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DWTS Dance Backgrounds Spark Controversy
2 Sep
Summary
- Some contestants have faced backlash for prior dance experience.
- Maksim Chmerkovskiy called Melissa Rycroft's background unfair.
- Julianne Hough noted significant ability differences among competitors.
Controversy has surrounded several "Dancing With the Stars" contestants over the years due to their previous dance training, with many perceiving it as an unfair advantage. In season 8, former pro dancer Maksim Chmerkovskiy publicly stated that it was inequitable to compete against celebrities like Melissa Rycroft, who had a background in ballet and cheerleading.
Chmerkovskiy, who danced with Denise Richards in 2009, expressed that he couldn't "compete next to someone that's had a lot of dance training." At the time, current DWTS co-host Julianne Hough also commented on the disparity, noting a "huge difference in ability" compared to other participants.
Rycroft and her partner Tony Dovolani defended their presence on the show, with Rycroft stating that she wasn't the only contestant with prior dance experience. She emphasized that such experience did not guarantee an easy win and that extensive practice was still required. More recently, in 2026's season 35, Jenna Dewan and Harry Shum Jr. also returned to the show, bringing their established dance expertise.
