Competing on Dancing With The Stars takes a lot of blood, sweat, and tears. Heavy on the tears. Longtime pro Jenna Johnson opened up about the unseen emotional toll DWTS takes on her. She admitted that the reality show “rips” at her heartstrings. Keep reading for more details on what she’s talking about.
Harry Shum Jr. Reveals Injury During Rehearsals
Jenna Johnson is paired with Grey’s Anatomy star Harry Shum Jr. this season. He received early backlash from fans due to his prior dance experience in the Step Up movie franchise and on Glee. However, he has since proved himself on the dance floor.
The couple received a 24 out of 30 on Mariah Carey Night, putting them near the top of the leaderboard. While they nailed the dance during the live show, the rehearsals were another story. Harry Shum Jr. was injured during the rehearsals, but it wasn’t shown on the DWTS package on the live show.
According to Jenna and Harry, she accidentally headbutted him while practicing their routine. However, he took the injury in stride, noting that he had stepped on her feet several times as well.
DWTS takes a physical toll on the contestants and pro dancers, with minor and severe injuries happening every season. In a candid admission, Jenna Johnson opened up about the emotional toll.
Jenna Johnson Reveals Emotional Toll Of DWTS: ‘Rips’ At Heartstrings
Jenna Johnson has been a pro on DWTS for 9 seasons, plus several years in the troupe. She’s won two Mirrorball Trophies and could win her third on Season 35. Her biggest competition is her husband, Val Chmerkovskiy, and his celeb partner Jenna Dewan.
Jenna Johnson and Val married in 2019. They welcomed their son, Rome, in 2023 after previously suffering a miscarriage in 2021. Rome is a constant presence on the couple’s social media. But Jenna Johnson revealed what fans don’t see. The professional dancer shared a vulnerable look at the heartbreak of leaving her son for the long hours of rehearsal and the live show.
“My patient boy,” she wrote on a video of her snuggling Rome. “The early mornings, long hours, and time away from each other rip at my heart strings. Nothing I love more than these sleepy cuddles with you! Thank you for loving me unconditionally and holding me together through the noise and chaos of it all.”
Jenna Johnson received a lot of support and encouragement for her vulnerable post.
- “Seeing his parents work and accomplish so much is such a gift!”
- “Kids are the best. The most unconditional love through all our own ups and downs as parents”
- “The way he looks at you is so heartwarming”
- “Being a working mom is the hardest thing”
- “Enjoy every moment, in a blink of an eye they are all grown”
Leaving her son “rips” at her heart, but you would never know it when she’s on the dance floor. Despite missing Rome, Jenna Johnson gives it her all when it comes to DWTS. She’ll perform a Samba with Harry Shum Jr. on Super Bowl Night.
Dancing With The Stars airs Tuesdays at 8 PM Eastern on ABC and Disney+. Share your reaction to her emotional post in the comments.
Jennifer Havener grew up in a small town in Upstate New York. She earned her B.A in Writing & Literature from Naropa University in Boulder, Colorado. She always knew watching reality TV shows and soap operas, particularly ‘Days of Our Lives’, would come in handy someday. When she’s not writing, she’s playing with her dogs, Lola and Ruger