Jenna Dewan is opening up about her experience on Dancing With the Stars after receiving a 21 out of 30 alongside professional partner Val Chmerkovskiy.
The score came during Season 35’s Yacht Rock Night on September 29, 2026. Dewan and Chmerkovskiy performed a samba to Toto’s “Africa” as the competition continued with 13 celebrity couples.
Dewan, who has a professional dance background, said she understands that expectations may be different for someone with her experience.
Jenna Dewan Says Her Dance Background May Raise Expectations
After the performance, Jenna Dewan reflected on how her previous dance experience affects her time on Dancing With the Stars.
She acknowledged that judges may naturally expect more from a contestant who already has experience with dance.
However, Dewan also pointed out that ballroom dancing is a different discipline. Having a background in dance does not mean she automatically understands every aspect of the competition.
That distinction has become an important part of her DWTS journey.
Jenna Dewan Is Focused on the Experience
While the scores are an important part of the competition, Dewan said she is trying not to let them define the experience.
Instead, she remains focused on performing, enjoying the opportunity and continuing to build her partnership with Chmerkovskiy.
The actor has described returning to dance as an emotional experience. Her earlier career included the 2006 movie Step Up, which helped establish her as a dancer and performer. ABC also notes her later work in television, including her role as Bailey Nune on The Rookie.
For Dewan, appearing on DWTS represents a return to an important part of her professional life.
Val Chmerkovskiy Wants to Keep Improving
Val Chmerkovskiy also appeared focused on progress rather than dwelling on the score.
The professional dancer emphasized the importance of responding to feedback and continuing to improve.
That approach is particularly relevant as the season moves forward. DWTS combines judges’ scores with audience voting, meaning couples must continue developing their routines from week to week.
ABC officially lists Chmerkovskiy as Dewan’s professional partner for Season 35.
Jenna Dewan and Val Chmerkovskiy Continue Their DWTS Run
Jenna Dewan entered Season 35 as one of the show’s 16 celebrity contestants. ABC’s official cast announcement confirmed her pairing with Chmerkovskiy ahead of the season premiere.
The 2026 season began with a two-night premiere in September and has since moved into its weekly competition. ABC confirms that new episodes air Tuesdays, with the series also streaming on Disney+ and becoming available on Hulu the following day.
Following Yacht Rock Night, Dewan and Chmerkovskiy remain part of the Season 35 competition.
DWTS Season 35 Continues With Major Celebrity Names
Dewan is competing alongside a diverse group of celebrities this season. The official ABC lineup includes Julia Stiles, Tatyana Ali, Harry Shum Jr., Tyler Cameron, Maura Higgins, Amber Glenn, Ezra Frech, Giada De Laurentiis and others.
The season has already seen several eliminations, making each new performance increasingly important for the remaining couples. Taylor Hanson and Britt Stewart were among the latest contestants eliminated following the September 29 episode.
For Dewan, however, the competition is also about reconnecting with dance.
Her DWTS journey gives her a chance to explore a familiar passion through the very different world of ballroom dancing.