Jenna Dewan Says Daughter Everly, 12, Is Finally ‘Starting to’ Understand Why People Love “Step Up” After Getting Into Dance

Jenna Dewan, renowned for her role in the film “Step Up,” has recently shared insights about her daughter, Everly, who is now 12 years old. During an appearance on the popular daytime show “Live with Kelly and Mark,” the actress revealed how her daughter is exploring various interests in dance, from cheerleading to school dance, alongside her ongoing passion for Irish dancing.

Dewan’s excitement was palpable as she described Everly’s evolving hobbies. “She loves Irish dance; we’ve never quit that. But now she’s branching out into other areas,” Dewan explained. “Cheerleading is a big thing for her, and she even performed at a halftime show with the Los Angeles Rams.” The proud mother highlighted how Everly’s enthusiasm for dance is evident as she engages in multiple forms of movement and artistic expression.

The actress, who has gained fame both for her performances and her relationship with her ex-husband, Channing Tatum, also touched upon Everly’s growing awareness of her family’s status. Dewan mentioned that her daughter is starting to grasp the significance of “Step Up,” a film that not only changed the trajectory of her career but also played a crucial role in her life by introducing her to Tatum. “People come up to her and say, ‘We love the movie Step Up!’ and she’s beginning to understand it a bit more,” Dewan noted.

Reflecting on her daughter’s changing perception, Dewan shared a humorous recollection. In the past, when she attempted to introduce Everly to the film, her daughter was uninterested, declaring, “This is really boring. Can we watch something good?” However, it appears that Everly’s recent interest in dance has helped her appreciate the film’s significance, as Dewan mused, “Now she sees what people are talking about when they mention dance.”

As she navigates the challenges of parenting a pre-teen, Dewan expressed awareness that her daughter’s perception of her might soon shift. “She thinks I’m cool still, but I probably have what, six more months?” Dewan quipped, referring to the common trend of children distancing themselves from their parents’ “coolness” as they enter their teenage years.

In addition to Everly, Dewan is also a mother to two younger children: five-year-old son Callum and 21-month-old daughter Rhiannon, whom she shares with her fiancé, Steve Kazee. The actress shared that Everly has taken an active role in planning Dewan’s upcoming wedding to Kazee, adding a familial bond to the preparations. “She has input in everything and really has opinions on all of it, which is great,” the actress said warmly during a conversation with PEOPLE.

Dewan emphasised that Everly is committed to making their celebration enjoyable. “She wants to ensure that the party is fun,” the actress shared. This sentiment highlights not only Everly’s understanding of family celebrations but also her growing maturity and eagerness to be involved in special moments.

While Dewan has yet to start searching for wedding dresses, she has a vision for the event. She feels assured that Everly will provide honest feedback when it comes to her gown selection. “She’s very opinionated and sweet about it,” Dewan remarked, indicating that her daughter’s candidness is something she appreciates. “She’ll definitely tell me if she likes it or not.”

As Everly continues to grow, the dynamics within Dewan’s family will adapt, reflecting the typical changes that come with age. However, with each new adventure and chapter, Dewan seems focused on fostering a strong relationship with her children, offering them both love and support as they navigate their own paths.