Jenna Johnson Admits She’s ‘Heartbroken’ Balancing 'DWTS' Rehearsals and 3-Year-Old Son

The grueling grind of ballroom rehearsals is taking an emotional toll on *Dancing With the Stars* fan favorite Jenna Johnson. Ahead of the hit competition series' upcoming two-night premiere, the two-time mirrorball trophy winner got extremely candid on social media about the painful realities of balancing motherhood with a high-stakes TV career. Taking to Instagram on Sunday, September 13, the 32-year-old professional dancer revealed that putting in extra-long hours at the studio this week has kept her away from her three-year-old son, Rome. Johnson confessed to her followers that her "mama heart" has been feeling "a little heartbroken" over losing quality time with her toddler during the chaotic ramp-up to showtime.

jenna johnson dwts season 35 partner The physical strain of premiere prep is demanding enough on its own, but the emotional distance from family makes the schedule even tougher to handle. Fortunately, Johnson received a massive boost over the weekend when her young son got to experience the magic of the set firsthand during Saturday's camera-blocking rehearsals. Johnson admitted that having Rome drop by the studio was precisely the motivation she required to push through the long workdays. According to her post, the pro dancer felt she needed the sweet studio reunion even more than her son did, expressing deep gratitude that he was able to witness all the glitter and grand staging up close. This season brings a double dose of stress and excitement to their household, as Johnson's husband, fellow *DWTS* pro Val Chmerkovskiy, is also deep in rehearsals. For Season 35, Johnson is taking the dance floor alongside former *Glee* star Harry Shum Jr. Meanwhile, her 40-year-old husband is preparing to tango with *Step Up* actress Jenna Dewan.

BUZZBEAT

jenna johnson val chmerkovskiy son Navigating high-pressure camera-blocking rehearsals while raising a toddler isn't easy, but Johnson remains determined to stay positive. The ballroom champ used her platform to extend empathy to other parents facing similar career demands, sending a rallying cry to her followers about perseverance. She closed out her personal update with an encouraging shoutout to fellow working mothers, reminding everyone that they can juggle heavy workloads and family life even when it hurts. As Season 35 kicks off, Johnson is proving that while balancing showbiz and parenting is a delicate act, family moments on set make the relentless hustle worth it.