Jenna Dewan hit back at criticism from Dancing With the Stars fans after being announced as a contestant on the show’s 35th season
The Step Up star, 45, who was previously a backup dancer for Janet Jackson, faced backlash for joining the ABC reality show because of her extensive dancing experience.
But Dewan, who specializes in hip-hop and contemporary dance, told the story Entertainment weekly: ‘I can’t ballroom dance.
‘Let’s be clear. They are two different languages,” she added. ‘There are of course parts of my dance training that are useful. I have learned choreography, I can perform, but there is a certain feeling of unlearning for me.’
She emphasized that what awaits her on Dancing With The Stars is “a new technique, a completely new technique” that she is not familiar with.
The Daily Mail has contacted Dewan’s representatives for further comment on the story.
Jenna Dewan, 45, hit back at criticism from Dancing With the Stars fans after being announced as a contestant on the show’s 35th season
Dewan said she has had to make significant adjustments in preparation for the competition.
“At first I almost hated it 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,” she explained to Entertainment Weekly.
“It’s not like you give me a style that I’ve done – I can go out and do that,” she said. ‘It has its advantages, but also its challenges.
“But that was one of the reasons I wanted to do it. I really wanted to challenge myself.’
Dewan’s dance partner Val Chmerkovskiy said there are other factors that reduce the perceived advantage Dewan has.
Chmerkovskiy explained that while Dewan “comes in with incredible talent,” expectations for her are exponentially higher.
“First of all, it’s naive to think this show is just about dance,” he said. “It’s about the human experience and the human journey and how much you’re willing to reveal yourself.
Dewan shared the silver screen with ex-husband Channing Tatum in the 2006 film Step Up
Dewan’s dance partner Val Chmerkovskiy said there are other factors that reduce the perceived advantage Dewan has with her experience. Pictured in NYC on Wednesday
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“Dance is a way for us to learn more about these people – and I think that’s our advantage.”
Chmerkovskiy said he was putting together a plan to properly position Dewan for success on the show.
“The way I approach things is you’re only as good as what you’ve never done, so I’m going to push her and push us to show the world something they haven’t seen from her yet,” he said.
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“You’re a dancer, how is this even remotely fair to the other participants?” someone said. “You should have passed up this opportunity.”
Another asked: ‘How is this even a fair shot? Technically, Jenna must be the best dancer…I mean, she danced with Janet Jackson.”
One fan stated, “If Jenna Dewan wins season 35 of #DWTS I’m calling RIGGED. It’s completely unfair to the other contestants if Jenna is a professional dancer.”
