Jenna Dewan knows she has more dance experience than the average “Dancing With the Stars” contestant, but she says ballroom is an entirely different challenge.
The 45-year-old actress is competing on season 35 of the ABC series with professional partner Val Chmerkovskiy. Her casting sparked criticism because Jenna previously worked as Janet Jackson’s backup dancer and starred alongside ex-husband Channing Tatum in the 2006 dance movie “Step Up.”
Jenna isn’t denying that her background comes with advantages, but she says it does not mean she already knows how to ballroom dance.
Jenna Dewan Says DWTS Is Forcing Her to ‘Unlearn’ Years of Dance Training
“The Rookie” star said her previous experience only goes so far in the ballroom.
“I do not know how to ballroom dance. Let’s be clear. It’s two different languages,” Jenna told Entertainment Weekly. “There’s parts of my dance training that’s helpful, obviously. I’ve learned choreography, I can perform, but there is a certain sense of unlearning for me. It’s a new technique, brand new technique. 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.”
Jenna said ballroom feels “really foreign” to her and that her previous work actually leaves her feeling more nervous about competing.
Rather than avoiding that unfamiliar territory, Jenna said pushing herself into a new style was one of the reasons she wanted to compete in the first place.
Val Chmerkovskiy Has a Message for Critics of Jenna’s DWTS Advantage
Eeeee here we go @officialdwts season 35!!!
I truly do not have the words to express my excitement and gratitude for this once in a lifetime opportunity…!! AND to be dancing with the absolutely incredible Val!! 🫶😭🤯❤️ What is life!!!!! pic.twitter.com/oUT3r4NIvH— Jenna Dewan (@jennadewan) September 2, 2026
Val also pushed back on the idea that Jenna’s dance résumé should disqualify her from competing.
“First of all, it’s naive to think that this show is just about dance. It’s about the human experience and the human journey and how much you’re willing to reveal yourself. Dance is a vehicle for us to find out more about these people — and I think that’s our advantage,” he said.
Val acknowledged that Jenna enters with considerable talent but said that also brings greater expectations for what the pair can deliver.
Jenna will face another contestant with extensive dance experience in fellow “Step Up” and “Glee” alum Harry Shum Jr. The season 35 cast also includes Julia Stiles, Ciara Miller, Maura Higgins, and several other stars from entertainment, sports, and reality television.
“Dancing With the Stars” season 35 begins with a two-night premiere Sept. 15 and 16 on ABC and Disney+.
