Dancing with the Stars’ Jenna Johnson Chmerkovskiy on the stunning Len Goodman tribute and her Emmy nomination

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Dancing with the Stars' Jenna Johnson Chmerkovskiy on the stunning Len Goodman tribute and her Emmy nomination

As a seasoned gamer of life with over a decade spent immersed in the vibrant world of Dancing with the Stars, I can confidently say that the show has been a captivating dance floor for me to navigate and grow on. The latest season 32 left an indelible mark on my heart, particularly the Len Goodman tribute choreographed by Jenna Johnson Chmerkovskiy and Valentin Chmerkovskiy. Their stunning waltz to “Moon River” was a poignant testament to the profound impact Len had on us dancers throughout our journey. It was so stirring it moved not just those in the studio audience but viewers worldwide, and rightfully earned them an Emmy nomination.

Season 33 of “Dancing with the Stars” is nearly upon us, and we’re confident that it will be as enchanting as last season. However, there’s a special aspect from season 32 that can’t be repeated or outdone. That unique charm was the Len Goodman tribute dance choreographed by Jenna Johnson Chmerkovskiy and Valentin Chmerkovskiy.

The stunning waltz set to “Moon River” was so stirring it moved those in the studio audience to tears as well as viewers watching from home. It’s no wonder the Pro dancers and husband-and-wife choreography team have been nominated for an Emmy. The nomination is Johnson Chmerkovskiy’s first and her work has also been recognized with a nod for Chmerkovskiy and Xochitl Gomez’s waltz to “La Vie en Rose” which was a memorable moment from season 32 in its own right.

I recently had a chat with Johnson Chmerkovskiy where we discussed his Emmy nod, his journey on ‘Dancing with the Stars’, and his role as a dance storyteller. Here’s the complete Q&A session for your perusal!

Jenna Johnson Chmerkovskiy on Dancing with the Stars, the Len Goodman tribute, and being nominated for an Emmy

Could you tell me where you were at the time of the Emmy nomination announcement, and can you share what thoughts crossed your mind when you discovered you had been nominated?

One day at the park in Chicago with our son, Val and I learned that we had been nominated for something. Although we suspected an announcement was coming that morning, we chose not to put undue pressure on it by looking it up ourselves. When we finally checked and saw our names listed under our category, it felt like a dream come true! It was absolutely thrilling!

The tribute you choreographed for Len Goodman was stunning. What went into planning for that routine and how did you settle on a waltz to “Moon River”?

At the start of the previous season, production requested that we create a tribute dance for Len. We were deeply flattered by their invitation to contribute something so significant and poured our passion and energy into planning this “Love Letter to Len.” Len was never fond of frivolity, instead favoring classic ballroom routines on our show. Therefore, we followed suit! A graceful waltz, imbued with emotion, allowing each dancer to express their gratitude for the influence Len had on us during our time together on the program.

Additionally, you have been nominated for the enchanting waltz titled “La Vie en Rose.” Could you share what aspects of the choreography you aimed to emphasize? The delicate vulnerability displayed during your performance truly captured my attention.

In this performance, Val and Xochitl showcased their competition routine. Val aimed to portray the essence of Xochitl blossoming, a combination of her simplicity and power. Given that it was the semi-finals, not just artistic merit but also competitive edge was crucial. This dance needed to reflect Xochitl’s progress throughout the season and the strong connection they built. I believe the beauty and minimalism of the piece accentuated their true strength, which stemmed from their emotions, the moment, and the bond between them as dancers.

In your role as a choreographer, you’re essentially telling stories through dance, regardless of the style. But among all the styles, which one do you find most appealing for crafting a tale?

Indeed, the choice of dance style can vary greatly based on the specific song and its underlying message, but personally, I find myself drawn to creating routines for tango, fox trot, and modern dances. For me, it’s all about conveying emotion through movement.

How long has it been since you first appeared on “Dancing with the Stars”? What is it about this series that you appreciate most, and in what ways do you believe your participation in the show has contributed to your growth as both a dancer and a choreographer?

Reflecting on the past ten years of being part of DWTS, it’s amazing to witness my personal growth as an artist, choreographer, dancer, and individual! I spent my twenties immersed in this incredible show, and I feel incredibly fortunate to have experienced some life-altering moments here. I’ve had the privilege of collaborating with renowned choreographers, some who have guided me and significantly influenced my career as a choreographer. I’ve learned the unique art of crafting a dance routine for television, which, compared to creating a live stage show in my view, presents its own distinct challenges. Furthermore, delving into the intricacies of camera work has been fascinating, teaching me how it can either make or break a performance.

Here’s a possible paraphrasing:

I find out soon if I’ll be on this upcoming season. Hoping to be back on the stage!!

The 76th Primetime Emmy Awards are scheduled to broadcast this Sunday, September 15th, at 8 p.m. Eastern Time on ABC. A day later, you can stream it on Hulu. Meanwhile, the 33rd season of Dancing with the Stars starts on Tuesday, September 17th, also at 8 p.m. Eastern Time on ABC. It will simultaneously air on Disney+, and the next-day streaming option is available on Hulu as well.

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2024-08-27 18:53