Joe Amabile, a contestant on season 27 of “Dancing With the Stars,” recently reminisced with his former dance partner, Jenna Johnson, about a near-accident during their time on the show. During a podcast appearance, Amabile recounted the incident, which occurred during their Halloween-themed Argentine tango. In the final moments of the routine, Amabile was supposed to lift Johnson and execute a backflip. However, a misstep caused Amabile’s arms to become stuck, preventing Johnson from completing the move. Quick thinking on Johnson’s part averted disaster; she managed to flip forward, narrowly avoiding a serious head injury. Amabile confessed that the specific lift that went awry was the one move he had been explicitly warned not to mess up, highlighting the irony of the situation. While the incident was undoubtedly frightening, both Amabile and Johnson now look back on it with a mixture of humor and relief.
Johnson, a professional dancer on the show, downplayed the severity of the near-miss, reassuring Amabile that the dance was one of their best performances. She praised his overall effort and emphasized their shared enjoyment throughout the season. Despite the challenges posed by Amabile’s limited dance experience, Johnson emphasized the fun and laughter they shared during rehearsals. The absence of high expectations, she explained, allowed them to approach each performance with a lighthearted attitude, focusing on the joy of the experience rather than the pressure to win. This carefree approach fostered a strong bond between the two, creating a memorable season for both of them.
The conversation also touched upon Johnson’s preference for partnering with athletes, particularly football players, on the show. She expressed her long-held desire to work with an NFL player, citing their athleticism, coachability, and physical strength as ideal qualities for a dance partner. Johnson’s comments came in the wake of rumors earlier in the year suggesting her disappointment at being paired with “Bachelor” alum Joey Graziadei for season 33, instead of a football player. While she acknowledged her desire to work with an athlete, Johnson maintained that her experiences with both Amabile and Graziadei were equally enjoyable, emphasizing the positive aspects of each partnership.
Amabile’s wife, Serena Pitt, playfully teased him about the near-accident, suggesting it validated Johnson’s preference for football players. Pitt jokingly remarked that a football player would likely not have made the same mistake, further emphasizing the humor surrounding the incident. This lighthearted banter underscores the comfortable and jovial relationship between Amabile, Pitt, and Johnson, demonstrating their ability to laugh together about the past. The incident, while potentially dangerous, has become a shared anecdote, reinforcing their bond and adding to the collection of memories from their time on “Dancing With the Stars.”
Despite the near-catastrophe and Amabile’s relative lack of dance prowess, Johnson fondly recalled their season together as one of her favorites. She highlighted the joy and laughter they shared during rehearsals, attributing the positive experience to the absence of pressure and the freedom to simply enjoy the process. Johnson’s perspective underscores the importance of camaraderie and shared enjoyment in a competitive environment, suggesting that the quality of the experience can sometimes outweigh the pursuit of victory. This sentiment resonates with the overall spirit of the show, which emphasizes personal growth, partnership, and the celebration of dance.
The conversation between Amabile and Johnson offers a glimpse into the behind-the-scenes dynamics of “Dancing With the Stars,” revealing the challenges, the camaraderie, and the unexpected moments that shape the experience. The near-accident, now a humorous anecdote, serves as a reminder of the physical demands and potential risks involved in the competition. However, it also highlights the resilience, adaptability, and positive attitudes of the participants, who are able to transform challenging situations into shared memories and opportunities for growth. Ultimately, the story reinforces the power of partnership, humor, and the joy of dance, even in the face of adversity.
