Steve Kazee is brushing off online speculation about fiancée Jenna Dewan’s chemistry with her Dancing With the Stars partner Val Chmerkovskiy.
Kazee says the chatter does not bother him
As Dewan and Chmerkovskiy continue competing on season 35, some viewers have commented on the pair’s onstage connection. Kazee responded publicly to the discussion and made clear that he is not troubled by the performance chemistry required for ballroom dancing.
Entertainment Weekly reported that Kazee described himself as unbothered and defended Dewan amid the online commentary. His response also pointed to what he saw as contradictions in the criticism surrounding the partnership.
Dewan is taking on a different kind of dance challenge
Dewan entered the competition with extensive dance experience, having previously worked professionally with performers including Janet Jackson and Toni Braxton. She has explained, however, that ballroom requires a different skill set and that some of her previous training has actually required adjustment.
Her recent rumba to Mariah Carey’s My All earned her strongest score of the season so far and praise from the judges, including Derek Hough.
Both dance partners have families of their own
Dewan and Kazee have been together since 2018 and became engaged in 2020. They share two children. Chmerkovskiy is married to fellow DWTS professional Jenna Johnson, with whom he also has a family.
The latest discussion reflects a familiar reality-show dynamic: convincing ballroom performances often depend on creating emotional connection between partners, which can sometimes spark speculation among viewers.
Kazee’s response suggests he views the attention as part of the television competition rather than a concern for their relationship. Dewan, meanwhile, remains focused on improving her ballroom technique as the competition becomes more demanding.