Harry Shum Jr. made an impressive entrance into the “Dancing With the Stars” ballroom during the Season 35 premiere. Partnered with professional dancer Jenna Johnson, the actor delivered a high-energy cha-cha to Earth, Wind & Fire’s classic “Let’s Groove.”
The performance aired September 15 during Night One of the special two-night premiere. This year, the male and female celebrities were divided between separate nights, with the men becoming the first group to compete for judges’ scores and viewer votes.
Shum entered the competition with unusually high expectations because dancing has been an important part of his career. Audiences have seen his abilities in projects including “Glee” and the “Step Up” films, but ballroom and Latin dancing require techniques that can be very different from the styles he previously performed.
For his first routine, Johnson choreographed a cha-cha to the 1981 Earth, Wind & Fire hit “Let’s Groove.” The song fit the premiere’s nostalgic theme, which required celebrities to perform to songs that reached No. 1 during their birth year.
Once Shum and Johnson hit the floor, his experience was immediately noticeable. The routine highlighted his rhythm, musicality and stage presence, while Johnson gave him choreography that allowed his natural performance skills to come through without completely hiding the technical demands of the cha-cha.
The judges responded strongly to what they saw. Carrie Ann Inaba, Derek Hough and Bruno Tonioli each awarded Shum and Johnson a 7, giving the couple a combined score of 21 out of 30.
That score was enough to put Shum at the very top of the Night One leaderboard. Paralympic champion Ezra Frech and Daniella Karagach came closest with 20 points for their tango to Kelly Clarkson’s “Since U Been Gone.”
Even with the strong score, the judges identified areas Shum can improve. His experience in commercial dance sometimes showed through in exaggerated arm and hand movements, meaning Johnson will have to help him refine those habits as he becomes more comfortable with ballroom technique.
Bruno Tonioli provided one of the most memorable reactions of the night after the routine. His enthusiastic response reflected just how much energy Shum brought to the ballroom, while also adding some of the humor viewers have come to expect from the longtime judge.
Shum’s dance background has already generated discussion about whether experienced performers have an advantage on “Dancing With the Stars.” Tonioli addressed that debate before the premiere, arguing that previous training does not automatically translate into mastery of the specific techniques required for ballroom and Latin competition.
Most importantly for Shum and Johnson, their 21-point performance secured the highest judges’ total of the evening and they survived the first elimination. Conner Leavitt and Adele Zaikman were instead sent home after receiving 12 points for their salsa.
It was only one dance, but Shum and Johnson could hardly have asked for a stronger beginning. Their “Let’s Groove” cha-cha combined Harry’s natural performance ability with Jenna’s ballroom experience, putting them at the top of the first-night leaderboard and giving fans plenty to watch as Season 35 continues.
