Jenna Dewan Faces Backlash Over Her Dancing Background on DWTS

The 45-year-old actress, paired with veteran pro Val Chmerkovskiy, recently earned a 24 out of 30 for their rumba to Mariah Carey’s “My All.” Following the performance, Dewan admitted that the show’s intensity extends far beyond physical exertion. While she expected the athletic demands, she noted that the emotional and mental toll of the process has been an unexpected hurdle. Chmerkovskiy, a three-time champion, has praised her growth, noting that the pressure of the competition forces contestants to confront their insecurities.

Despite the controversy surrounding her previous experience, Dewan insists that her background does not necessarily translate to ballroom success. She has compared her past work as a professional backup dancer to learning an entirely different language. Precedents exist for this friction; previous contestants like Heather Morris and Nicole Scherzinger also faced scrutiny for their dance training. For his part, Chmerkovskiy has dismissed the “ringer” label, focusing instead on the creative partnership. The duo continues to compete alongside a diverse cast in Season 35, aiming to use their time on the show to explore vulnerability rather than relying solely on technical ability.