DWTS celebrity partnerships challenges : Season 34 of the popular ABC reality competition Dancing With The Stars” (DWTS) has brought its share of drama beyond the dance floor. Jenna Johnson, the reigning DWTS champion known for her unparalleled dance skills, is reportedly facing challenges working with her partner this season, actor Corey Feldman. According to Maksim Chmerkovskiy, Jenna’s brother-in-law and fellow DWTS pro, the partnership has been a difficult one behind the scenes, raising questions about how this dynamic might impact their performances and the overall competition.
Background: Jenna Johnson’s DWTS Legacy
Jenna Johnson is no stranger to the DWTS stage, having won two mirrorball trophies and earned a reputation as one of the show’s top professional dancers. She won her most recent championship with Joey Graziadei in 2024. Her experience and work ethic make her a favorite among fans and judges, so expectations remain high every season she competes.
Corey Feldman Joins as a Newcomer to Ballroom
Corey Feldman, best known as a child actor in 1980s classics like “The Goonies” and “Stand by Me,” is stepping into the ballroom world for the first time. At 54, Feldman is new to professional dance and has admitted to starting from scratch with Jenna guiding him. Despite his charisma and energy, Feldman’s lack of dance experience and reported inconsistent rehearsal attendance have made the season particularly challenging.
Maksim Chmerkovskiy’s Perspective: The Struggle Behind the Scenes
#Maksim Chmerkovskiy opened up about Jenna’s struggles with Corey Feldman in a candid interview. Maksim explained that Jenna faces more difficulty than usual this season, not because of Feldman’s age but due to his work ethic and lack of dance skills. He acknowledged that while everyone on the show presents a friendly front publicly, the reality behind closed doors is often tougher:
“Jenna has a bit of an uphill climb with Corey […] I know that she’s having a much more difficult time with this entire thing and to the point that it is really difficult for her.” — Maksim Chmerkovskiy
He also urged Feldman to show respect toward Jenna, emphasizing her status as reigning champion:
“Put some respect on the name, everybody.” — Maksim Chmerkovskiy
Public and Fan Reactions
Fans noticed early signs of tension when Jenna revealed she hadn’t seen Corey since the initial cast announcement for the season. This fueled speculation about Feldman’s commitment to the show. Jenna later dispelled rumors about Corey “ghosting” her, but the situation continued to draw public attention. Despite this, the duo appeared amicable in rehearsal videos and publicly called each other “best friends”.
Performance Scores and Progress
When Jenna and Corey made their dance floor debut during the DWTS season premiere, they faced a tough reception from judges, scoring just 9 out of 20 for their tango. While judges Derek Hough and Bruno Tonioli praised Feldman’s enthusiasm and showmanship, his inexperience showed in execution. Audience reactions were mixed, with some viewers voicing support for Feldman’s dedication and growth, while others critiqued the low scores.
Corey admitted scoliosis affects his posture, but the dance journey is helping him improve. Jenna emphasized that success this season is about patience, progress, and celebrating small victories over perfection.
What This Means for DWTS Season 34
Despite the early challenges and recent reports of the partnership’s difficulty, Jenna remains committed to teaching Feldman the craft and showcasing his potential. DWTS fans are watching closely to see how their dynamic evolves through the competition. With Jenna’s expertise and Feldman’s determination, their journey highlights the behind-the-scenes reality of mixing talent, personality, and perseverance in a high-stakes dance contest.
