Val Chmerkovskiy and Jenna Johnson are looking ahead to what could come next on Dancing With the Stars after reaching major milestones in their careers with the long-running competition series.
Johnson, 32, recently marked 10 years as a professional dancer on the show, while Chmerkovskiy, 40, reflected on first appearing on DWTS as a student dancer two decades ago.
Speaking with Us during a visit to the set of RJ Decker, where the couple was filming a cameo, Johnson said the anniversary gave her a chance to appreciate how much she has grown since joining the show at 19.
She credited the producers, camera teams, wardrobe department, glam crew and others behind the scenes for helping shape her career and said she still feels inspired by the creative opportunities DWTS gives her.
Rather than thinking about stepping away, Johnson said she feels especially energized heading into the new season. She expressed her love for choreography and creating performances and said she hopes she can continue doing it for another decade.
Chmerkovskiy shared a similarly optimistic outlook. Although he acknowledged how much he has changed personally over the years, he said his passion for performing and his gratitude for being part of the show remain just as strong.
When discussing how much longer he could continue, Chmerkovskiy joked that he has another 20 years in him.
The married couple, who tied the knot in 2019, also reflected on the recent growth of Dancing With the Stars. They believe the show has entered an especially exciting period, with its recent seasons generating renewed attention across different generations of viewers.
Johnson pointed to new opportunities surrounding the franchise, including collaborations with Project Runway, the The Next Pro spinoff, appearances at Disney events and other crossover projects.
She even suggested that she would love to see DWTS eventually stage an episode at the Hollywood Bowl.
Their connection with ABC is also expanding through a crossover with RJ Decker. Johnson and Chmerkovskiy filmed a dance performance for the season 2 premiere while continuing their own rehearsals for Dancing With the Stars.
Johnson’s former celebrity partner Joey Graziadei, with whom she won season 33, also appears in a scripted role in the episode.
Looking ahead, both dancers said they would welcome RJ Decker star Scott Speedman as a future DWTS contestant, praising his charisma and potential as a performer.
With season 35 approaching, Johnson and Chmerkovskiy appear more enthusiastic than ever about remaining part of the franchise and exploring whatever opportunities come next.
Dancing With the Stars returns with a two-night premiere beginning Tuesday, September 15, at 8 p.m. ET on ABC and Disney+. RJ Decker returns the same night at 10 p.m. ET.
