Actress Jenna Dewan recently addressed the uproar from fans of 'Dancing With the Stars' concerning her involvement in the upcoming 35th season. Many viewers expressed concerns that her rich background in dance might grant her an unfair edge over other contestants. However, Dewan firmly refuted these claims, emphasizing the distinct differences between her specialized dance forms and the show's ballroom requirements. Her partner, Val Chmerkovskiy, further supported her stance, highlighting the unique challenges and high expectations she faces, suggesting her previous experience doesn't necessarily translate into an automatic advantage.
Celebrated Dancer Jenna Dewan Challenges 'Dancing With The Stars' Qualification Debates
In a candid statement made on September 3, 2026, actress and accomplished dancer Jenna Dewan, aged 45, publicly countered the wave of criticism that followed her announcement as a contestant on the 35th season of 'Dancing With the Stars'. The core of the backlash, primarily voiced by fans on the social media platform X, revolved around the perception that Dewan's extensive dance history, including her past as a backup dancer for music icon Janet Jackson, made her overly qualified for the competition.
Speaking to Entertainment Weekly, Dewan meticulously clarified her position. She articulated that her professional expertise predominantly lies in hip-hop and contemporary dance, styles she describes as entirely distinct from ballroom dancing. “I do not know how to ballroom dance,” Dewan stated unequivocally. “Let's be clear. It's two different languages.” She further elaborated that while certain aspects of her training, such as learning choreography and performing, are beneficial, participating in 'Dancing With the Stars' necessitates a significant “unlearning” process for her to adapt to the new, unfamiliar techniques of ballroom dance. Dewan emphasized that this new venture is a profound challenge, explaining, “It almost threw me off initially because I had to unlearn a lot of - I don't want to say bad habits - but just habits of the style that I'm used to.”
Her dance partner, Val Chmerkovskiy, echoed Dewan's sentiments, providing additional context to the situation. Chmerkovskiy acknowledged Dewan's undeniable talent but pointed out that with great talent comes commensurately higher expectations. He stressed that the show is not solely about dance prowess but also about personal growth and the human journey, adding an extra layer of pressure for seasoned performers like Dewan. “It's naive to think that this show is just about dance,” Chmerkovskiy commented. “It's about the human experience and the human journey and how much you're willing to reveal yourself.” He also highlighted his strategy to push Dewan beyond her comfort zone, aiming to present a facet of her artistry that audiences have yet to witness. This collaborative approach underscores the show's commitment to artistic development, even for its most experienced participants.
Jenna Dewan's decision to participate in 'Dancing With the Stars', despite her already impressive dance background, offers a valuable lesson in embracing new challenges and continuous learning. Her distinction between different dance forms highlights that mastery in one area does not automatically confer expertise in another. For many viewers, her journey to adapt to ballroom dancing will not only be entertaining but also inspiring, demonstrating that even established professionals seek growth and are willing to step out of their comfort zones to acquire new skills. Her story encourages us to reconsider what 'qualification' truly means, suggesting that the willingness to learn and adapt can be more valuable than prior experience alone, especially when venturing into uncharted territory.
