Jenna Dewan Fires Back at ‘Dancing With the Stars’ Backlash—‘Watch Me Prove Them Wrong!’

Jenna Dewan is waltzing straight into the spotlight again—this time on Season 35 of “Dancing With the Stars” (DWTS)—and the internet can’t stop talking about it. Why Fans Are Talking The Step Up alum and former Janet Jackson backup dancer arrives with 25 years of professional experience, prompting some DWTS devotees to label her casting “unfair.” Yet the ABC competition has never banned trained performers, from figure skaters to pop singers, so the debate centers on perceived advantage rather than rule-breaking. Dewan’s Defense: “Ballroom Is a New Language” In a new interview, Dewan stressed that contemporary, hip-hop and jazz skills don’t translate to the strict posture and footwork of foxtrot or quickstep. “I do not know how to ballroom dance,” she said, adding that she must “unlearn” old habits to meet partner Val Chmerkovskiy’s expectations. A Push From Daughter Everly The tipping point? Dewan reveals that 13-year-old daughter Everly, whom she co-parents with ex-husband Channing Tatum, “begged” her to join the show, promising to vote every week. Family support, she says, makes the rigorous rehearsal schedule—and public scrutiny—worth it. What to Expect on Season 35 • Premiere date: September 15 on ABC and Disney+ • Dewan & Val face off against Julia Stiles, Harry Shum Jr., and 13 other celebs. • Judges are teasing “the most technical season yet,” which could level the playing field for non-dancers. SEO Quick Facts About Jenna Dewan • Age: 45 • Notable roles: Nora in Step Up, Lucy in Rookie, Freya in Superman & Lois • Dance résumé: Janet Jackson’s All for You Tour, Missy Elliott videos, backup for Pink and Christina Aguilera • Upcoming: Wedding planning with fiancé Steve Kazee and producing a Step Up 20th-anniversary documentary Bottom line: Whether her background is advantage or motivation, Jenna Dewan’s DWTS journey is already the season’s buzziest storyline—and that buzz is only expected to grow once the Mirrorball Trophy is within reach.