Image Source: E! News
Jenna Dewan received an enthusiastic welcome from her family during her Dancing With the Stars debut, with her 13-year-old daughter, Everly, making a rare public appearance to support her from the audience.
The actor and dancer performed a tango with professional partner Val Chmerkovskiy during the Sept. 16 episode of the show’s 35th season. Their routine to “Call Me” earned a score of 19, one of the highest totals of the night, prompting Everly and Jenna’s fiancé, Steve Kazee, to rise and celebrate.
Jenna Dewan’s Emotional DWTS Debut Becomes a Family Affair
Everly is Jenna Dewan’s daughter with her ex-husband, actor Channing Tatum. Jenna also shares two younger children with Kazee: 6-year-old Callum and 2-year-old Rhiannon. According to E! News, a pre-performance package included a rare image of all three children together.
The family moment gave viewers a glimpse into the support system behind Jenna’s latest career move. While her professional partnership with Chmerkovskiy is at the center of the competition, the actor’s children have been closely following her return to dance.
Everly’s presence was especially meaningful because she had reportedly encouraged her mother to accept the opportunity. Jenna explained that her daughter is a major fan of Dancing With the Stars and had hoped to see her compete.
“She was a huge reason why I was so excited to do this, because she loved the show so much,” Jenna told E! News after the episode.
Everly Tatum Had a Powerful Reaction to the Casting News
Jenna recalled trying to keep the casting news quiet before making an official announcement. However, Everly quickly realized what was happening after overhearing her mother discuss the offer.
According to Jenna, Everly looked up and asked whether she had really been offered a place on Dancing With the Stars. The teenager then urged her mother to take the opportunity, making it clear how much the show meant to her.
That excitement continued in the ballroom. Everly and Kazee were visibly thrilled when Jenna and Chmerkovskiy received their scores, adding a personal highlight to the dancer’s first night in the competition.
A Full-Circle Return to Dance for Jenna Dewan
Jenna Dewan’s participation in the competition represents more than a new television challenge. Dance was an important part of her life before she became widely known as an actor and before she became a mother.
She rose to prominence through dance-focused projects, including Step Up, which she starred in 20 years ago. Returning to a dance floor in front of a live audience has therefore become a full-circle moment for the performer.
“Dance was the one part of myself that was there for me prior to acting, prior to being a mom,” Jenna said in a confessional. “Coming back to that right now is allowing myself to put myself first.”
She also acknowledged the pressure surrounding her debut. With a strong dance background and years of public attention, Jenna understands that viewers may expect a polished performance each week.
Val Chmerkovskiy Wants Growth, Not Just High Scores
Although the pair opened the season with an impressive 19 points, Chmerkovskiy said he does not want the early score to define their journey. The professional dancer believes the audience should see Jenna continue to develop throughout the competition.
“Yes, it’s a dance show, but it’s also a human experience that people want to see growth,” Chmerkovskiy told E! News. He added that viewers want to see participation, expanded abilities and real-time progress each week.
That approach could make Jenna’s storyline one of the season’s most compelling. Her dance experience gives her a strong foundation, while the demands of live television, choreography and competition create new challenges.
What Comes Next for Jenna Dewan on DWTS?
Jenna will continue competing with Chmerkovskiy as the season progresses. Her opening performance established an early connection with viewers, while the support of Everly, Kazee and her younger children added an emotional layer to her journey.
The season 35 cast also includes Julia Stiles, Giada De Laurentiis, Harry Shum Jr., Taylor Hanson, Tatyana Ali, Olympic figure skater Amber Glenn and several other familiar personalities.
For Jenna Dewan, however, the biggest victory of opening night may have been sharing her return to dance with the people closest to her. With her family cheering from the ballroom, she has already made the competition feel personal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Jenna Dewan’s Dancing With the Stars partner?
Jenna Dewan is partnered with professional dancer Val Chmerkovskiy during season 35 of Dancing With the Stars.
How many points did Jenna Dewan earn for her debut?
Jenna and Val earned 19 points for their tango to “Call Me,” giving them one of the highest scores of the night.
Who is Everly’s father?
Everly is Jenna Dewan’s daughter with her former husband, actor Channing Tatum.
Who are Jenna Dewan’s younger children?
Jenna also shares 6-year-old Callum and 2-year-old Rhiannon with her fiancé, Steve Kazee.
