ENTERTAINMENT

'Dancing with the Stars' set to take its dance steps on North American tour

Alicia Rancilio The Associated Press
Published Tuesday, November 4, 2014 7:12AM EST Last Updated Tuesday, November 4, 2014 7:52AM EST

Lea Thompson arrives at the 21st Annual Race to Erase MS Gala at the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza Hotel in Los Angeles, Friday, May 2, 2014. (Photo by Dan Steinberg / Invision)

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NEW YORK -- "Dancing with the Stars" is packing up its ballroom and hitting the road.

The long-running competition show, which pairs celebrities with professional dancers, is launching a 33-city tour called "Dancing with the Stars: Live!"

Mark Ballas and Witney Carson are the first two official dancers to join the production, it was revealed on Monday's broadcast.

Ballas also will perform live music from his new EP "Kicking Clouds."

More announcements will be made throughout the current "Dancing" season, including celebrity participants.

The tour kicks off Dec. 27 in Niagara Falls, New York and runs through Feb. 15.

"Dancing with the Stars" is in its 19th season and airs on CTV Two.