Hailey Bills Bio: Age, Family, Dance Career, DWTS & Achievements
Hailey Bills is an American professional dancer who has built an impressive career from a young age. She gained national attention through competitive dance and television appearances.
In 2026, Bills reached a major career milestone. She joined the professional cast of Dancing with the Stars Season 35. She will partner with Sarah Jane Nader on the popular ABC competition series.
Her journey began years before her professional debut. Bills first appeared in the Dancing with the Stars franchise as a junior professional dancer.
Since then, she has developed her skills across several dance styles. She also earned major awards and performed alongside established dance stars.
Who Is Hailey Bills?
Hailey Bills is a professional dancer, competitive dancer, and television performer. She became known for her versatility and strong technical ability.
Bills trained in ballroom, ballet, jazz, contemporary, hip-hop, and tap. Her broad training helped her compete successfully across different dance disciplines.
She started dancing when she was six years old. Her early commitment eventually turned into a successful competitive dance career.
Bills also comes from a family with strong dance connections. Her mother, Stacy Bills, has an extensive background in dance and gymnastics.
Most notably, Dancing with the Stars professional Jenna Johnson is her aunt. Johnson has played an important role in Bills’ development as a dancer.
Hailey Bills Age and Birthday
Hailey Bills was born on May 18, 2006, according to multiple biographical sources. She turned 20 in May 2026.
Her birthplace is listed as Utah. She has spent much of her early life developing her dance career.
Bills began serious dance training at six. Therefore, she has already spent more than a decade developing her professional skills.
Her young age makes her rise especially notable. She entered the Dancing with the Stars franchise while still a child.
Hailey Bills’ Early Dance Career
Bills began training in several dance styles during childhood. Her training included ballroom, ballet, jazz, contemporary, hip-hop, and tap.
That versatility gave her a strong foundation for competitive dance. She quickly established herself as a talented young performer.
Her competitive career produced several significant achievements. She won the 2015 National Ms. Petite StarPower title.
Later, she captured the 2017 Female Mini Best Dancer title at The Dance Awards. She returned to the winners’ list in 2022.
In 2022, Bills won Female Teen Best Dancer at The Dance Awards. Those victories established her as one of America’s prominent young competitive dancers.
Hailey Bills and Dancing with the Stars: Juniors
Bills first appeared on the Dancing with the Stars franchise in 2018.
At only 12, she competed as a junior professional dancer on Dancing with the Stars: Juniors.
Her celebrity partner was Tripp Johnston Palin, the son of Bristol Palin and Levi Johnston. Jenna Johnson served as their mentor.
The experience gave Bills an early introduction to television production. It also allowed her to work closely with her aunt.
However, Bills and Johnston became the show’s first eliminated couple. Despite the early exit, the experience became an important part of her career.
Bills continued dancing after DWTS: Juniors. She focused on competitive dance, college, performances, and professional opportunities.
Hailey Bills’ Relationship With Jenna Johnson
One of the most searched topics about Bills involves her relationship with Jenna Johnson.
Jenna Johnson is Hailey Bills’ aunt. Johnson is the sister of Bills’ mother, Stacy Bills.
The two dancers have shared several important moments throughout Bills’ career.
Their connection became particularly interesting during Dancing with the Stars: Juniors. Johnson served as Bills’ mentor during the competition.
Years later, Bills joined the main show’s troupe. That move allowed the aunt and niece to perform on the same program.
Their shared dance background has created a unique family connection within the DWTS franchise.
Hailey Bills Joins the DWTS Troupe
Bills returned to the main Dancing with the Stars stage in 2025.
She joined the Season 34 professional troupe alongside Onye Stevenson, Carter Williams, and Jaxon Willard.
Troupe dancers perform in group routines and support the show’s main professional dancers. The role also provides valuable television and choreography experience.
Bills’ promotion reflected the steady development of her career. She had already competed on the franchise as a junior dancer.
The troupe position also placed her alongside experienced DWTS professionals. That environment provided another opportunity to improve her performance skills.
Bills also appeared during the show’s 20th anniversary celebrations. She performed alongside the professional cast during the special episode.
Hailey Bills and Derek Hough
Bills has also worked with Derek Hough, one of the most successful dancers associated with Dancing with the Stars.
In September 2025, Bills performed with Hough at a Savannah Bananas game. She also joined Hough’s Holiday Tour.
These opportunities expanded her experience beyond television.
Performing alongside Hough also connected Bills with one of the most recognizable figures in competitive ballroom entertainment.
Her experience with Hough further strengthened her professional credentials before joining the DWTS troupe.
Hailey Bills’ Dance Awards and Achievements
Bills has earned several important honors throughout her competitive dance career.
Her notable achievements include:
- 2015 National Ms. Petite StarPower winner
- 2017 Female Mini Best Dancer at The Dance Awards
- 2018 junior professional on Dancing with the Stars: Juniors
- 2022 Female Teen Best Dancer at The Dance Awards
- National finalist in J2 and Youth Latin competitions
- Performer with Derek Hough’s Holiday Tour
- 2025 Dancing with the Stars Season 34 troupe member
- 2026 Dancing with the Stars Season 35 professional dancer
Her achievements demonstrate her long-term commitment to dance.
The Dance Awards victories stand out because the competition attracts many highly trained young dancers.
Bills’ success also shows her ability to transition between competitive dance, live performances, and television.
Hailey Bills and Brigham Young University
Bills also pursued higher education while developing her professional dance career.
She attended Brigham Young University, where she became part of the university’s dance team.
Her college experience allowed her to balance academic development with demanding dance training.
Before joining the DWTS troupe, she had completed her freshman year at BYU.
Her education remains an important part of her broader journey.
At the same time, her expanding professional opportunities have created new possibilities for her future.
Hailey Bills’ Family
Dance plays an important role in Bills’ family.
Her mother, Stacy Bills, has a strong background in gymnastics and dance. Stacy trained at Center Stage Performing Arts Studio in Utah.
She later competed on a high school drill team and joined BYU’s Cougarettes. Stacy also won Miss Utah during her dancing career.
Stacy eventually became a dance educator and coach. Her experience strongly influenced Hailey’s approach to dance.
Bills has described her mother as one of her biggest influences. She credits Stacy’s teaching and high standards for helping her improve.
The family connection also explains why Bills developed such a strong dance foundation early in life.
Hailey Bills Becomes a DWTS Professional
In September 2026, Bills achieved perhaps the biggest milestone of her young career.
ABC announced Hailey Bills as a professional dancer for Dancing with the Stars Season 35.
The promotion followed her Season 34 troupe appearance.
Her first celebrity partner will be Sarah Jane Nader, known for Love Thy Nader. Their partnership has already attracted significant attention.
The pair also represents an important moment in DWTS history.
They form the show’s second all-female celebrity-professional partnership. Jenna Johnson and JoJo Siwa previously formed the first all-female pairing during Season 30.
Bills therefore enters the professional lineup during a particularly notable season.
Hailey Bills and Sarah Jane Nader
Sarah Jane Nader and Hailey Bills will compete together during Dancing with the Stars Season 35.
Nader has spoken positively about partnering with another woman. She described the opportunity as an important milestone.
Bills also faces a new responsibility as a professional dancer.
Unlike troupe work, professional dancers must train their celebrity partners throughout the competition.
They must teach choreography, develop routines, and prepare their partners for weekly performances.
Bills now has the opportunity to demonstrate not only her dancing ability but also her teaching skills.
What Makes Hailey Bills Stand Out?
Several qualities distinguish Bills from many young professional dancers.
First, she has extensive experience despite her young age. She started dancing at six and entered television competitions as a child.
Second, she has trained across numerous dance styles. That versatility can help her adapt to different choreography.
Third, Bills has experience with competitive dance. Her award history demonstrates strong performance ability under pressure.
Finally, she understands the Dancing with the Stars environment. She competed on DWTS: Juniors before joining the main show’s troupe.
That background could prove valuable during her professional debut.
Hailey Bills’ Career in 2026
The year 2026 marks a major turning point for Bills.
She moved from the troupe into the professional lineup. Consequently, she now has the opportunity to build her own identity within the franchise.
Her first season will place her alongside some of the biggest names in television and dance.
She will also work closely with Sarah Jane Nader throughout the competition.
The season will give audiences a closer look at Bills’ choreography and teaching abilities.
More importantly, it could establish her as one of the next major professional dancers in the DWTS franchise.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hailey Bills
How old is Hailey Bills?
Hailey Bills is 20 years old in 2026. She was born on May 18, 2006.
Where is Hailey Bills from?
Biographical sources list Utah as her birthplace. She has also developed professional connections in Texas and Los Angeles through dance.
Is Hailey Bills related to Jenna Johnson?
Yes. Jenna Johnson is Hailey Bills’ aunt. Johnson is the sister of Hailey’s mother, Stacy Bills.
Was Hailey Bills on Dancing with the Stars before?
Yes. Bills competed as a junior professional on Dancing with the Stars: Juniors in 2018.
Who was Hailey Bills’ partner on DWTS Juniors?
She partnered with Tripp Johnston Palin, who is the son of Bristol Palin and Levi Johnston.
When did Hailey Bills join the DWTS troupe?
Bills joined the Dancing with the Stars Season 34 troupe in 2025.
Who is Hailey Bills’ DWTS Season 35 partner?
Bills is partnered with Sarah Jane Nader for Dancing with the Stars Season 35.
What awards has Hailey Bills won?
She won Female Mini Best Dancer in 2017 and Female Teen Best Dancer in 2022 at The Dance Awards.
Did Hailey Bills dance at BYU?
Yes. Bills attended Brigham Young University and participated in its dance program.
Final Thoughts on Hailey Bills
Hailey Bills has built an impressive dance career before reaching her 20s. Her journey started with childhood training and competitive dance.
She then entered television through Dancing with the Stars: Juniors. Later, she joined the main show’s troupe.
Her work with Derek Hough and her competitive achievements further strengthened her professional résumé.
Now, Bills has reached a major milestone as a Dancing with the Stars professional dancer.
Her partnership with Sarah Jane Nader adds another historic element to her debut.
As Season 35 approaches, viewers will get their first extended look at Bills as a professional mentor and performer.
Her combination of technical training, competitive experience, television knowledge, and family connections makes her one of the dancers to watch.
Hailey Bills’ story is still developing, and her professional DWTS journey could become the defining chapter of her career.
