Maksim Comments on Jenna Johnson’s DWTS Struggles
Jenna Johnson has been a standout professional dancer on Dancing With the Stars since 2016. She first joined in season 23 and quickly became a fan favorite. Her first mirrorball trophy came in 2018 with Olympic figure skater Adam Rippon in a special all-athletes season. That win showed her ability to teach and connect with partners. She took a break in season 31 to welcome her son with husband Val Chmerkovskiy, also a pro dancer.
Via US Weekly
In 2024, Jenna won again with The Bachelor star Joey Graziadei in a full-length season. This victory was special because it was her first in a regular 10-week season. Now, in season 34, she’s paired with actor Corey Feldman, known for 1980s films like The Goonies. Fans are curious to see how their partnership will unfold. Jenna’s passion for dance and her positive attitude keep viewers hooked.
Challenges Behind the Scenes
Not every partnership on Dancing With the Stars is smooth. Rehearsals can be long, and personalities don’t always click. Maksim Chmerkovskiy, Val’s brother and Jenna’s brother-in-law, recently spoke about this. He said that while everyone seems happy on camera, things can be different off-screen. Jenna is facing difficulties with Corey, according to Maksim.
Via Yahoo
He described her situation as an “uphill climb,” suggesting it’s tougher than it looks. Maksim supports Jenna and wants Corey to respect her as the reigning champion. These challenges show how much effort goes into making the dances look effortless. Jenna’s determination to push through is inspiring to many.
Rumors of Tension with Corey Feldman
Rumors about trouble between Jenna and Corey started early in season 34. After the cast announcement on September 3, 2025, Jenna said she hadn’t seen Corey since their Good Morning America appearance. Fans noticed they weren’t posting TikTok videos together like other pairs. This led to speculation about their partnership. Jenna’s honesty on Instagram sparked more curiosity.
Via Yahoo
Later, she shared a rehearsal video, calling Corey her “best friend,” trying to show they were getting along. However, Maksim’s comments suggest there’s still some strain. Despite this, Jenna stays professional and focuses on creating great performances. Fans hope they can work through their differences.
Their First Performance on DWTS
On September 16, 2025, Jenna and Corey debuted on the Dancing With the Stars premiere. They performed a tango to Billy Joel’s “It’s Still Rock and Roll to Me.” The judges gave them a score of 9 out of 20, which was low but a starting point. Jenna praised Corey’s effort on Instagram, saying she was proud of his hard work. She sees his potential as a performer.
Via Facebook
Corey’s background as an actor helps him bring energy to the stage. Jenna wants to highlight his charisma in their dances. Even with a tough start, they’re focused on improving each week. Viewers are excited to see how they grow as a team.
Jenna’s Past Successes
Jenna’s 2018 win with Adam Rippon was a big moment. The all-athletes season was short, only four weeks, but intense. Adam’s skating skills helped, but Jenna’s teaching made their dances shine. She always wanted to win a full season, which she did with Joey Graziadei in 2024. That partnership felt “meant to be” to her.
Via Billboard
Joey was the first Bachelor star to win DWTS, making history. Their Tarzan-themed samba on Disney night went viral on TikTok with 4.5 million views. Jenna didn’t plan for it to go big; she just wanted it to be fun. These moments show why she’s a top pro dancer.
Family Connections on the Show
Jenna’s family makes her DWTS experience extra special. Her husband, Val, is a fellow pro dancer, and they sometimes work together. This season, her niece Hailey Bills joined the dance troupe. Jenna mentored Hailey on Dancing With the Stars Junior, and now they share the stage. It’s a dream come true for their family from Utah.
Via ABC News
Seeing Hailey rehearse and perform brings Jenna joy. Her sister, Hailey’s mom, was in the audience for the premiere, emotional and proud. This rare aunt-niece duo on the show adds a heartfelt touch. Fans love seeing their close bond.
Jenna’s Dream Celebrity Partners
Jenna has ideas for future DWTS partners. She’d love to dance with Jason Kelce, a football player known for his fun personality. She thinks he’d surprise everyone with his energy. Another dream is singer Demi Lovato, who she believes would shine in the ballroom. Jenna’s open to dancing with women again after her historic same-sex pairing with JoJo Siwa in season 30.
Via The Hollywood Reporter
That season with JoJo was one of her favorites. It pushed her creatively and felt meaningful. She also mentioned actress Margot Robbie as a dream partner. Jenna’s enthusiasm for new challenges keeps her dancing fresh and exciting.
The Role of Social Media in DWTS
Social media has changed Dancing With the Stars a lot. Platforms like TikTok and Instagram make dances go viral fast. Fans share clips, and some moves become trends. Jenna’s Tarzan dance with Joey got millions of views because it was authentic, not forced. She loves that social media brings new fans to the show.
Via Collider
However, Jenna doesn’t choreograph just for likes. She focuses on creating dances that feel right for the music and her partner. The show’s mix of live TV and streaming on Disney+ and Hulu helps it reach more people. This keeps DWTS popular after 20 years.
Why Partnerships Matter
A strong partnership is key on Dancing With the Stars. Pros and celebrities must trust each other to learn complex dances fast. Some pairs become close friends, while others face challenges. Jenna is known for being patient and encouraging. She helps her partners feel confident, even under pressure.
Via Cosmopolitan
With Corey, she’s focusing on his strengths, like his showman energy. Even if they don’t always get along, Jenna stays positive. Building a good partnership takes effort, but it makes the performances better. Fans root for pairs who show teamwork.
The History of Dancing With the Stars
Dancing With the Stars began in 2005, inspired by the British show Strictly Come Dancing. Celebrities learn ballroom dances like the waltz and cha-cha with pros. Judges score them, and viewers vote to keep pairs in. Each week, the lowest-scoring team goes home.
Via The Hollywood Reporter
The show mixes glamour, competition, and fun. Over the years, it’s had special seasons like all-stars and juniors. Its mix of live performances and emotional stories keeps it popular. Streaming on Disney+ and Hulu makes it easy for fans to watch anytime.
Corey Feldman’s Acting Background
Corey Feldman was a big star in the 1980s. He played Mouth in The Goonies, a kid on a treasure hunt. In The Lost Boys, he fought vampires as a teen. He also starred in Stand by Me and Gremlins. His acting experience helps him perform with confidence on DWTS.
Via Us Weekly
Now, Corey does music and advocacy too. His bold personality comes through in rehearsals. Jenna wants to use his charisma to make their dances stand out. Fans are curious to see how his skills translate to the ballroom.
Jenna’s Choreography Style
Jenna’s choreography is all about the music and her partner’s personality. She picks moves that fit the song and show who the celebrity is. For Corey, she highlights his electric energy. She spends hours in the studio making sure every step feels right. Her goal is to make dances fun and memorable.
Via people
Her Tarzan dance with Joey worked because they focused on enjoying it. Jenna doesn’t try to make viral moments; she wants authentic performances. This approach makes her dances connect with audiences. It’s why she’s a favorite pro.
Support from the DWTS Community
The Dancing With the Stars cast is like a family. Pros support each other through tough times. Maksim’s public support for Jenna shows this bond. Val, her husband, is also there for her on set. This helps Jenna stay strong, even with challenges.
Via On-Camera Audiences
Fans play a big role, too. They vote to keep their favorite pairs in and share support online. This community spirit makes the show special. Jenna feels the love from both her colleagues and viewers. Season 34 of Dancing With the Stars has a mix of stars, from athletes to actors. Jenna and Corey want to improve after their low premiere score.
Jenna’s posts show she believes in Corey’s effort. They’re working hard to create better dances each week. Their journey is just starting. Fans hope they can overcome their challenges and surprise the judges. With Jenna’s talent and Corey’s energy, they could go far. Viewers are tuning in to see what’s next.
Via ABC News
Explore Jenna Johnson’s Tough DWTS Journey With Corey Feldman
Fans dream of an all-winners season, and Jenna loves the idea. She’d dance with Joey or Adam again in a heartbeat. A season with past champions would be intense, with high-level dances. The show did an all-stars season before, so this could happen. Jenna thinks it would be fun and competitive. Winners already know the show, so their performances would be strong.
Via Us Weekly
Fans would love seeing their favorites back. It could be a big hit for season 35. Dancing With the Stars is still a hit after 20 years because it’s exciting and heartfelt. Stars learn new skills, and viewers see their growth. The live shows add drama, as anything can happen. The mix of judges’ scores and fan votes keeps everyone engaged.
Streaming on Disney+ and Hulu brings in new fans. Social media spreads the excitement with viral clips. Jenna’s dances, like her Tarzan samba, show how the show connects with people. It’s a mix of dance, story, and fun that keeps viewers coming back.
