Jenna Johnson is a highly acclaimed American professional Latin and ballroom dancer, choreographer, and television personality. She is widely recognized for her captivating performances on the hit reality competition shows “So You Think You Can Dance” and “Dancing with the Stars.” With her exceptional talent, Johnson has won the coveted Mirrorball Trophy on “Dancing with the Stars” twice and has earned a Primetime Emmy Award nomination for her outstanding choreography. Her dynamic stage presence and innovative dance routines have solidified her status as one of the most beloved and respected dancers in the entertainment industry.
Jenna Johnson Overview
| Full Name | Jenna Michelle Johnson Chmerkovskiy |
| Date of Birth | April 12, 1994 |
| Age(as of 2025) | 31 |
| Birthplace | Los Angeles, California |
| Profession | Professional Dancer, Choreographer |
| Husband/Wife | Valentin Chmerkovskiy |
| Family | Curt Johnson (Father), Tamara Jean (Mother), Stacy, Jill, Scott, Jason, Skyler (Siblings), Rome Valentin Chmerkovskiy (Son) |
| Relationship/Affairs(GF/BF) | Valentin Chmerkovskiy |
| Net Worth | $7 million |
Early Life and Education of Jenna Johnson
Jenna Michelle Johnson was born on April 12, 1994, in Los Angeles, California, to Curt and Tamara “Tammy” Johnson. She was raised in Provo, Utah, alongside her five siblings: two older sisters, Stacy and Jill, and three brothers, Scott, Jason, and Skyler. Dance was a significant part of the Johnson family, with her older sisters also being passionate dancers who competed on “So You Think You Can Dance.” Inspired by her sisters, Johnson began her dance training at the tender age of three. She honed her skills in various dance styles, including ballroom, ballet, jazz, contemporary, and hip-hop, at the Center Stage Performing Arts Studio in Orem, Utah. Her eldest sister, Stacy, was a director at the studio and played an instrumental role in her development as a dancer. Growing up, Johnson was close friends with fellow “Dancing with the Stars” professionals Lindsay Arnold and Witney Carson, who also grew up in Utah. Johnson attended Timpview High School, graduating in 2013. Throughout her early career, she achieved significant success in the competitive dance world, becoming a five-time U.S. National Latin Champion, a U.S. National Youth 10 Dance Champion, and a three-time National Contemporary Winner. In 2012, she represented the United States at the World Latin Dance Champions.
Jenna Johnson’s Career
Jenna Johnson’s professional career took off in 2013 when, at the age of 18, she auditioned for the tenth season of the popular reality dance competition, “So You Think You Can Dance” (SYTYCD). Her impressive skills and captivating performances earned her a spot among the contestants. Paired with contemporary dancer Tucker Knox, she showcased her versatility and expertise in Latin Ballroom, making it to the top eight before being eliminated. Following her successful run on SYTYCD, Johnson joined the cast of ABC’s “Dancing with the Stars” (DWTS) as a troupe member for season 18 in 2014. She remained a part of the troupe for five seasons, showcasing her talent in various opening numbers and professional routines.
In 2016, for season 23 of DWTS, Johnson was promoted to the role of a professional dancer and was partnered with actor Jake T. Austin. Unfortunately, they were the first couple to be eliminated. She returned to the troupe for season 25 after taking a season off. Johnson’s breakthrough on DWTS came during the all-athletes season 26 in 2018, where she was partnered with Olympic figure skater Adam Rippon. Their incredible chemistry and stunning performances, including a memorable contemporary routine, led them to win the coveted Mirrorball Trophy, marking Johnson’s first win on the show.
Over the subsequent seasons, Johnson continued to be a prominent professional on the show, partnered with a variety of celebrities. Her notable partners include “Grocery Store Joe” Amabile, “Queer Eye” star Karamo Brown, and “Catfish” host Nev Schulman, with whom she reached the finals in season 29 and finished as the runner-up. In season 30, Johnson made history by being part of the show’s first-ever same-sex couple, dancing with YouTube sensation Jojo Siwa. Their groundbreaking partnership was widely praised, and they also finished as the runners-up. Johnson claimed her second Mirrorball Trophy in season 33 with “The Bachelor” star Joey Graziadei.
Beyond her success on DWTS, Johnson has also returned to “So You Think You Can Dance” as an all-star mentor. Her exceptional choreography skills have not gone unnoticed, as she and her husband, Valentin Chmerkovskiy, earned a Primetime Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Choreography for a waltz they choreographed on DWTS in honor of the late head judge Len Goodman.
Jenna Johnson Personal Life & Family
Jenna Johnson comes from a large, close-knit family and is the fifth of six children. Her passion for dance was a shared family affair, with her two older sisters, Stacy and Jill, also being accomplished dancers. Her family has always been a strong support system throughout her career. In her personal life, Johnson found love on the dance floor with fellow “Dancing with the Stars” professional, Valentin Chmerkovskiy. The couple began dating in 2017 and got engaged in June 2018 during a romantic trip to Venice, Italy. They tied the knot on April 13, 2019, in a beautiful ceremony attended by many of their DWTS co-stars. The couple has been open about their journey to parenthood, including their struggles with infertility. In January 2023, they welcomed their first child, a son named Rome Valentin Chmerkovskiy.
Awards and Achievements of Jenna Johnson
- Five-time U.S. National Latin Champion
- U.S. National Youth 10 Dance Champion
- Three-time National Contemporary Winner
- Represented the United States at the World Latin Dance Champions (2012)
- “Dancing with the Stars” Mirrorball Trophy Winner (Season 26 with Adam Rippon)
- “Dancing with the Stars” Mirrorball Trophy Winner (Season 33 with Joey Graziadei)
- Primetime Emmy Award Nominee for Outstanding Choreography (with Valentin Chmerkovskiy)
Jenna Johnson Net Worth and Income
As of 2025, Jenna Johnson’s net worth is estimated to be around $7 million. Her primary source of income is her successful career as a professional dancer and choreographer on “Dancing with the Stars.” In addition to her salary from the show, she also earns income from her participation in the “Dancing with the Stars” live tours. Johnson has also supplemented her income through various other ventures, including teaching and choreography, as well as brand endorsements and sponsored content on her social media platforms. Her husband, Valentin Chmerkovskiy, also has a net worth of approximately $7 million, making them a powerhouse couple in the dance and entertainment industry.
Legacy and Influence
Jenna Johnson has established herself as a prominent figure in the world of dance, known for her incredible versatility, powerful performances, and innovative choreography. Her journey from a young, aspiring dancer in Utah to a two-time “Dancing with the Stars” champion has inspired many. Johnson’s influence extends beyond her technical skills; she is also recognized for breaking barriers, most notably by being part of the first same-sex partnership on “Dancing with the Stars” with JoJo Siwa. This historic pairing was a significant moment for the show and for LGBTQ+ representation in mainstream media. Through her work as a mentor on “So You Think You Can Dance,” she has also played a role in nurturing the next generation of dancers. Her openness about her personal struggles and triumphs has endeared her to a wide audience, making her a relatable and respected personality in the entertainment industry.
Interesting Facts about Jenna Johnson
- As a child, Jenna Johnson aspired to be a doctor because of her fascination with anatomy.
- She has a close friendship with fellow “Dancing with the Stars” pros Witney Carson and Lindsay Arnold, having grown up and danced with them in Utah.
- Johnson has expressed a desire to one day perform on Broadway.
- She is an aunt to seven nieces and nephews.
- One of her biggest fears is the night, and she admitted to sleeping in her sister’s bed until she was a senior in high school.
- She is learning to speak Russian.
Controversies
In mid-2025, Jenna Johnson publicly addressed a situation involving online bullying directed at her young son, Rome. She shared a screenshot of a derogatory and offensive direct message she received from a social media user who criticized her son for using a bottle and made disparaging comments about his weight. Johnson expressed her hurt and frustration, questioning the world we live in where people, particularly other mothers, would send such hateful messages about a child. She stated that such incidents make her reconsider sharing her personal life publicly. Johnson received a wave of support from her followers and the public for taking a stand against online bullying.
There were also rumors of a feud between Johnson and her season 34 “Dancing with the Stars” partner, actor Corey Feldman, after reports of him missing rehearsals. However, both Johnson and Feldman publicly denied these rumors, with Feldman expressing his gratitude for her partnership and apologizing for any negative media narratives.
Social Media Presence
- Instagram – Over 1 million followers
- TikTok – Over 480,000 followers
- Twitter – Over 123,000 followers
- YouTube – Over 22,000 subscribers
Final Words about Jenna Johnson
Jenna Johnson’s journey is a testament to her unwavering passion, dedication, and immense talent in the art of dance. From her early days as a competitive dancer to her celebrated career on national television, she has consistently captivated audiences with her skill and artistry. As a two-time “Dancing with the Stars” champion and an Emmy-nominated choreographer, her contributions to the world of dance are undeniable. Beyond her professional achievements, Johnson is a devoted wife and mother, navigating the complexities of public life with grace and strength. With her continued presence on “Dancing with the Stars” and her growing influence as a choreographer and media personality, Jenna Johnson’s star is sure to shine even brighter in the years to come.
