Harry Shum Jr. Speaks Out on His Prior Dance Experience Following Huge DWTS Scores

Harry Shum Jr. is tearing up the ballroom on *Dancing With the Stars*, but his early success is sparking intense debate among dedicated viewers. After earning impressive marks on the leaderboard, the actor faced social media chatter regarding his extensive history as a professional performer. Longtime fans are well aware that the actor isn't coming into the competition as a total beginner when it comes to movement. Before stepping onto the hit competition floor, he gained massive mainstream recognition playing smooth-moving high school student Mike Chang on *Glee*. He also spent years prior working as a professional backup dancer for major pop tours and appearing in dance-centric feature films. ## Did Harry Shum Jr dance on Glee Following his high-scoring routine, online critics quickly pointed out his resume, arguing that his background gives him a distinct advantage over contestants who have never taken a single dance step. However, reports reveal that the star is setting the record straight regarding his past training versus the ballroom realm. According to reports, Shum Jr. emphasizes that learning ballroom routines presents a fresh set of challenges that differ drastically from his earlier background. While commercial routines and hip-hop rely heavily on freestyle energy and sharp pop-and-lock movements, standard ballroom demands strict posture, precise frame, and complex footwork tailored specifically for partner routines. ## Is Harry Shum Jr a professional dancer Despite the chatter from skeptical viewers, judges on the show continue to applaud his technical execution and dedication. Shum Jr. remains focused on tackling new routines each week alongside his professional partner, taking the feedback in stride as the competition intensifies. As the current season moves forward, the performer seems determined to push his boundaries rather than rely solely on familiarity. Whether critics accept his explanation or not, his high-energy numbers continue to keep him right at the top of the competition.