Jenna Dewan is addressing criticism from fans regarding her casting on Season 35 of "Dancing With the Stars." Despite her extensive dance background, including roles in "Step Up" and as a former backup dancer for Janet Jackson, Dewan asserts that the specific style of ballroom dancing required for the show is a significant challenge.
In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Dewan, 45, clarified that her prior dance experience does not directly translate to ballroom technique. "Let's be clear. It's two different languages," she stated, emphasizing that she "does not know how to ballroom dance."
Dewan explained that while elements of her training, such as learning choreography and performing, are helpful, she has had to "unlearn" habits ingrained from other dance styles. She described ballroom as a "brand new technique" and noted that the process of adapting has sometimes been disorienting. "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."
This challenge, she added, makes her feel "more nervous" to compete. "It's not like you're giving me a style that I've done -- I can go out there and do that," she said of the "really foreign" ballroom moves. Despite these difficulties, Dewan expressed that the unfamiliarity was part of the appeal. "But that was part of why I wanted to do it. I really wanted to challenge myself."
Dewan's "Dancing With the Stars" partner, Val Chmerkovskiy, echoed her sentiments, suggesting that the show is more than just about dance. "It's about the human experience and the human journey and how much you're willing to reveal yourself," Chmerkovskiy said. "Dance is a vehicle for us to find out more about these people -- and I think that's our advantage."
Another contestant, "Step Up 2: The Streets" and "Step Up 3D" star Harry Shum Jr., also defended his casting. Shum Jr., 44, told People that the idea that someone who dances should be able to perform any style is a misconception. "There are hundreds of styles, not dozens, hundreds all over the world," he explained. He also shared with Entertainment Weekly that learning a "whole new vocabulary" with his partner Jenna Johnson presents a significant challenge.
Other cast members for Season 35 include "Summer House" star Ciara Miller, actress Julia Stiles, and "Traitors" alum Maura Higgins. Dewan's casting was announced alongside Shum Jr.'s on Wednesday.