When you watch Jenna Johnson Chmerkovskiy glide across the Dancing with the Stars floor, you probably aren’t thinking about Sunday school or theology. You're watching the lines, the chemistry, and that terrifyingly perfect technique. But for a lot of fans, especially those who grew up in the Mountain West, there is a recurring question: is Jenna Johnson Mormon?
It’s a fair question. Utah has basically become the unofficial farm system for professional ballroom dancing in America. If you see a dancer with world-class Latin skills on your TV, there's a statistical probability they grew up near Provo.
The Utah Roots and LDS Upbringing
Jenna was born in California, but she’s a Utah girl through and through. She grew up in Provo, which is essentially the heart of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) culture. Her parents, Curt and Tamara Johnson, raised her in the faith. In that world, dance isn't just a hobby; it’s a cultural staple.
She spent her formative years training at Center Stage Performing Arts Studio in Orem. If that name sounds familiar, it should. It’s the same studio that produced Julianne and Derek Hough, Lindsay Arnold, and Witney Carson.
Honestly, the "Mormon-to-ballroom" pipeline is a real thing. The LDS church often emphasizes wholesome extracurriculars and performing arts. For Jenna, this meant a childhood of rigorous rehearsals and a family environment where faith was the foundation.
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Is She Still a Practicing Member?
This is where things get a little more nuanced. People love a simple "yes" or "no," but humans aren't usually that binary.
Jenna hasn't officially announced a "departure" from the church, but her lifestyle has clearly shifted away from the strict traditionalism you might see in a typical Utah ward. For instance, she married Val Chmerkovskiy, who is Jewish. They didn't have a temple wedding; they had a gorgeous, multi-faith ceremony at the Terranea Resort in California in 2019.
When asked about her religion in past interviews or on social media, Jenna has sometimes used phrasing like "my family is Mormon" or talked about her "upbringing." It suggests a level of respect for her roots without necessarily claiming the "active member" tag in the way some of her peers do.
The Val Factor and Interfaith Marriage
Marrying Val was a big deal for fans tracking her religious journey. Val comes from a Russian-Jewish background. During their engagement, Val openly talked about the "fusion" of their two worlds. They’ve been very intentional about respecting both her Utah-Mormon heritage and his Jewish traditions.
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They celebrate Hanukkah. They celebrate Christmas. They seem to be building a home based on shared values rather than a specific, singular religious doctrine.
- Upbringing: Heavily LDS (Mormon).
- Current Practice: Seems more "spiritually fluid" or secular-leaning.
- Family: Remains close with her very active LDS family in Utah.
Why Everyone Asks This Question
The obsession with "Is Jenna Johnson Mormon?" usually stems from the "modesty" debate. In the LDS faith, there are specific guidelines about clothing and garments. If you've seen the costumes on Dancing with the Stars, you know they aren't exactly meeting those traditional standards.
Fans often compare Jenna to someone like Lindsay Arnold or Witney Carson, who have been more vocal about maintaining their LDS ties while navigating the entertainment industry. Jenna has always been a bit more private. She doesn't post about "General Conference" or "Primary" as often as some other Utah dancers might.
Basically, she’s living her life. She’s a mom now (to baby Rome), and her focus seems to be on her family and her craft.
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The Reality of Faith in Hollywood
It’s tough. You move from Provo to Los Angeles at 18 or 19. You’re suddenly in a world that doesn't care about your "Word of Wisdom" (the LDS health code) or your Sunday habits.
Jenna has spoken about the "culture shock" of moving to LA for So You Think You Can Dance. While she hasn't ditched her values—she’s known for being incredibly kind and professional—the rigid structures of her childhood religion seem to have softened into a more personal, private spirituality.
So, is she Mormon? Culturally, yes. In her DNA, definitely. But if you’re looking for a "temple-recommend-holding" traditionalist, that doesn't seem to be the path she's currently walking. She's a "Utah girl" who found love in a different culture and built a life that bridges the two.
What to do if you're following her journey:
- Watch her interviews: She often does podcasts (like The Squeeze) where she talks about her mental health and motherhood.
- Check her "Life Updates": She’s very active on Instagram, showing how she balances her family's diverse traditions.
- Respect the privacy: Religion is a personal thing, even for someone who spends their Tuesdays in sequins under a disco ball.
Jenna Johnson Chmerkovskiy is a prime example of how someone can honor where they came from without letting it strictly define where they are going. She’s a world-class athlete, a devoted mom, and a woman who seems very much at peace with her own blend of faith and family.