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- Why this season feels different for Jenna Dewan
- A turning point: the Mariah Carey Night rumba
- Val Chmerkovskiy on learning curves and confidence
- Dealing with judges’ critiques and public reaction
- Social media pressure and fan commentary
- How Dewan and Chmerkovskiy stay focused
- Performance details and broadcast info
Jenna Dewan says the grind of Dancing With the Stars is testing more than her body. The 45-year-old actress describes the competition as physically taxing and emotionally intense, a challenge that has pushed her into new territory as she partners with pro Val Chmerkovskiy.
Why this season feels different for Jenna Dewan
Dewan entered season 35 with dance experience, but not in ballroom. That gap surprised viewers and kicked off conversations online. Onstage, she faces the usual strain of rehearsals and live shows. Offstage, she admits the process has been unexpectedly heavy on her emotions.
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She calls the pressure “a good tough,” one that pulls out a range of feelings and forces honesty. The work, she says, lights her up even as it exposes vulnerabilities.
A turning point: the Mariah Carey Night rumba
The pair’s rumba to Mariah Carey’s “My All” marked a milestone. After earlier critiques, the softer, more emotional routine won them a 24 out of 30, and more positive buzz from judges and fans.
What changed in the dance
- Slower pacing let Dewan show nuance and control.
- Intentional vulnerability highlighted emotional depth.
- Focus on being present shifted the judges’ perception.
The performance was meant to reveal a different side of the duo. Dewan said their goal was to stay grounded and honest in the moment, and that effort showed.
Val Chmerkovskiy on learning curves and confidence
Chmerkovskiy, 40, has watched Dewan wrestle with the learning process. He praises the way she has handled criticism and adapted week to week.
He frames the experience as an “ego cleanse.” Struggle, he believes, makes success sweeter. The progress they made together made him proud.
Dealing with judges’ critiques and public reaction
The pair absorbed some tough feedback earlier in the season. Rather than let it derail them, they used it as fuel to refine choreography and performance choices.
- They reworked pacing and lines for emotional clarity.
- They emphasized connection and storytelling over flash.
- They focused on consistency in rehearsals.
Their rumba showed that adjustments can change a narrative on the dance floor.
Social media pressure and fan commentary
Chmerkovskiy spoke about navigating praise and criticism across platforms. He acknowledged the intensity of online reaction and the strange mix of sincere fans and performative attacks.
He noted that modern social networks amplify both support and negativity. That environment requires new tools and patience to handle the noise.
He said their generation grew up without digital rage culture, and is still learning how to protect mental space in a world of instant commentary.
How Dewan and Chmerkovskiy stay focused
- Prioritizing honest rehearsals over external opinions.
- Allowing moments of vulnerability in performances.
- Celebrating small improvements each week.
Both partners describe a balance of humility and determination. They view the competition as a test of craft and character.
Performance details and broadcast info
Dancing With the Stars airs Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET on ABC and streams on Disney+. Fans tuning in can expect themed nights, celebrity-pro pairings, and evolving storylines across the season.
