The Untold Story Behind Zendaya’s Time on ‘DWTS’

Zendaya, one of Hollywood’s brightest and most versatile stars, has dazzled audiences with her exceptional acting talent, stunning performances, and striking sense of style. From her breakthrough role in Disney’s Shake It Up to her critically acclaimed portrayal of Rue in Euphoria, Zendaya has built a career that many can only dream of. However, despite her immense success, there is one chapter in her career that still seems to linger: her time on Dancing with the Stars (DWTS).

While Zendaya’s stint on DWTS in 2013 was a memorable one, it wasn’t without its challenges. Fans still remember the intense performances, the infectious chemistry with her partner Val Chmerkovskiy, and her unexpected run to the finals. Yet, beyond the glitz and glamour of the ballroom, there are deeper reasons why Zendaya’s experience on the show has continued to resonate with her over the years. From personal growth to the pressure of public perception, here’s a closer look at why Zendaya still can’t seem to shake off her DWTS experience.

1. The Unexpected Challenge of Dancing in the Spotlight

When Zendaya first joined DWTS, she was already an established name thanks to her role in Shake It Up and her growing music career. However, the world of competitive dance was uncharted territory for her. Dancing on live television with the intense scrutiny of the audience, judges, and millions of viewers across the globe was a whole new challenge.

Zendaya, known for her cool demeanor and confidence, had never been under such a level of public pressure before. While she had performed on stage and in front of cameras, the world of ballroom dance was a different beast. The combination of physically demanding routines, the risk of performing poorly, and the constant critique from the judges, all while maintaining her composure and image, was something she had never experienced.

For Zendaya, who had spent years as a child star, DWTS presented a new kind of vulnerability. Unlike acting or singing, where you are playing a character or putting on a persona, dancing required exposing her true self in a way she wasn’t accustomed to. The fear of failure, the pressure of living up to her audience’s expectations, and the judgment of being compared to seasoned dancers in the competition — all of these factors weighed heavily on her during the show.

The constant balancing act between perfectionism and embracing imperfection on live television is something that stayed with Zendaya long after the show ended.

2. Facing the Burden of Public Scrutiny

Despite impressing both the judges and the audience with her impeccable technique and natural rhythm, Zendaya’s DWTS experience wasn’t without its share of public criticism. As a young woman in the spotlight, Zendaya had to contend with the harsh realities of being scrutinized under a magnifying glass. In particular, the media and online platforms were quick to weigh in on her every move, comment on her appearance, and even criticize the way she danced.

The pressure of living up to public expectations is not new to Zendaya, but DWTS exposed her to a new level of critique. For example, when Zendaya wore a controversial outfit during one of her performances, some viewers and critics were quick to pass judgment. Despite Zendaya’s ability to rise above the comments, there’s no denying that the relentless scrutiny took a toll on her emotionally.

Moreover, her partnership with Val Chmerkovskiy also sparked rumors of a romantic relationship, adding a layer of unnecessary distraction to an already intense experience. The constant buzz around her relationship status, appearance, and even her dancing style contributed to the constant pressure Zendaya faced. While many celebrities would simply dismiss the negativity, Zendaya had to navigate these pressures with grace, knowing that her every move was being analyzed.

The experience of facing public scrutiny while trying to maintain her reputation added a complexity to Zendaya’s DWTS experience that was difficult to shake off.

3. The Exhaustion of Competing on a National Stage

One of the most grueling aspects of DWTS is the intense physical and mental demands placed on its contestants. Unlike other reality shows, DWTS requires not just talent, but a huge amount of discipline, perseverance, and stamina. Contestants are required to learn new dance routines every week, practice for hours on end, and perform live for millions of viewers.

For Zendaya, this was an entirely new experience. While she was accustomed to long hours on set for acting, DWTS required her to push her physical limits in ways she had never done before. The intense training, combined with the constant pressure to be perfect every week, contributed to her mental and physical exhaustion.

In fact, Zendaya has mentioned in interviews how difficult it was to maintain a sense of balance during her time on the show. The early mornings, late nights, and emotional strain of competition made her feel as though she was running on empty. Despite her natural talent and ability to pick up choreography quickly, Zendaya felt the weight of the show’s demands on both her body and mind.

The exhaustion she experienced during this period was not just physical. She faced emotional and mental fatigue from the relentless grind of competing, all while trying to stay true to herself and her artistry. It’s an experience that remained with her long after she left the ballroom.

4. The Unexpected Emotional Growth

While the experience was challenging, it also became a transformative one for Zendaya. Despite being known for her calm and collected demeanor, DWTS pushed her to confront her own vulnerabilities. The constant pressure, coupled with the emotional highs and lows of the competition, allowed Zendaya to grow emotionally in ways she had never anticipated.

Throughout the competition, Zendaya’s relationship with Val Chmerkovskiy became one of the highlights of her DWTS journey. The bond they shared went beyond the ballroom. Val became not just her dance partner, but a mentor and friend. Their partnership provided Zendaya with a safe space to open up and learn about herself in ways that went beyond the stage. It was during this time that Zendaya learned how to navigate the pressures of fame, understand her own insecurities, and develop resilience in the face of adversity.

One of the most significant emotional challenges she faced was accepting the reality that winning DWTS wasn’t just about perfecting dance moves — it was about enduring the ups and downs and remaining true to herself despite the intense public scrutiny. The emotional maturity she developed during her time on the show shaped her into the grounded, wise individual she is today.

In many ways, Zendaya’s DWTS experience served as an emotional catalyst that propelled her into the next phase of her career. It allowed her to understand her strengths, confront her weaknesses, and ultimately emerge stronger.

5. The Pressure to Live Up to Her Success

Following her successful run on DWTS, Zendaya’s career skyrocketed. She became an even bigger sensation, with roles in high-profile films like The Greatest Showman and Spider-Man: Homecoming, as well as her breakout role in Euphoria. However, with this success came even greater pressure to maintain that level of achievement.

The DWTS experience, while fulfilling, had set a precedent for Zendaya — she was no longer just an actress or singer; she had proven herself to be a multi-talented performer. This created an internal pressure to keep proving herself in new ways. Every project, every performance, and every public appearance came with the weight of living up to her previous successes.

The expectations set by her DWTS performance — where she came in second place — meant that Zendaya would always be compared to other contestants, other dancers, and even herself. This continued pressure to outdo her previous work and surpass the high standards set by her audience has played a part in keeping her connected to that experience.

Even as Zendaya moved on to other aspects of her career, the shadow of DWTS lingered, reminding her of the incredible bar she had set for herself.

Conclusion: Why Zendaya Can’t Shake Off Her ‘DWTS’ Experience

Zendaya’s time on Dancing with the Stars was much more than just a brief stint on a reality competition show. It was a pivotal moment in her career, one that pushed her to new emotional and physical limits, challenged her in unexpected ways, and forced her to face the complexities of fame in the public eye.

The lingering impact of DWTS on Zendaya’s life and career is a testament to the power of transformative experiences. Despite the challenges she faced, the lessons learned and the personal growth she achieved during that time have shaped her into the star she is today. Whether it was the emotional exhaustion, the struggle to navigate public scrutiny, or the unexpected personal revelations, Zendaya’s DWTS experience is one that she continues to carry with her.

It is a reminder that no matter how successful someone may become, the journey is always complicated, filled with challenges, growth, and a constant evolution of self. And for Zendaya, DWTS was one of those defining moments — one that still lingers in her heart and mind, shaping her in ways that no one could have predicted.