Jenna Dewan, the acclaimed actress and dancer, has revealed that her decision to participate in this season of “Dancing with the Stars” was significantly influenced by her 13-year-old daughter, Everly. Dewan, who shares Everly with her ex-husband Channing Tatum, has described how her daughter’s enthusiasm for the show played a crucial role in her acceptance of the offer to join the competition.
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Speaking to PEOPLE during the red carpet cast reveal for Season 35, the 45-year-old Dewan reflected on how her daughter’s interest in the show might have put her on the network’s radar. Dewan recounted that Everly and her friends expressed great excitement about attending the show’s finale last year, prompting Dewan to acquire tickets so they could have an unforgettable experience. “I ended up coming to the finale with her, calling and saying, ‘Hey, can I have some tickets to the finale?’” recalled Dewan, suggesting that this moment may have sparked the interest of the show’s producers.
Although Dewan had not been approached to join the reality series prior to this season, her daughter’s request made it an easy decision for her. “The second I got the offer, I felt the yes inside,” she stated, highlighting her eagerness to embrace the opportunity. Dewan has a rich background in dance, having started her career as a backup dancer for Janet Jackson, which adds a significant layer of expectation to her participation in the competition.
Along with Everly, Dewan has two other children, son Callum, aged six, and two-year-old daughter Rhiannon, from her relationship with fiancé Steve Kazee. The family dynamic plays an essential role in Dewan’s life, with Everly particularly becoming more aware of her mother’s legacy in the dance world. Dewan recently noted that her daughter has been branching out into different dance styles, moving beyond her earlier interest in Irish dancing.
“She loves Irish dance. It’s something we’ve never quit. But she’s starting to enjoy other forms too, like regular dance at school and cheerleading,” Dewan explained. Her daughter even had the chance to perform with the Los Angeles Rams during a halftime show, showcasing her burgeoning talent and involvement in the arts.
Dewan also mentioned that Everly is beginning to understand her impact within the dance community and is now more appreciative of Dewan’s past work, especially her iconic role in the film “Step Up.” “Starting to a little bit. You know, people come up and now Step Up, to her…people say, ‘We love the movie Step Up!’” Dewan shared. The actress reminisced about showing the movie to Everly when she was younger, only for her daughter to find it boring at the time. Now, however, as her interest in dance has grown, Everly is starting to see why her mother’s work resonates with so many.
Jenna Dewan’s humour shone through as she reflected on the fleeting nature of a teenager’s perception of coolness. “I probably have what, six more months? 13 seems to be when they’re like, ‘You’re no longer cool,’” she laughed, illustrating the relatable challenges of parenting a teenager.
In previous discussions, Dewan has also revealed that Everly is actively involved in her upcoming wedding plans with Kazee. “She has input in everything and she really has opinions when it comes to this,” Dewan shared. This level of involvement demonstrates the close bond between mother and daughter, as well as Everly’s desire to ensure the occasions hold a sense of fun and excitement.
As Dewan embarks on her journey in “Dancing with the Stars,” it is clear that her daughter Everly has played a significant role in motivating her. With the support of her family and their shared passion for dancing, viewers can expect an inspiring season ahead. Dewan’s participation not only highlights her considerable talents but also reinforces the importance of family engagement in personal and professional decisions.