Fans Criticize 'Dancing With the Stars' for Casting Trained Dancers in Season 35
The forthcoming season of ABC's 'Dancing With the Stars' (DWTS) has encountered criticism due to its inclusion of contestants with notable dance backgrounds. The lineup, announced on 'Good Morning America,' includes Jenna Dewan, Julia Stiles, and Harry Shum Jr., all of whom possess considerable dance skills. At 45, Dewan was a backup dancer for Janet Jackson and has hosted 'World of Dance.' Stiles, also 45, is recognized for her performances in '10 Things I Hate About You' and 'Save the Last Dance.' Meanwhile, 44-year-old Shum Jr. began his career as a backup dancer and featured in the 'Step Up' series. The premiere is set for September 15, with judges Carrie Ann Inaba, Derek Hough, and Bruno Tonioli, alongside hosts Alfonso Ribeiro and Julianne Hough.
Key facts
- The cast was announced on Good Morning America.
- Jenna Dewan, Julia Stiles, and Harry Shum Jr. are among the contestants.
- Dewan was a backup dancer for Janet Jackson and appeared in music videos for Christina Aguilera, Pink, Missy Elliott, and NSYNC.
- Stiles performed in 'Save the Last Dance' and '10 Things I Hate About You'.
- Shum Jr. was a backup dancer for Jennifer Lopez, Beyoncé, and Mariah Carey.
- Fans criticized the casting on social media for including trained dancers.
- Dewan is partnered with Val Chmerkovskiy, Stiles with Ezra Sosa, and Shum Jr. with Jenna Johnson.
- The season premieres on September 15 with judges Carrie Ann Inaba, Derek Hough, and Bruno Tonioli.
Entities
Artists
- Jenna Dewan
- Julia Stiles
- Harry Shum Jr.
- Janet Jackson
- Christina Aguilera
- Pink
- Missy Elliott
- NSYNC
- Jennifer Lopez
- Beyoncé
- Mariah Carey
- Val Chmerkovskiy
- Ezra Sosa
- Jenna Johnson
- Carrie Ann Inaba
- Derek Hough
- Bruno Tonioli
- Alfonso Ribeiro
- Julianne Hough
Institutions
- ABC
- Good Morning America
- World of Dance
- CBS
- Come Dance With Me
- Fox
- Glee
- Step Up
- Dancing With the Stars
- Strictly Come Dancing