Jenna Dewan Makes a Stunning Debut on ‘Dancing with the Stars’ Amid Family Support
Jenna Dewan has made her long-anticipated debut on the popular television competition, Dancing with the Stars. Supporting her in the audience were her three children and fiancé Steve Kazee, who cheered her on as she took to the dance floor for the first time this week. Dewan, 45, who shares her eldest daughter Everly with ex-husband Channing Tatum, also has a son, Callum, and a daughter, Rhiannon, with Kazee.
The evening featured a spirited performance of the tango, where Dewan partnered with Val Chmerkovskiy to the tune of “Call Me.” The duo received an impressive score of 19, which turned out to be the highest of the night. The atmosphere was electric as Dewan’s family applauded from the sidelines, showcasing their unwavering support.
Prior to her appearance on the show, Dewan revealed the personal motivation that led her to participate this season. In an interview with PEOPLE at the red carpet cast reveal for Season 35 of Dancing with the Stars, she admitted that her daughter Everly played a significant role in her decision. Everly, who is a devoted fan of the programme, had expressed her desire for Dewan to join the competition.
Dewan recounted how her daughter and her friends had campaigned for tickets to attend the finale of the previous season. “So I ended up coming to the finale with her,” Dewan explained. “It’s possible I was put on the radar for this season because of that.” This year marked the first time the show extended an invitation to her, and she responded with enthusiasm.
“When I received the offer, I felt an internal excitement,” Dewan reflected. “It felt like an instant yes.” Her eagerness to participate indicates not only a personal journey but also a heartfelt connection to her daughter’s interest in dance.
In a recent episode of Live with Kelly and Mark, Dewan further discussed how Everly’s journey in dance has evolved. Once enamoured with Irish dancing, Everly has begun branching out into other styles, including traditional dance and cheerleading. “She even performed with the [Los Angeles] Rams at the halftime show,” Dewan shared, beaming with pride about her daughter’s accomplishments.
Dewan noted that Everly is starting to grasp her mother’s influence within the dance community. “People come up and say, ‘We love the movie Step Up!’” Dewan remarked, acknowledging the growing recognition of her work. Once indifferent to her mother’s past films, Everly has begun to appreciate the significance of Step Up now that she is engaged in dance herself.
Jenna Dewan humorously recalled a moment when she first tried to introduce Everly to the film: “When she was younger, I showed it to her, and she seemed bored and said, ‘Can we watch something good instead?’” However, as Everly has developed an interest in dance, she now sees the connection. “Now she’s like, ‘Oh, ok! Now I see what people talk to you about.’ I think she still thinks I’m cool, but I have about six more months of that before she hits 13!”
As Dewan navigates her way through the competition, the support from her family serves as a pillar of strength. Balancing her career with motherhood, Dewan’s commitment to her children and passion for dance are likely to resonate with audiences, enhancing her connection to fans.
Dewan’s participation in Dancing with the Stars marks a new chapter in her career, showcasing not just her talent but also the familial bonds that inspire her. As the season progresses, viewers will no doubt be watching to see how both her dancing and her family dynamic develop on the show.