Valentin Chmerkovskiy and Jenna Dewan are set to grace the stage together in the highly anticipated season 35 of Dancing with the Stars. The duo was officially announced as one of the 16 pairs competing on the show during a reveal on Good Morning America on 2nd September. Chmerkovskiy, who will be dancing alongside Dewan, expressed his enthusiasm for working with the former professional dancer and actress, acknowledging the high expectations fans may have due to Dewan’s illustrious background.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/Valentin-Chmerkovskiy-and-Jenna-Dewan783-09022026-a562a58a1e3d4e1090031ccbd6412a81.jpg)
Dewan, renowned for her role in the film Step Up, began her career as a backup dancer for Janet Jackson at the tender age of 18. She subsequently rose to fame through her performance in the 2006 dance drama, which has since become a cult classic. As the two prepare to compete, Chmerkovskiy is acutely aware of the anticipation surrounding their pairing.
“I’m not naive to the expectations that people have for Jenna, rightfully so,” Chmerkovskiy told PEOPLE, reflecting on the public’s scrutiny. However, he emphasised that while expectations exist, both he and Dewan are committed to enjoying their experience together and doing their utmost, regardless of the outcome. “We’re going to do our best. There’s no guarantees,” he added, underlining the pressure they face yet also the joy they hope to find in the process.
Chmerkovskiy also delved into the emotional aspect of their partnership, suggesting that dance transcends mere physicality and serves as a medium for human connection. “Dance is also just a vehicle to connect with people,” he remarked. He believes that the bond he and Dewan share will play a significant role in their performance, stating, “I think there’s a real human connection here, between the two of us, that we’re excited to share with the world.”
The pair’s paths had crossed prior to the show’s casting, and Chmerkovskiy is grateful for the opportunity to partner with someone he describes as both a remarkable artist and a wonderful human being. Expressing his eagerness for the challenges that the competition will present, he remarked, “I’m very thankful that she said yes,” signalling a positive outlook for the months ahead.
Dewan herself echoed this excitement. She revealed that from the moment she was approached to participate in this season, she felt an intrinsic sense of affirmation. “You know that feeling. It’s like the ‘Oprah Aha!’ where you’re like, ‘Oh my gosh. Wait, this feels like a really strong yes,’” she shared, underscoring the serendipitous nature of their collaboration.
Reflecting on her journey, Dewan described this moment as “our karmic reward,” expressing a desire to embrace both the challenges and joys that lie ahead. “I said, ‘You know what? Sometimes, you just get that moment in life where you can have fun and know that you get to be in the yumminess of life,’” she said, highlighting her motivation to appreciate the experience fully.
Chmerkovskiy also took a moment to celebrate the significance of their collaboration, aligning it with the 20th anniversary of Step Up. He described this pairing as “an iconic moment for dance,” noting the continued legacy of the film that has positively impacted the lives of many dancers. “What a treat for me, for Jenna, to be a part of that,” Chmerkovskiy added, celebrating both their history and the platform Dance with the Stars provides.
The new season of Dancing with the Stars is set to kick off with a two-night premiere on 15th and 16th September, airing on ABC and Disney+. For those unable to catch the live broadcast, episodes will be available for streaming on Hulu the following day. As this iconic duo prepares to hit the dance floor, all eyes will surely be on them to see if they can meet, and perhaps even exceed, the expectations set before them.