Jenna Dewan responds to backlash over her casting in ‘Dancing With the Stars’ Season 35, emphasizing her lack of ballroom dance experience.
Following the announcement of the cast for Season 35 of Dancing With the Stars (DWTS) on September 2, 2026, Jenna Dewan has found herself at the center of backlash. Known for her dance background, which includes being a backup dancer for Janet Jackson and starring in the film Step Up, Dewan’s participation has raised eyebrows among the show's dedicated audience.
Dewan’s casting elicited strong reactions from fans who argue that her dance training gives her an unfair advantage over fellow contestants. According to a report from Variety, fans voiced concerns on social media about the appropriateness of casting a dancer with her background in a competition designed for celebrity amateurs paired with professional dancers.
In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Dewan addressed the criticism directly. Emphasizing her lack of experience in ballroom dancing, she stated, “I do not know how to ballroom dance,” highlighting that her previous training does not equate to familiarity with the style required for the competition.
Dewan clarified, “It’s almost like learning a new language,” explaining that while her background has advantages, she must unlearn certain habits, which makes the competition more challenging for her. “It feels really foreign,” she added, indicating that she views this as an opportunity for personal growth and challenge.
Val Chmerkovskiy, a veteran of DWTS and Dewan’s partner for the season, also weighed in on the situation. He highlighted that dance is not merely about skill but also about the human experience and emotional journey participants share. Chmerkovskiy acknowledged Dewan’s talent but noted that with great skill comes heightened expectations, which present their own challenges.
He remarked, “You’re only as good as the thing that you’ve never done,” suggesting that the real challenge lies in pushing boundaries to reveal something new about Dewan, who has showcased her talents in high-profile settings.
The cast of Dancing With the Stars Season 35 features a diverse group of celebrities, including Julia Stiles, Harry Shum Jr., Tatyana Ali, Giada De Laurentiis, and many others. Each of these contestants brings their unique background and skills to the competition, increasing the excitement and unpredictability of the season's performances.
Jenna Dewan’s participation in Dancing With the Stars will be a test of dance skill but also a point of interest for fans eager to see how she adapts to the ballroom style. Given her background, expectations are high, but so are the challenges. As the season unfolds, viewers will be watching closely to see how Dewan transitions from her background into the world of ballroom dancing.
The debate surrounding her casting reflects broader discussions about competitive fairness in reality TV shows, particularly those rooted in performance arts. For now, it remains to be seen how this season's dynamics will develop as contestants explore their abilities on the dance floor.
For more insights, check our coverage on other intriguing topics: Evan Rachel Wood Calls Out ‘Practical Magic 2’ for Not Reaching Out Amid Recasting and Simu Liu Signs With WME for Representation in All Areas.
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