JoJo Siwa, a name synonymous with youthful exuberance and boundless energy, made waves in 2021 with her historic appearance on Season 30 of Dancing with the Stars (DWTS). For audiences familiar with Siwa from her Nickelodeon fame, YouTube presence, or her dance competition background, her participation was highly anticipated. However, this season carried extra significance as Siwa was paired with Jenna Johnson, marking the first same-sex pairing in the US show’s history. This groundbreaking decision not only generated significant media attention but also resonated deeply with audiences, particularly within the LGBTQ+ community and beyond. Siwa’s journey on DWTS was more than just a dance competition; it was a cultural moment that sparked conversations about representation, acceptance, and the evolving landscape of televised dance.
From the outset, Siwa and Johnson were frontrunners, consistently delivering high-energy and technically proficient performances. Their debut performance, a vibrant cha-cha, immediately set the tone for their season, showcasing Siwa’s natural talent and infectious enthusiasm. The judges were impressed, and viewers were captivated by the chemistry and dynamism of the pair. The initial weeks saw them tackle various dance styles, from the quickstep to the tango, each performance demonstrating Siwa’s versatility and Johnson’s innovative choreography. The novelty of the same-sex pairing was undeniable, but what truly stood out was the sheer quality of their dancing.
One of the recurring themes throughout Siwa’s DWTS journey was the celebration of individuality and self-expression. This was particularly evident in their choice of music and themes. For their freestyle routine in the finale, they danced to Lady Gaga’s iconic anthem “Born This Way,” a powerful message of self-acceptance and inclusivity. This performance was not just a display of dance prowess; it was a statement, amplified by the inclusion of same-sex backing dancers, reinforcing the importance of dancing with whomever you choose.
JoJo Siwa and Jenna Johnson perform on Dancing with the Stars
The semi-final week showcased Siwa’s growth and adaptability across different dance genres. Their Argentine tango, a redemption dance requested by judge Len Goodman, was a marked improvement from their earlier attempt, imbued with a newfound maturity and connection. Dancing to authentic tango music allowed them to fully embrace the style, resulting in a performance lauded by the judges with a perfect score. This was followed by a contemporary piece that explored emotional depth and showcased Siwa’s evolving artistry. The choreography was intricate and moving, further solidifying their position as top contenders.
Earlier in the season, during “Janet Jackson Night,” Siwa and Johnson delivered a high-octane salsa that perfectly captured the energy of Jackson’s music. The routine was packed with complex lifts and tricks, demonstrating Siwa’s impressive core strength and Johnson’s creative choreography. The judges praised their performance, awarding them a near-perfect score. This performance, along with their rumba dance-off against another couple, highlighted Siwa’s ability to master both technically demanding and emotionally nuanced dance styles within a single week.
JoJo Siwa and Jenna Johnson perform on Dancing with the Stars
Not all weeks were without their challenges. During “Queen Night,” their tango performance, while technically proficient, received slightly less enthusiastic feedback compared to their usual high standards. The judges felt it lacked some emotional depth, placing them unexpectedly in the bottom two for the first time. This moment served as a reminder that even frontrunners are not immune to the pressures of the competition and the subjective nature of judging. However, the judges ultimately saved them, recognizing their overall contribution to the season.
Their “Horror Night” jazz routine, inspired by Pennywise from It, was a memorable departure from their usual style. Siwa fully embraced the character, delivering a performance that was both technically impressive and theatrically captivating. Despite the spooky theme, Siwa’s joy in performing was evident, and the judges once again awarded them a perfect score. This showcased their ability to adapt to diverse themes and maintain high performance quality across various genres.
JoJo Siwa and Jenna Johnson perform on Dancing with the Stars
“Grease Night” saw them perform a foxtrot inspired by Sandy and Frenchie from the iconic movie musical. This routine highlighted their partnership’s playful and supportive dynamic, emphasizing the “gal pal” aspect of their on-screen relationship. The dance was technically smooth and emotionally engaging, earning them another perfect score. This performance, along with their Viennese waltz during “Disney Week” where Siwa portrayed Prince Charming, demonstrated their versatility in portraying different characters and narratives through dance.
Earlier in the season, their Argentine tango to “Baby One More Time” was a noteworthy performance. While the music choice was unconventional for the style, it allowed Siwa to showcase her leading role in the partnership, demonstrating strength and control in the lifts and movements. Similarly, their cha-cha routine early in the competition highlighted their synchronized movements and playful energy, establishing their dynamic as a powerful duo. Their quickstep further underscored their technical skills and ability to handle fast-paced choreography with apparent ease.
Ultimately, JoJo Siwa and Jenna Johnson reached the finale of Dancing with the Stars, competing against other strong contenders. While they did not win the Mirrorball Trophy, finishing as runners-up to Iman Shumpert and Daniella Karagach, their impact on the season and the show’s history is undeniable. Their same-sex pairing broke barriers and broadened the representation on mainstream television. More importantly, they delivered consistently outstanding performances that captivated audiences and judges alike, proving that talent and artistry transcend traditional boundaries. JoJo Siwa’s journey on Dancing with the Stars was a resounding success, solidifying her status not just as a youth icon but as a versatile entertainer and a symbol of progress in popular culture.
