Jenna Johnson defends casting on ‘Dancing with the Stars’

Professional dancer Jenna Johnson has addressed criticisms regarding whether contestants with prior dance experience hold an unfair advantage on ‘Dancing with the Stars’. Johnson argues that the show is a ‘different beast’ due to several unique pressures that cannot be anticipated through prior training.

Key challenges cited include the intense pressure of performing live in front of a studio audience and millions of viewers, where there are no second chances once the cameras are rolling. Additionally, contestants must master ballroom techniques, develop characters, and adhere to specific themes within less than a week.

Johnson noted that the show presents a wide range of participants, from Olympians to those with no dance background at all, but emphasized that the specific demands of the competition make every season a unique experience for the celebrities involved.