Jenna Dewan Responds to Backlash Over Her 'Dancing With the Stars' Casting

Jenna Dewan's dance background is drawing criticism as she heads into the "Dancing With the Stars" ballroom, and she's not staying quiet about it. She responded to critics who say her past gives her an unfair edge.

Jenna Dewan responded to her critics who questioned her “Dancing With the Stars” casting.

On Wednesday, September 2, the season 35 cast of “Dancing with the Stars” was revealed on “Good Morning America,” and some fans weren’t too happy about Dewan’s inclusion, claiming her dance background gives her an unfair advantage. Dewan was a former backup dancer for Janet Jackson, and she also showcased her dance prowess in her breakout role in 2006’s "Step Up."

Jenna Dewan at the 33rd Annual Race to Erase MS Gala at the Fairmont Century Plaza in Los Angeles on June 5, 2026 | Source: Getty Images

In response to the backlash, Dewan told Entertainment Weekly that the demands of the competition are different from what she already knows. “I do not know how to ballroom dance. Let’s be clear. It’s two different languages,” she said.

Dewan acknowledged that her dance training would be beneficial, but there is also a lot she needs to unlearn. “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 explained.

Jenna Dewan (center) performs at the NBC Universal Upfronts on May 14, 2018 | Source: Getty Images

She said her background makes her more nervous since ballroom "feels really foreign" compared to what audiences have seen her do before.

Dewan will be performing with pro dancer Val Chmerkovskiy, who also defended her, arguing that the show is about more than technical skill. “It’s about the human experience and the human journey and how much you’re willing to reveal yourself,” he said.

Jenna Dewan and Val Chmerkovskiy in a promotional photo for the casting announcement of "Dancing with the Stars" season 35 | Source: instagram/dancingwiththestars

Amid the backlash, Dewan is clear about one thing. Being part of “DWTS” is a challenge she looks forward to taking. “That was part of why I wanted to do it. I really wanted to challenge myself,” she said.