Jenna Johnson writes of how much she’s been inspired by her partner Jake T. Austin. So much so, she’s looking forward to doing a Foxtrot with him the most. From Just Jared Jr.
JJJ: How has practice been with Jake so far?
It’s good. It’s always hard the first week, I feel, where we’re trying to get the celebrities to understand that they have to try and become a dancer. I think they sign up for the show just being excited about it, but once you actually get into the studio, it becomes real that you have to perform a dance on national television in front of millions of people.
The first week of practice was a little rough. He was super stiff and nervous, but slowly and surely, Jake has been molding into a dancer. I watch the videos back of the routine that we’re prepping for and I’m shocked from day one, until now. I think the hardest part is getting him to accept that this is real and we have to make him into a dancer. He’s loosened up a ton and starting to get a rhythm and starting to look like a dancer. It’s weird (laughs).
JJJ: Which of the dance styles are you most looking forward to with Jake?
I’m really excited to perform a Foxtrot with him. Before we found out which style we would be performing for the premiere, I had put him through some other styles to get him acquainted with some basic steps and he looks amazing doing a Foxtrot. Just his frame, he’s got great posture and hold.
I always love doing beautiful and emotional pieces and I’m really hoping a heartfelt Foxtrot this season and showing his more elegant side.
Justin has also written a blog at Extra. He takes us behind the scenes of the premiere….
I have to start by talking about the energy. I could feel it in the air as I entered the lot with my family and paparazzi clambered for the perfect shot. This is all brand new to me, up until now, usually going unnoticed at the local grocery store with maybe the occasional fan photo or autograph, but this was clearly a whole new ball game.
The moment I walked on set, I knew this was like nothing I’ve ever done before. Everything, as far as my eyes could see, seemed to shimmer and sparkle while the smells of hairspray and competition drifted through the air with a palpable mix of anxiety and excitement. Left and right, were dancers doing precautionary stretches, while others chatted with producers members, getting notes and making last-minute revisions.
The real center of the action was the red room. This is where we hang out before we take the stage. Everyone is running back and forth from costumes, doing interviews, all the while, being reminded of the hysteria taking place just behind the curtain when protestors stormed the dance floor after Cheryl and Ryan’s performance.
Meanwhile, Jenna and I kept meeting in any free movement we could find to rehearse near the craft services table covered with some of the best looking food I’ve ever seen. All of which I was too nervous ever to eat. My heart raced faster as the minutes till our dance drew closer.
More at Just Jared Jr and Extra.