Jenna Dewan and Val Chmerkovskiy navigate the physical and emotional demands of Dancing With the Stars while addressing the realities of public scrutiny.
When the music stopped following their rumba to Mariah Carey’s “My All” on Tuesday. October 6. Jenna Dewan felt more than just the physical exhaustion of the performance. For the 45-year-old actress. the routine. which earned a score of 24 out of 30. represented a breakthrough in a competition that has proven to be as mentally taxing as it is physical.
Since joining the 35th season of *Dancing With the Stars* in September. Dewan has been paired with professional dancer Val Chmerkovskiy. While the pair became an early topic of public discourse due to Dewan’s background in dance—despite her lack of formal ballroom training—the focus behind the scenes has remained on the grueling process of the show. Chmerkovskiy, 40, has faced the surrounding chatter directly, opting not to block out the noise. He views the rise of social media commentary and the so-called “rage bait economy” as a modern challenge. noting that his generation is still learning how to navigate the intensity of digital feedback.
For Dewan, the experience of competing has shifted from a mere physical endeavor into a deeper journey of self-discovery. She acknowledges that while she anticipated the strain on her body, the emotional vulnerability required to excel was unexpected. It is a process she describes as “a good tough. ” allowing her to peel back layers and find honesty in her movements.
This sentiment of growth is mirrored by Chmerkovskiy, who has watched his partner navigate the pressures of the competition. He views the struggles and harsh critiques from previous weeks as a necessary “ego cleanse.” For him. the frustration of those earlier weeks made the triumph on Mariah Carey Night feel earned. serving as the “nectar of the fruits of their labor” after a month and a half of intense training.
The dance itself was an intentional pivot for the duo. By choosing to slow down and embrace a softer. more grounded presence. they aimed to show a different side of their partnership. The result was a moment of vulnerability that resonated with them both. proving that the best performances are often rooted in the willingness to remain open under pressure. As they continue the season, which airs Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET on ABC and Disney+. Dewan remains focused on the work. treating the competition as an environment where the most rewarding moments are found in being real. vulnerable. and fully present.
Jenna Dewan Dancing With the Stars Val Chmerkovskiy DWTS celebrity news reality TV