Jenna Dewan has heard the questions about whether her dance background gives her an edge on DWTS. Now, the Step Up star is explaining why years of professional dancing do not equal ballroom experience.
Jenna says her previous dance career does not give her ballroom experience on DWTS
Jenna Dewan addressed the debate after joining Dancing With the Stars Season 35 with pro Val Chmerkovskiy.
Speaking with Entertainment Weekly, Dewan pushed back on claims that her professional dance background creates an unfair advantage. “I do not know how to ballroom dance. Let’s be clear. It’s two different languages,” she said.
Dewan explained that her past training helps with choreography and performing. However, ballroom dance requires a different technique. In fact, she said the new style has forced her to unlearn habits from dance forms she already knows.
As a result, the challenge has made Dewan more nervous about competing. She described ballroom as unfamiliar territory despite her extensive dance career. Still, Dewan acknowledged that her experience offers some benefits. “It has its advantages, but it also has its challenges,” she said.
Meanwhile, her casting drew attention because Dewan began her career as a professional dancer. She later became widely known for 2006’s Step Up. Earlier, her reported DWTS casting had already raised questions about a possible advantage over other celebrity competitors.
However, her latest comments distinguish general dance experience from the ballroom techniques required on DWTS. Dewan will compete with three-time Mirrorball winner Val Chmerkovskiy. Meanwhile, her partner also defended her place in the cast.
Chmerkovskiy said the competition involves more than technical dancing. Instead, he emphasized growth, storytelling and showing viewers new sides of contestants. Still, he acknowledged that Dewan arrives with considerable talent. That experience also creates high expectations for their performances.
Dewan insists the ballroom remains a new challenge. Now, Dancing With the Stars gives her another major dance milestone.
Season 35 begins with a two-night premiere Sept. 15 and 16 on ABC and Disney+.
