You see her under the neon lights of the ballroom, hair perfectly slicked back, executing a triple pirouette like it’s as easy as breathing. To the casual viewer tuning into Dancing with the Stars on a Tuesday night, Jenna Johnson looks like the quintessential "pro"—flawless, intense, and perhaps a little bit untouchable. But if you think her path to those two Mirrorball trophies was a straight line of glitz and high scores, you’re missing the actual story.
The reality? Jenna’s career has been a wild, sometimes brutal seesaw.
She’s gone from the absolute high of winning the "Athletes" season with Adam Rippon to the crushing "first out" elimination with Jake T. Austin. She’s been the fan favorite and the judge’s punching bag. Most recently, in late 2024, she reminded everyone why she’s arguably the most technical pro on that floor by taking Joey Graziadei all the way to the win in Season 33. But then, as the ballroom often does, it humbled her again. By the fall of 2025, during Season 34, she and partner Corey Feldman were sent packing in the second week.
It’s that inconsistency—the "up one season, down the next" nature of the show—that has shaped her into more than just a dancer.
Why Jenna Johnson from Dancing with the Stars Is Actually the Show's Biggest Risk-Taker
Ballroom dancing is traditionally rigid. It’s about "the frame" and "the footwork." But Jenna doesn't really play by the old-school rules, which is why she’s often the one choreographing the moments that go viral on TikTok or end up in an Emmy reel.
Think back to Season 30. Partnering with JoJo Siwa wasn't just a "cool moment" for the show; it was a massive technical hurdle. Jenna had to completely re-learn how to lead and follow in a same-sex partnership that the show had never attempted before. They didn't win—they came in second to Iman Shumpert—but that season changed how the industry viewed her. She wasn't just a Latin specialist anymore. She was a pioneer.
The Chmerkovskiy Connection: More Than Just a Famous Name
People love to talk about the "Chmerkovskiy Dynasty." Marrying Val Chmerkovskiy in 2019 basically made her ballroom royalty, but it also put a giant target on her back. Being part of that family means every step is scrutinized.
Honestly, their relationship hasn't always been the fairytale the Instagram photos suggest. They broke up back in 2016 for a while. Val was linked to Amber Rose; Jenna was focusing on her own climb. They had to find their way back to each other, eventually marrying in a stunning ceremony in Rancho Palos Verdes.
Now, they’re navigating the "parents who work together" life. Their son, Rome, was born in early 2023, and Jenna was back on the dance floor remarkably fast. But she’s been vocal about the "mom guilt" and the physical toll of returning to elite-level cardio after pregnancy. It’s not just about fitting into a sequined bodysuit; it’s about having the core strength to let a 200-pound celebrity athlete dip you without your back giving out.
The 2026 Shift: Life Beyond the Mirrorball
As we move through 2026, Jenna is currently on the Dancing with the Stars Live tour, hitting cities like Boston and Manchester. But you can see her focus shifting. She’s leaning heavily into the "wellness advocate" space.
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Gone are the days of "all-or-nothing" training. She’s talked openly about her struggle with body image in an industry that demands perfection. Nowadays, her philosophy is basically "performance over aesthetics."
- The 80/20 Rule: She eats nutrient-dense stuff 80% of the time but doesn't freak out over a treat the other 20%.
- Active Recovery: She’s swapped some of those grueling 10-hour rehearsals for hot yoga and Pilates to save her joints.
- Mental Health: She’s a big proponent of the "Morning Minute"—journaling before she even touches her phone.
What’s Next for the Two-Time Champ?
Winning Season 33 with Joey Graziadei was a huge milestone because it was her first win in a standard full-length season. (The Athletes season she won with Adam Rippon was a short, four-week sprint). It proved she has the stamina for the long haul.
Even though Season 34 was a short run for her with Corey Feldman, she’s used the extra time to choreograph group numbers and focus on her mentorship at dance conventions like 24 Seven. She’s even mentioned wanting to partner with someone like Taylor Lautner in future seasons—which, let's be real, would be a ratings goldmine.
Actionable Takeaways for the Superfan
If you're following Jenna's journey or trying to emulate her "wellness over everything" vibe, here is how you can actually apply her 2026 mindset to your own life:
- Stop the "All-or-Nothing" Cycle: Jenna’s biggest career burnout came from trying to be a machine. If you're starting a fitness routine, aim for 20 minutes of "movement snacks" instead of a two-hour gym session you’ll quit in a week.
- Prioritize Longevity: Whether you’re a dancer or a desk worker, focus on mobility. Incorporate 15 minutes of stretching or Pilates specifically to protect your lower back and joints.
- Audit Your Social Media: Jenna has admitted that the "perfect" world of Instagram can be toxic. She advocates for following accounts that inspire "internal health" rather than just "looking a certain way."
- Embrace the Pivot: Jenna’s career proves that being "first out" isn't the end of the world. It’s usually just a setup for a win two seasons later.
She isn't just a dancer on a reality show anymore. She’s a business owner, a mother, and a choreographer who has survived the highs and lows of a very public career. Whether she gets a third Mirrorball or not, her influence on how we view ballroom—and the humans who dance it—is already cemented.