Where is dwts filmed

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Last updated: April 17, 2026

Quick Answer: Dancing with the Stars is filmed at the Walt Disney Studios in Burbank, California, specifically in Studio 5, a soundstage with a capacity of over 300 audience members. The show has been taped there since its move from ABC's Los Angeles studios in 2005.

Key Facts

Dancing with the Stars is filmed at Walt Disney Studios in Burbank, California
The show moved to Studio 5 in 2005 during Season 2
Studio 5 seats over 300 audience members for live tapings
The ballroom set is rebuilt each season with updated lighting and cameras
Filming typically occurs weekly from August through November

Overview

Dancing with the Stars, the popular celebrity dance competition, has been filmed at the Walt Disney Studios lot in Burbank, California since 2005. The show moved there during Season 2 after initially taping at ABC’s nearby studio facilities. Since then, it has become synonymous with the Burbank production hub.

The primary filming location is Studio 5, a soundstage specifically outfitted for live audience tapings and high-definition broadcast. The studio allows for elaborate set designs, including the iconic ballroom floor, lighting rigs, and multi-camera setups essential for capturing dance performances from multiple angles.

Studio 5: This 12,000-square-foot soundstage at Walt Disney Studios has hosted DWTS since Season 2 and is equipped with advanced acoustics and lighting systems.
Location: The studio is located at 500 S. Buena Vista Street, Burbank, CA 91521, within the historic Walt Disney Studios complex.
Capacity: The audience seating in Studio 5 accommodates over 300 fans during live tapings, contributing to the show’s energetic atmosphere.
Relocation: DWTS moved from ABC’s Television Center to Disney Studios in 2005, aligning with Disney’s acquisition of ABC and greater production integration.
Set Design: The ballroom set is redesigned annually, incorporating new LED lighting, stage extensions, and camera placements to enhance visual appeal.

How It Works

Filming for Dancing with the Stars follows a tightly scheduled production calendar, with rehearsals, costume fittings, and live tapings occurring weekly during the season. Each episode is recorded just days before airing to maintain freshness and suspense.

Rehearsal Schedule: Celebrities and professional dancers rehearse 6–8 hours daily for five days leading up to the live taping, ensuring precision and synchronization.
Live Audience: Tapings are open to the public via online ticket requests, with over 10,000 applications received per episode.
Recording Days: Episodes are typically taped on Mondays and Tuesdays, with results shows filmed on Tuesdays in the same week.
Camera Setup:12–15 cameras are used during filming, including overhead and tracking shots to capture intricate dance moves.
Post-Production: Editing, music mixing, and graphics integration are completed within 48 hours of taping to meet broadcast deadlines.
Season Length: The main season runs from mid-August to late November, with occasional all-star or celebrity-themed seasons in the winter.

Comparison at a Glance

Here’s how DWTS’s production compares to other major dance and reality shows in terms of filming location and logistics:

Show	Network	Location	Studio Size	Audience Capacity
Dancing with the Stars	ABC	Burbank, CA	12,000 sq ft	300+
Saturday Night Live	NBC	New York, NY	15,000 sq ft	250
The Voice	NBC	Universal City, CA	10,000 sq ft	200
America’s Got Talent	NBC	Pasadena, CA	18,000 sq ft	500
Sytycd	FOX	Los Angeles, CA	9,000 sq ft	275

While DWTS doesn’t have the largest studio, its Burbank location offers proximity to top choreographers, costume designers, and talent agencies in Los Angeles. This logistical advantage helps maintain the show’s high production quality and timely execution.

Why It Matters

The choice of filming location significantly impacts the production quality, audience experience, and behind-the-scenes workflow of Dancing with the Stars. Being based at Disney Studios provides access to state-of-the-art facilities and seamless coordination with other Disney-owned content.

Production Synergy: Filming at Disney Studios enables collaboration with other Disney+ and ABC shows, streamlining resource sharing and talent coordination.
Talent Access: Los Angeles is home to over 40% of professional ballroom dancers in the U.S., making casting easier and more diverse.
Cost Efficiency: Centralized production in Burbank reduces travel and accommodation costs for celebrities and crew.
Historical Legacy: Studio 5 has hosted major productions since the 1950s, adding prestige and continuity to DWTS’s legacy.
Live Experience: Fans can attend tapings, creating a communal atmosphere that enhances the show’s entertainment value.
Global Distribution: Episodes filmed in Burbank are distributed to over 120 countries, reinforcing Disney’s international reach.

Ultimately, the Burbank location is more than just a backdrop—it’s a critical component of DWTS’s enduring success and cultural impact.