Since the start of Dancing With the Stars season 27, a bit of controversy has been brewing over one of the cast members.
It all started when Alexis Ren, a prominent social media influencer, performed a fun ice cream shop-themed jive for week one with her pro partner Alan Bersten. Despite overwhelming positivity from the judges and viewers at home, a few fans began taking issue with the social media star's ballet background.
On her Instagram post, one fan asked "Why isn't anybody complaining about her dancing experience as a ballet dancer?" While another lamented, "I thought [sic] this show was for stars that never danced before?" On Twitter, one user declared that she was "calling it now" that Alexis was going to win because she is a "classically trained ballerina."
As confirmed in her Sports Illustrated Swimsuit interview this year, Alexis grew up taking ballet lessons and is, in fact, now a classically trained ballerina. She was so good at her craft that she was even ready to audition to join a ballet company, but ultimately chose to pursue modeling instead. The outlet points out that "she's as flexible as ever" because of her background.
Ballet or not, let's make something clear: Alexis has done absolutely nothing wrong. Several other DWTS contestants (and winners!) in the past had also dabbled in the dance world before being on the show. For example, season 25 winner and Broadway star Jordan Fisher had dance training for many of his projects. And, of course, let's not forget season 11 contestant/champion Jennifer Grey who definitely had some experience on the floor — you know, starring in Dirty Dancing and all.
Dancing background debate aside, the most important takeaway is that Alexis and Alan have crushed it throughout the competition.
