While training camp is never easy for the women who are auditioning, and for those who are involved in making the cuts, Season 16 posed new challenges.

Because of the ongoing pandemic, dancers submitted audition tapes online. This meant that there were many more candidates to choose from to invite to training camp to battle it out for a spot on the 36-person squad. Once the 25 rookies arrived at the AT&T Stadium, the cuts only got harder.

"You find yourself with less time, because it's a condensed training camp due to COVID. You have more girls to cut," Melissa said about the challenges of working on Season 16. "It gets a little overwhelming, to be honest."

Melissa said that making those tough calls is "heartbreaking," because she recognizes that most of the hopefuls have been dancing for their entire lives. Some struggle with the pressure, while others are simply outperformed.

"There's no bigger stage than this. Cut deliberations are never easy ..." she added. "It's not something that is ever taken lightly. It's probably my absolute least favorite part of the whole thing."

Melissa noted that the end result is an amazing final team. "It definitely is the most talented team we've ever had," she added.