Harry Shum Jr., the well-known star from the popular series ‘Glee’, has officially been confirmed to join the cast for the 35th season of ‘Dancing with the Stars’, pairing up with professional dancer Jenna Johnson. As excitement builds around the new season, Shum addresses the expectations and assumptions surrounding his involvement in the competition.
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Before his casting was officially announced, speculation circulated among fans regarding Shum’s participation in the much-loved dance competition. Drawing from his background as a dancer in ‘Glee’, where he portrayed Mike Chang, as well as his roles in the ‘Step Up’ film series, many assumed he would have an edge on the dance floor. However, Shum challenges this notion, stating, “I think everyone’s idea is like, ‘Oh, you dance, so you should be able to dance anything.’ And I mean, that’s just not true.”
During an appearance on ‘Good Morning America’, Shum elaborated on the complexities of dance, highlighting that the vast array of styles across different cultures poses a significant challenge for dancers at any level. He noted, “There are hundreds of styles, not dozens, hundreds all over the world,” reflecting his awareness of the diversity of dance forms.
While Shum has a wealth of experience, he admits that his recent transition into the ballroom and Latin dance styles presents unique challenges. He expressed excitement about learning from Jenna Johnson, who he described as possessing a deeper understanding of dance. “It’s just a whole new vocabulary,” he explained, indicating his eagerness to embrace the learning curve and emphasising that he is keen to push himself beyond his comfort zone.
Shum acknowledged the pressure that comes with having a prior dance background. Despite this, he remains focused on the joy of the experience. “I’m here to have fun and dance with an incredible partner and tell some fun stories,” he stated. His positive outlook serves as a testament to his willingness to face the upcoming challenges with enthusiasm rather than dread.
His pairing with Johnson has brought him great joy. He praised her not only for her dancing skills but also for her teaching abilities. Shum said, “She’s just an incredible, all-around person and teacher,” highlighting the importance of having a supportive partner who can guide him effectively throughout the competition.
Shum is not alone in his journey this season; several other contestants, including Amber Glenn, Jenna Dewan, Jackson Olson, and Julia Stiles, also possess notable dance backgrounds. Glenn, an Olympic gold medalist, is teamed up with Pasha Pashkov, while Dewan, the host of the show, will dance with Val Chmerkovskiy. Olson is partnered with Emma Slater, and Stiles will be working with Ezra Sosa.
The new season of ‘Dancing with the Stars’ is set to premiere over two nights: the first will air on Tuesday, September 15, followed by a second episode on Wednesday, September 16. Fans can catch the latest episodes on ABC and Disney+, with subsequent streaming available on Hulu.
As the premiere dates draw near, excitement around Shum and his fellow contestants continues to grow. With their diverse backgrounds and unique approaches to dance, season 35 promises to deliver captivating performances and unforgettable moments that fans of the show have come to cherish.