Jennie Garth’s Unconventional Approach to Staying Calm on Dancing With the Stars
Jennie Garth, known for her role in Beverly Hills, 90210, has always been a fan of the spotlight. However, her experience on Dancing With the Stars was not without its challenges. During an episode of the “Pod Meets World” podcast, the 54-year-old actress shared a surprising method she used to stay calm during her time on the show.
Garth revealed that she underwent hypnosis to manage her nerves when performing with her professional partner, Derek Hough. She described the experience as necessary, especially when the host announced their performance. “I think that show… really showed me how strong I was,” she said. “I was honestly, no disrespect, but I was so happy when I got kicked off because I did not like that kind of stress and the spotlight.”
She admitted that the pressure of being in the spotlight was overwhelming. “I had to go get hypnotized to, like, not pee my pants when they said, ‘And dancing the waltz! Jennie Garth and her partner, Derek Hough!’ Gives me PTSD bumps right now just thinking about it. I’m not the person that’s like, ‘Hey, look at me, everybody!’ Like, I don’t love that.”
Despite the stress, Garth found some positive aspects of the experience. “Nerves aside, Garth did love how the show made her ‘stay in really good shape.’”
The Longevity of Dancing With the Stars
Garth also reflected on the show’s long-running success. Earlier in the conversation, she admitted she couldn’t believe DWTS is still on air and will return for Season 35 this fall. “I remember Season 1 when it came on they asked me to do it on Season 1, and I was like, ‘ooh, no, that’s not… nobody knows how this is gonna go over,’” she recalled. “I mean, it was so, I love watching it but that’s a long time that show’s been on! But I guess it’s the glitz, it’s the sequins, it’s the personal journey, the challenge that the contestants go through, and having done it, it is hard.”
Forgetting How to Dance
During a February 2025 episode of the “I Choose Me” podcast, Garth opened up to guest Chelsea Handler about her struggles with dance. “I don’t [know how to] any more,” she admitted. “Once you do it, if you don’t do it more, you lose it, so I’ve lost it.”
While Handler confessed she doesn’t dance either, she encouraged Garth to embrace the challenge. “Any time now that I’m resistant toward anything, I just go for it,” Handler said. “Like I’m really bad at dancing, and I decided I’m just gonna start dancing. I’m very self-conscious. I know I’m a bad dancer and I feel like everyone’s staring at me and I’m like, ‘You know what this is good, you’re gonna start dancing at 50 and it doesn’t matter.’”
Garth’s candid reflections offer a glimpse into the challenges and triumphs of life in the public eye. From hypnosis to dealing with stage fright, her journey on Dancing With the Stars was both stressful and rewarding. And while she may have forgotten how to dance, her resilience and humor continue to shine through.
