Jenna Dewan remains in the Dancing with the Stars competition after earning 21 points with professional partner Val Chmerkovskiy during the show’s Yacht Rock Night on Tuesday, September 29, 2026.
The pair performed a samba to Toto’s “Africa” as the season 35 cast returned for its third competitive dance.
Dewan received three 7s from judges Carrie Ann Inaba, Derek Hough and Bruno Tonioli, according to the episode’s score breakdown.
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Jenna Dewan stays in the competition
Dewan was listed among the couples continuing into the next round after the episode, alongside contestants including Amber Glenn, Harry Shum Jr., Julia Stiles, Maura Higgins and Tyler Cameron.
The result keeps Dewan’s run alive after she tied for the top score during the previous full competition episode on September 22.
Her jive to KATSEYE’s “Animal” earned 21 out of 30 points, matching the scores posted by Olympic figure skater Amber Glenn and Paralympic athlete Ezra Frech.
She had earned 19 points for her opening tango to Blondie’s “Call Me” during the second night of the season 35 premiere.
A ballroom challenge after years of dance experience
Dewan entered the series with a significant dance background, including work as a backup dancer and her starring role in the 2006 film Step Up.
She has also hosted World of Dance and currently stars as Bailey Nune on ABC’s The Rookie.
Her casting prompted discussion because of that history, but Dewan has said ballroom dancing is different from the styles she previously trained and performed in.
She described the transition as learning a new technique and, in some ways, unlearning familiar habits.
The distinction has been part of the storyline around her season.
Dewan’s background gives her experience with choreography, timing and stage performance, but the competition also requires technical ballroom fundamentals, live execution and continued improvement under the judges’ scoring system.
What comes next for Jenna Dewan
Dewan and Chmerkovskiy are scheduled to return for the next episode of Dancing with the Stars, which airs Tuesday nights at 8 p.m. Eastern and is simulcast on ABC and Disney+.
Episodes stream the following day on Hulu.
The pair’s next routine will be judged alongside the remaining season 35 couples, with scores and viewer votes determining who advances.
Canadian viewers can watch the live broadcast through available ABC or Disney+ options, although text voting is limited to participating U.S. wireless carriers.
For now, the 21-point samba gives Dewan another week to build on her early performances.
Her first three scores have risen from 19 to 21 and remained at 21, leaving her within reach of the season’s leading performers as the competition moves forward.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Jenna Dewan still on Dancing with the Stars?
Yes. Jenna Dewan remained in the competition after the September 29, 2026, Yacht Rock Night episode.
What score did Jenna Dewan receive on Yacht Rock Night?
She received 21 out of 30 points, with each judge awarding her a 7.
What song did Jenna Dewan dance to?
Dewan and Val Chmerkovskiy performed a samba to Toto’s “Africa.”
Who is Jenna Dewan’s Dancing with the Stars partner?
Her professional partner is Val Chmerkovskiy.
When does Dancing with the Stars air?
Season 35 airs Tuesday nights at 8 p.m. Eastern on ABC and Disney+, with episodes streaming the next day on Hulu.
Fact-Checked: Key facts were checked against ABC’s season 35 information, ABC Television Network’s Yacht Rock Night announcement and the episode’s published results information. ([abc.com](https://abc.com/show/f66d60e7-29f2-49cf-85dd-44a11bce42e4?utm_source=openai))
Disclaimer: Scores, rankings and elimination outcomes can change as new Dancing with the Stars episodes air.