The upcoming season of Dancing with the Stars is already generating buzz, not just for its celebrity cast, but for behind-the-scenes murmurs concerning perceived advantages among some contestants. As the show prepares for its September 15 premiere, insiders are speaking out about casting choices that some feel create an uneven playing field, particularly for individuals with extensive dance backgrounds.
Jenna Dewan’s Dance Pedigree Sparks Controversy
Actress Jenna Dewan, who is set to compete in Season 35 with professional partner Val Chmerkovskiy, has become a focal point of these backstage discussions. Dewan, who is 45, is no stranger to the dance world, having begun her career as a backup dancer for major artists like Janet Jackson, Christina Aguilera, Pink, and Missy Elliott. Her breakout role in the 2006 film Step Up, where she portrayed a talented ballet dancer, further cemented her association with dance. This history has led some fellow contestants and observers to question whether her experience gives her an ‘unfair advantage’ on a show that pairs celebrities with professional ballroom dancers.
Dewan herself acknowledged the public’s perception, telling Entertainment Tonight, “I do not know how to ballroom dance. Let’s be clear. It’s two different languages. There’s parts of my dance training that’s helpful, obviously. I’ve learned choreography, I can perform, but there is a certain sense of unlearning for me.” Despite her explanation, the sentiment that her professional dance background provides a significant edge persists among some participants.
Her professional partner, Val Chmerkovskiy, a three-time Mirrorball trophy winner, is reportedly feeling the pressure to highlight Dewan’s abilities. “He’s always set on winning but, this season, he believes he has a chance again with Jenna as his partner. He’s not going to go easy on her, that’s for sure,” a source close to the situation revealed. Chmerkovskiy commented to People, “The world is going to have an opinion, and that’s fine and [that’s] their right, but we can also just enjoy each other and do our best and live in that gratitude.”
Allegations of Favoritism and Connections
Beyond Dewan’s dance background, other casting decisions have also drawn attention. Whispers suggest that Dewan’s close friendship with judge Derek Hough could also present an advantage. The two have a history of working together, including on Jennifer Lopez’s competition show World of Dance and a 2022 ABC movie. “She is more or less besties with Derek,” an insider noted, expressing concern that this personal connection might influence judging.
Similarly, the casting of Tatyana Ali has raised eyebrows due to her long-standing relationship with show co-host Alfonso Ribeiro. Ali and Ribeiro starred as siblings on the popular 1990s sitcom The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. “They can compare notes and he can talk her up. Having that connection will help her,” a source commented, suggesting that Ribeiro’s position could indirectly benefit Ali.
Ali, when asked about potential advantages, told Us Weekly, “I haven’t even really thought about it in that way. I’m excited to be on stage with him [Ribeiro]… The last time I worked with him I was 17 years old.” She is partnered with professional dancer January Ravnik.
‘Fan Favorite’ Status and Behind-the-Scenes Dynamics
The show’s producers are reportedly aiming to create a highly competitive season, strategically casting individuals with existing fan bases or compelling narratives. This has led to some “eyerolling” among contestants regarding celebrities perceived as pre-destined “fan favorites.” Names mentioned in this context include:
- Ciara Miller: Known for her role on Summer House.
- Maura Higgins: Gained a following from Love Island and The Traitors.
- Ezra Frech: A Paralympian track and field athlete with recent gold medal wins.
- Tyler Cameron: A popular figure from The Bachelorette franchise.
The anticipation surrounding these potential fan favorites is palpable, with sources indicating that producers are keen on highlighting compelling personal stories and established public appeal.
New Talent and Departures
Season 35 also introduces new professional dancers, including Adele Zaikman, the winner of Dancing with the Stars: The Next Pro, and Hailey Bills. Their performances will be closely watched, as producers assess audience reception to new talent. This season also marks the absence of longtime professional Gleb Savchenko, who was a fixture on the show for 12 seasons. His departure, along with the return of fan-favorite Sharna Burgess after a five-year hiatus, suggests a potential shift in the professional dancer lineup.
Producers have emphasized their desire for a season focused on strong competition and high-caliber dancing. “They’ve stressed this to the pros to bring their A-game and to bring competition,” a source stated. “In fact, they prefer to have less drama this season and more competitiveness.” Despite this stated goal, the early emergence of backstage discussions about casting fairness and perceived advantages suggests that interpersonal dynamics will continue to be a significant part of the Dancing with the Stars narrative.
The Full Cast and Premiere Details
The complete cast for Season 35 includes a diverse group of celebrities alongside Dewan and Chmerkovskiy:
- Jenna Dewan and Val Chmerkovskiy
- Tatyana Ali and January Ravnik
- Julia Stiles
- Tyler Cameron
- Harry Shum Jr.
- Ciara Miller
- Maura Higgins and Mark Ballas
- Ezra Frech
- Amber Glenn (Olympic gold medalist)
- Taylor Hanson (of Hanson)
- Jackson Olson (Savannah Bananas)
- Guillermo Rodriguez (Jimmy Kimmel Live!)
- Connor Wood (TikTok star)
- Sarah Jane Nader and Hailey Bills
The season premieres on September 15 on ABC and will be available for streaming on Disney+.
Conclusion: A Season of High Stakes and Scrutiny
As Dancing with the Stars gears up for its 35th season, the familiar blend of celebrity talent, professional skill, and behind-the-scenes intrigue is already in full swing. While the show aims for a focus on competitive dancing, the discussions surrounding Jenna Dewan’s background and other casting choices highlight the ongoing debate about fairness and advantage in the ballroom. Viewers will undoubtedly be watching closely to see how these dynamics play out on the dance floor and in the judges’ scores.
