40 Facts About Jenna Johnson

Early Life and Family

Jenna Johnson's journey began in California, but her roots are deeply embedded in Utah. Her family played a significant role in shaping her career and aspirations.

1. Jenna was born in California but spent most of her childhood in Provo, Utah. The move to Utah had a profound influence on her early life and career aspirations.
2. Jenna comes from a large family with six siblings. Her parents managed to give their children unique names, with three S names (Stacy, Scott, and Skyler) and three J names (Jason, Jill, and Jenna).

Dance Beginnings and Aspirations

From a young age, Jenna's passion for dance was undeniable. Her early experiences laid the foundation for her future success.

3. Jenna started dancing at the age of three. Her love for dance was evident from an early age, and she would often watch her older sisters' dance classes.
4. By the age of 13, Jenna knew she wanted to make a career out of dancing. This determination led her to pursue her passion with all her might.

Breakthrough on Television

Jenna's talent caught the eye of the public when she appeared on popular dance shows, marking the beginning of her rise to fame.

5. In 2013, Jenna auditioned for So You Think You Can Dance and finished as the ladies' third runner-up in season 10. This exposure was crucial for launching her professional dance career.
6. Jenna's journey on Dancing with the Stars began in season 23 with celebrity partner Jake T. Austin. Despite being eliminated early, she continued to impress audiences with her talent and charisma.

Dancing with the Stars Achievements

Jenna's time on Dancing with the Stars has been marked by numerous memorable moments and significant achievements.

7. In season 26, Jenna paired with Olympic figure skater Adam Rippon and won the Mirrorball Championship. This victory marked a significant milestone in her career, showcasing her exceptional dancing skills and partnership abilities.
8. For season 27 of Dancing with the Stars, Jenna was paired with reality television star Joe Amabile. Despite receiving low scores and criticism from judges, the couple was consistently saved by viewer votes, ultimately finishing in fifth place.
9. In season 28, Jenna danced with Queer Eye expert Karamo Brown. The couple was eliminated in the seventh week of competition, finishing in eighth place overall.
10. For season 29, Jenna was paired with Catfish producer and host Nev Schulman. They finished in second place overall behind Kaitlyn Bristowe and Artem Chigvintsev.
11. In season 30, Jenna became part of the first same-sex dancing partnership in the show's history, pairing with dancer, singer, and YouTuber JoJo Siwa. They finished in second place overall behind Iman Shumpert and Daniella Karagach.
12. After giving birth in January, Jenna returned to Dancing with the Stars for season 32 and was paired with Tyson Beckford. They were the third couple eliminated, finishing in twelfth place.

Personal Life and Relationships

Jenna's personal life, including her marriage and advocacy work, adds depth to her public persona.

13. Jenna is married to Valentin Chmerkovskiy, a renowned dancer and choreographer. The couple's relationship is built on mutual respect and support, both on and off the dance floor.
14. During the height of her fame, Jenna openly discussed her struggles with mental health and body image. This vulnerability helped her connect with fans on a deeper level and raised awareness about mental health issues.

Business Ventures and Interests

Beyond dancing, Jenna has explored various business ventures and personal interests, showcasing her versatility.

15. In addition to her dancing career, Jenna has ventured into graphic design and business. She owns a design studio called White and Salt, which helps brands tell their stories through marketing and design.
16. Jenna's interest in graphic design began during high school when she took a photography class. She discovered her passion for post-production and graphic design, which eventually led her to pursue a degree in graphic design with a marketing minor at Point Loma University.
17. After graduating from Point Loma University in 2014, Jenna worked for a smaller company to gain experience in various design fields. She then used her free time to research starting her own design studio, inspired by pioneers in the social media business world.
18. Jenna's design studio, White and Salt, leverages Instagram as a primary source for inquiries and business. She was inspired by early adopters of this strategy and saw it as an opportunity to build her brand.
19. Running a business while maintaining a successful dance career requires a delicate balance. Jenna has spoken about the importance of finding time for her family and personal well-being amidst her busy schedule.

Tours and Performances

Jenna's participation in various tours has allowed her to connect with fans and showcase her talent on a larger stage.

20. Jenna has participated in five Dancing with the Stars: Live tours, performing across the country and connecting with fans in various cities.
21. In 2020, Jenna joined the Motion Pictures Tour alongside Val Chmerkovskiy, Maks Chmerkovskiy, and Peta Murgatroyd. The tour features iconic motion pictures reimagined through dance, marking a new and exciting chapter in her career.

Quirks and Fun Facts

Jenna's unique personality traits and fun facts make her even more relatable and endearing to her fans.

22. Jenna has a deep-seated fear of roller coasters, which often leaves her breathless and almost passing out during rides.
23. During her childhood, Jenna had a significant gap in her teeth from elementary school to her first year of high school. Her brothers would often tease her about it, saying they could “drive a truck through them”.
24. Jenna enjoys watching cooking shows, finding them to be a great way to relax and unwind. She often puts on Food Network when she's in a bad mood, which helps her get into a Zen state.
25. Jenna has multiple alarms set on her phone, always ending in an even number. This quirk might seem unusual but reflects her organized yet quirky personality.
26. Despite her success in dance, Jenna has a dream career as a forensic anthropologist. She is fascinated by murder investigations and anatomy, making this a perfect blend of her interests.
27. In fifth grade, Jenna won the school spelling bee, showcasing her academic prowess and competitive spirit.
28. During her dancing career, Jenna's partner broke her nose twice with his forehead. This injury has left her with breathing difficulties and a tendency to snort when she laughs.
29. Jenna acknowledges that her feet are hideous, a common issue many dancers face due to the constant strain on their feet. She often feels terrible for anyone who gets stuck giving her a pedicure.
30. In high school, Jenna and her sister started a cupcake business called J&J Cakes. They hoped to one day appear on Cupcake Wars, showcasing their baking skills.
31. Jenna is known as a baby whisperer, as babies seem to love her and she has a special affinity for them.
32. Before every big competition or show day, Jenna experiences dance nightmares, which stress her out significantly. This anxiety is a common challenge many performers face.
33. Jenna has a permanent top and bottom retainer, which she has had since childhood. This dental issue has been a part of her life for many years.
34. Jenna is obsessed with Q-tips, carrying a bag of them with her at all times. She believes they are the greatest invention ever.
35. Jenna has an unhealthy obsession with guacamole, often wishing she could eat it for every meal. Her love for guacamole is unmatched.
36. Before any workout, Jenna ensures she has electrolytes in her water. Her go-to is Kiwi Strawberry Propel, which helps her stay hydrated and energized.
37. As a child, Jenna was terrified of nights and would often sleep in her sister's bed until she was a senior in high school. Her sister hated this arrangement but sometimes Jenna would even sleep on her floor.
38. Jenna is known for giving people funny nicknames, which often stick long-term. This trait reflects her playful and creative personality.
39. Despite her busy schedule, Jenna is a morning person who loves waking up early and going to the gym. However, she can't stay awake past 10:30 p.m., indicating her need for early sleep.
40. Jenna's family has a tradition of naming their cars, with her current car being named Becky With the Good Hair. This quirky tradition adds to the family's unique charm.

Jenna Johnson: A Multifaceted Talent

Jenna Johnson isn't just a dancer; she's a powerhouse of talent and determination. From her early days in Provo, Utah, to winning the Mirrorball Trophy on Dancing with the Stars, Jenna's journey is nothing short of inspiring. Her passion for dance began at age three and has only grown stronger. Beyond the dance floor, she's a successful entrepreneur with her design studio, White and Salt. Jenna's openness about her mental health struggles has made her a relatable figure, showing that even the most successful people face challenges. Her quirky habits, like carrying Q-tips everywhere and her love for guacamole, make her even more endearing. Whether she's dancing with celebrities or running her business, Jenna Johnson continues to captivate audiences with her talent, resilience, and genuine personality. Her story is a testament to hard work, passion, and staying true to oneself.