Jenna Dewan is defending her participation in the upcoming season of Dancing with the Stars amid criticism regarding her extensive dance background. Recently announced as a contestant for the show’s 35th season, she faced backlash online, with some arguing that her experience gives her an unfair advantage over other contestants.
In a conversation with Entertainment Weekly, Dewan clarified that while she has a dance background, she does not know how to ballroom dance. “Let’s be clear. It’s two different languages,” she stated, emphasizing that her dance training requires her to “unlearn” certain habits to adapt to new techniques.
Dewan, partnered with dancer Val Chmerkovskiy, mentioned that her experience makes her “a little more nervous” as she navigates unfamiliar dancing styles, voicing both the advantages and challenges of her background. She expressed her desire to challenge herself through this new venture.
Fellow contestant Harry Shum Jr., with a similar background, echoed these sentiments, stating that not every dance style is interchangeable despite being a dancer. He highlighted the vast diversity of dance styles, underscoring that just because someone can dance does not mean they can master any type of dance.
They will face off against several other contestants including actresses Julia Stiles and Tatyana Ali, and the new season is set to premiere on September 15.
