The ballroom is heating up early this season on Dancing With the Stars as Jenna Johnson, reigning champion and pro dancer, reportedly faces major challenges while paired with actor Corey Feldman. According to her brother‑in‑law and former DWTS pro Maksim Chmerkovskiy, the pairing is proving “really difficult.”
Here’s what we know so far:
- Corey’s performance struggles: According to Maksim Chmerkovskiy, Johnson’s difficulties with Feldman aren’t about his age (he is 54), but rather his work ethic, lack of dance training, and discomfort with the choreography. Feldman received a low score of 9 out of 20 in their tango during the Season 34 premiere.
- Rehearsal issues & visibility gaps: Jenna admitted that she hadn’t seen Feldman for about a week following the cast announcement (which was Sept. 3), saying she last saw him during a Good Morning America appearance. Rehearsals were to start ahead of the Season 34 premiere, scheduled for September 16.
- What Jenna says: Jenna Johnson has addressed rumors of Feldman “going missing,” clarifying that though they missed some rehearsal time together, they had been in communication. She said that Feldman entered rehearsals with a beginner mindset — no ballroom or partnering experience — and noted his willingness to learn.
- Maksim’s defense of Jenna: Maksim emphasized Jenna’s strengths as a pro and a coach. He urged respect for her track record, pointing out that she is the reigning champ and that this season presents additional stressors beyond just dance—media obligations, therapy sessions, interviews—all on top of choreography demands.
- Shared frustrations: It’s not just Jenna. According to sources, Jenna’s husband and fellow pro, Val Chmerkovskiy, is also having a rough time with his celebrity partner. Both he and Jenna are reportedly “miserable,” but producers have warned the pros not to complain publicly about their celeb partners.
What’s Next for Jenna, Corey, and DWTS Season 34
With the premiere just days away, there’s a lot riding on how Jenna Johnson and Corey Feldman will land their first big performance. Jenna’s reputation as a tough, disciplined pro suggests she could guide Feldman toward improvement—if he can commit to rehearsal time and get comfortable with the demands.
The scoring challenges from their tango are a red flag, but with audience sympathy often running high for celebrities who show real growth, there’s potential for redemption if effort and attitude follow through. Meanwhile, the tension behind the scenes (pro warnings about complaining, possible miscommunications) will likely fuel both the drama and the emotional stakes for viewers.
Why It Matters
This season’s early bumps provide a test of how DWTS balances star power with dance credibility. Jenna Johnson has a lot to prove—not just that she can coach a strong celebrity, but that she can weather the backstage pressure. For Corey Feldman, this may be a chance to surprise fans by embracing vulnerability and improvement. And for the show, the stakes are high: strong performances along with transparent growth often drive engagement.
Stay tuned: the choreography is only going to get harder, the spotlight brighter, and the whispers louder as DWTS pushes toward its next elimination.
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