced and where it is filmed, the core answer is straightforward: the show is taped in professional television studios designed for live performance and broadcast. From season 1 through season 31, that was primarily the Walt Disney Studios in Burbank; since season 32, production has moved to the Universal Television Studio in Los Angeles. Understanding these locations helps explain the show’s consistent technical quality, live logistics, and ability to deliver a polished broadcast week after week.