Val Chmerkovskiy Dismisses Ringer Claims Regarding Jenna Dewan

Chmerkovskiy, a veteran of 20 seasons, maintains that the "ringer" label is relative. He views the competition as a platform for personal growth rather than a purely technical contest. According to the professional dancer, his primary goal is to showcase Dewan’s journey as an individual and mother, using dance as a vehicle for storytelling. He intends to push their partnership to reveal new dimensions of her talent, regardless of her previous work with artists like Janet Jackson.

Dewan herself has pushed back against the notion that her resume makes the ballroom easy. While her past includes extensive backup dancing and a breakout role in the film Step Up, she insists that ballroom is an entirely different discipline. She noted that she has spent the rehearsal process unlearning ingrained habits from other styles to master the specific techniques required for the show. Her decision to compete was largely inspired by her 13-year-old daughter, Everly, a dedicated fan who encouraged her to accept the opportunity after attending a previous season finale.