REALITY TV NEWSJenna Dewan Says Ballroom Dance Is a 'Brand New Technique' as She Defends 'DWTS' Role
Jenna Dewan described ballroom dance as a 'brand new technique' while discussing her 'DWTS' challenge.
Sept. 3 2026, Published 2:35 p.m. ET
Jenna Dewan is approaching Dancing with the Stars with a different kind of challenge.
The actress described ballroom dance as a "brand new technique" during her Wednesday, September 2, Entertainment Weekly interview.
Jenna Dewan Explained Her 'DWTS' Challenge
Jenna Dewan opened up about her 'Dancing with the Stars' journey and the challenge of learning ballroom dance.
Dewan said the styles required in the ABC competition felt different from what she knew.
"Let’s be clear. It's two different languages," she explained.
She addressed the criticism, pointing out that she doesn't "know how to ballroom dance."
The Rookie star, 45, said her experience still gave her useful skills while requiring her to adjust her approach.
"There's parts of my dance training that's helpful, obviously. I’ve learned choreography, I can perform, but there is a certain sense of unlearning for me," she said.
"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," she added.
Jenna Dewan explained how her previous dance training shaped her approach to learning ballroom on 'DWTS.'
Rather than rely on her experience, Dewan wanted the competition to push her into unfamiliar territory.
"It’s not like you’re giving me a style that I’ve done — I can go out there and do that," she said
Dewan also said of the "really foreign" ballroom moves.
She continued, "It has its advantages, but it also has its challenges."
Dewan Wanted to Challenge Herself
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Jenna Dewan explained why she wanted to take on the challenge on 'DWTS.'
"But that was part of why I wanted to do it," Dewan said.
She continued, "I really wanted to challenge myself."
Her partner, Val Chmerkovskiy, also pointed to the larger purpose behind the competition.
"It’s about the human experience and the human journey and how much you’re willing to reveal yourself. Dance is a vehicle for us to find out more about these people — and I think that’s our advantage," Chmerkovskiy said.
Jenna Dewan reflected on working with Janet Jackson early in her dance career.
Dewan also reflected on her early career as a backup dancer and how much it meant to work with Janet Jackson.
"Janet was my first vision board moment of my life," Dewan told the outlet.
She opened up about wanting the opportunity from a young age.
"I don’t know if you know this. I wanted to dance for Janet Jackson so badly," she continued.
"I was a teenager. I was like, 'That’s all I want. That’s all I want.' When it happened, I just couldn’t even believe it. It has been a long time," Dewan said.
Harry Shum Jr. Also Addressed His 'DWTS' Casting
Harry Shum Jr. addressed the different dance styles he was preparing to learn on 'Dancing with the Stars.'
Dewan was not the only DWTS contestant whose dance background sparked discussion.
Harry Shum Jr. also addressed assumptions surrounding his casting.
"I think everyone's idea is like, 'Oh, you dance, so you should be able to dance anything.' And I mean, that’s just not true," the Grey's Anatomy actor told People.
He continued, "There are hundreds of styles, not dozens, hundreds all over the world."
Shum Jr. also described working with his partner, Jenna Johnson, as a new learning experience during his interview with Entertainment Tonight.
He said it was "a whole new vocabulary" and is "going to be a challenge."
