Jenna Dewan shares whether she'll bring 'Step Up' moves to 'Dancing with the Stars'
Twenty years after Jenna Dewan danced her way onto the big screen in "Step Up," the actress is heading back to the dance floor, this time in the ballroom.
Dewan is joining season 35 of "Dancing with the Stars" alongside pro partner Val Chmerkovskiy, and she says fans may see a few nods to the 2006 film along the way.
When asked on "Good Morning America" Wednesday whether there would be some "Step Up" references during her time on the competition show, Dewan said, "Yes, we have to, right? We have to. For sure."
"I mean, this is such a crazy huge moment, just for me to be dancing. I'm so grateful," she continued. "But 'Step Up,' it's the 20th anniversary of it."
Jenna Dewan also said competing on "Dancing with the Stars" is already pushing her in a new direction.
Dewan opened up to ABC News Live about transitioning from her professional dance background to the ballroom.
"Yes, I do think there is some pressure and expectations, for sure," Dewan told ABC News Live anchor Diane Macedo.
Despite her years of dance experience, Dewan said learning ballroom has presented a new challenge.
"It's totally different," she said. "It's a whole different style for me. It's a little bit of almost unlearning."
"It's been a journey already and it's only been one week," she added.
Before breaking out in "Step Up," Dewan worked as a backup dancer for stars including Janet Jackson, Missy Elliott and Christina Aguilera. She has remained connected to dance throughout her career, including hosting "World of Dance" and appearing as a guest judge on "So You Think You Can Dance."
These days, she stars on ABC's "The Rookie," and Dewan said her castmates are already eager to support her in the "DWTS" ballroom.
"My cast is like, 'We want to come. We want tickets,'" Dewan said. "They are so excited."
Tune into "DWTS" season 35 on Tuesday, Sept. 15, and Wednesday, Sept. 16, at 8 p.m. ET on ABC and Disney+, streaming the next day on Hulu.
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