‘Dancing with the Stars 22’: Paige VanZant lines up first post-finale gig

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We’ve said for some time that there are many benefits of doing “Dancing with the Stars” that extend far beyond the competition, and we’re now getting a chance to see some of those play out now for Paige VanZant.

According to a new report from Entertainment Weekly, the UFC fighter-turned celebrity dancer has joined the new movie “Kickboxer: Retaliation” alongside Jean-Claude Van Damme, Dave Bautista, and Gina Carano. She provides the project with not only an up-and-coming performer, but also someone who can make some of the fighting as authentic as humanly possible. The project should be in theaters and on VOD this September.

What makes “Dancing with the Stars” a better platform than some other celebrity-based talent competitions starts with that there is so much time for viewers to get to know the contestants. It’s two hours a week! It also gives them a chance to be real, relatable, and vulnerable in many ways. While this doesn’t prove to be a comeback for every person who is on it, but Alfonso Ribeiro is one recent example of someone who went far on the show and leveraged that to some other things. Mario Lopez all the way back in season 3 is another, and you can also like at Gilles Marini as someone who has had a much larger career after coming onto the show as a relative unknown beyond a role in the “Sex and the City” movie.

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