Jenna Dewan Says There Was No ‘Hierarchy’ Behind the Scenes as a Backup Dancer on Tour with Janet Jackson

**Jenna Dewan Reflects on Empowering Experience as Janet Jackson’s Backup Dancer**

In a recent podcast episode, actress and dancer Jenna Dewan has opened up about her time touring with the legendary Janet Jackson, highlighting the unique culture that the pop icon fostered among her team. Dewan, who first hit the road with Jackson at the tender age of 18, shared her insights on how Jackson’s approach to her backup dancers was markedly different from the typical hierarchy often found in the music industry.

Speaking on the “Dinner’s on Me” podcast hosted by Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Dewan expressed her admiration for Jackson’s personable nature. “Janet taught me a lot of things about just life, but also being in this business,” Dewan recalled. She remarked on Jackson’s impressive ability to remember the names of all her dancers, often recalling details about their backgrounds and lives. This level of engagement is not common in the industry, where backup dancers can sometimes feel like mere afterthoughts.

Dewan elaborated on the sense of family that Jackson cultivated within her touring team. She noted, “If you are on her team, you were on the tour, you were part of her family.” This inclusive atmosphere made a significant impact on Dewan, who remembered how she and her fellow dancers were often treated to spa nights and shared accommodations with Jackson, breaking down the conventional barriers that typically separate artists from their supporting performers.

The dancer-turned-actress also pointed out that many artists maintain a rigid pecking order, often relegating dancers to lesser status. “There was a real feeling of: you’re the dancer,” Dewan explained, referencing the standard practices in the entertainment landscape. However, Jackson’s refusal to enforce such a hierarchy allowed Dewan and others to feel valued and appreciated. “She did not have that,” she asserted firmly.

Reflecting on her journey, Dewan shared nostalgic memories of her time with Jackson, which she has often revisited on social media. In a heartfelt Instagram post last year, she showcased a selection of throwback photos and videos from her experiences on tour, describing it as “one of my biggest dreams.” Dewan expressed deep gratitude, stating, “I not only had one of the most incredible experiences of my life touring with Janet, but she also showed me just how powerful a woman can be while still having unwavering kindness and respect for everyone around her.”

Dewan’s sentiments echo a broader appreciation for women’s empowerment in the performing arts, a conversation that has gained momentum in recent years. The actress attributes much of her successful career to Jackson, recalling a pivotal moment during a 2017 appearance on “Watch What Happens Live” with Andy Cohen. “I kind of owe everything to Janet,” she said, highlighting the significant role Jackson played in shaping her career trajectory – one that led her from dancing to acting.

The impact of Jackson’s mentorship was not lost on Dewan, who credited her with introducing her to key figures in the industry. “She was my dream job. She was my first big dance job,” Dewan said, acknowledging how this opportunity eventually opened doors to other roles in her career.

Janet Jackson’s influence is not only evident through her chart-topping hits but also in the way she nurtures her talent and inspires those around her. Dewan’s reflections serve as a testament to the lasting impressions artists like Jackson can leave on their collaborators – a lesson that transcends the stage and resonates in the professional journeys of countless performers across the globe.

As Dewan continues to navigate her career in entertainment, her experiences with Jackson resonate, reminding all artists of the importance of kindness, respect, and connection in an industry that can often prioritise image over humanity.