What’s great about “Dancing With the Stars” is that celebrity contestants come from a wide range of ages, backgrounds, professions and experiences, making each season unique and unpredictable.
However, one aspect of the show that has caused quite a controversy for some viewers is including celebrities with dance experience. Over the years, stars like Heather Morris, JoJo Siwa, and Jennifer Grey, the latter of whom won season 11, have been among the contestants whose previous dance experience sparked a debate among fans. Does their background give them an advantage?
A “Dancing With the Stars” pro is opening up about her thoughts on the matter, and sharing why she’s defending those certain celebs.
Jenna Johnson Opens up About DWTS Contestants Who Have Dance Experience
Getty“Dancing With the Stars” professional dancer Jenna Johnson opened up to Us Weekly about the ongoing debate surrounding celebrity contestants who enter the ballroom with previous dance experience. In her conversation, she defended those contestants, calling the competition series “a different beast.”
“I’ve had somebody with absolutely no experience. I’ve had somebody with experience. I’ve had an Olympian. I’ve had [‘Dance Moms’ alum] JoJo Siwa,” Johnson said. “There’s a wide range, but Dancing with the Stars is such a different beast.”
Johnson went on to explain that there are many different layers to DWTS, regardless of whether a celebrity has previous dance experience, including the challenge of performing live on air and participating in theme nights.
“There is the live element that people don’t take into consideration. Going out in front of millions of people with a studio audience and performing live … there is no other feeling when it goes 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1. You’re live when that red light goes on. You cannot explain that,” she said, adding, “You never know how someone’s going to react or show up in that moment.”
Johnson, who is married to DWTS pro Val Chmerkovskiy, continued, “And ballroom dancing and having to do characters and theme nights. There is so much that goes into it. I understand when people are like, ‘Oh, you know, dance experience, whatever.’ Who cares! This is the first time they’re ever doing ‘Dancing With the Stars.’ That is very different.”
Celebs Whose Dance Experience Caused a Stir on DWTS
GettyThroughout DWTS history, several celebrity contestants have entered the ballroom with previous dance backgrounds, with some sparking more controversy than others.
One of the most notable examples is “Glee” star Heather Morris, who competed on season 24 with pro partner Maksim Chmerkovskiy. Despite finishing in eighth place, Morris’ participation was met with tons of criticism after viewers pointed out that she previously worked as a backup dancer for Beyoncé and starred on “So You Think You Can Dance,” per Billboard.
GettyJohnson’s former partner, JoJo Siwa, also faced controversy when she competed on season 30 because of her extensive dance background. Siwa had been professionally dancing since she was a child and rose to fame on “Dance Moms.” She and Johnson ended up as the runner-ups that season.
Other celebrity contestants who have also faced heavy criticism included Jennifer Grey, Zendaya, Sabrina Bryan, and Corbin Bleu.
In fact, rumors are swirling that actress Jenna Dewan will be joining the upcoming 35th season. According to E! News, Dewan was a backup dancer for Janet Jackson and starred in the 2006 dance drama “Step Up” alongside Channing Tatum.
