Introduction to Jen Affleck’s ‘DWTS’ Journey
She’s dancing away the baby blues. For most people, signing up for a dance competition watched by millions of people less than three months after having a baby would be absolutely crazy — but for “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives” star Jen Affleck, it may be the thing that keeps her from going crazy.
Overcoming Postpartum Depression
“I’m just excited and so grateful,” she told The Post, shrugging off the possibility of nerves ahead of her “Dancing With the Stars” debut. “Something I’ve dealt with throughout all my pregnancies, and after my pregnancies, has been depression — so I’m grateful to have this opportunity, because I think it’s going to distract me from what I could be experiencing.”
Jen Affleck, pictured with dance partner Jan Ravnik, told The Post that “Dancing With the Stars” will help her beat away postpartum depression. Disney
“It’s a win-win because not only am I doing something I love, but I’m also exercising and avoiding those baby blues and everything you experience postpartum,” she went on.
Prioritizing Self-Care as a Mom
“Through doing this, even though it’s a lot and I’m juggling a lot, I think I’m coming out a better version of myself and showing up as a better mom because of it. When you feel good, you do good. I feel like you can’t show up as the best version of yourself if you personally aren’t feeling good. It should be every mom’s priority to take care of themselves, to get that rest. “It’s so important because you can’t pour from an empty cup. And I think it’s very important to fill your cup because then you’re able to give more. Feel good, do good — that’s my motto.”
Family and Career Balance
Jen, 26, shares kids Nora and Lucas with her husband Zac — and the pair welcomed baby Penelope, whom they call Penny, in July. Their baby announcement came the day after Hulu aired the reunion episode of “Mormon Wives,” where host Nick Viall revealed that Jen and her costar Whitney Leavitt had both been picked as contestants for season 34 of DWTS.
“I am just doing it,” she said. “I think as moms you just do it. Whatever the situation is, you just figure it out.” @jenniferlaffleck/Instagram
The ‘DWTS’ Competition
It meant a quick move from Utah to LA with her family, plus jumping into rehearsals at a time when many moms are still on maternity leave. But Jen — who also recently teamed up with Bio-Oil on their Labor of Love campaign — said she’s making it work. “I am just doing it,” she said. “I think as moms you just do it. Whatever the situation is, you just figure it out.”
Support System Over Rivalry
As for her competition, Jen is pumped to team up with dancer Jan Ravnik to go up against Whitney and her dancer, Mark Ballas — and it’s “absolutely” more of a support system than a rivalry. “At least on my end! Just kidding,” she said with a laugh. Jen said the competition coming down to just her and Whitney Leavitt would be a “dream scenario.” Disney
A ‘Dream Scenario’ for the Season Finale
“Having Whitney, knowing that she’s already a friend of mine and we work together — I think it’s just gonna make the experience even more exciting,” she said, adding that she’d be happy to do a duet with her reality TV pal. “I’m not a professional dancer like a Whitney is. She actually has a dancing background … her degree is in dancing. So she is a pro, but for sure would still be down,” she said. “She’s got the professional background, and I’ve got the Latina background.” Ultimately, her “dream scenario” is if it got down to just the two of them in the season finale. “I think it would make this season even more legendary,” she said. “And I think no matter what, at least for me, if we both make it far, no matter who wins, it’s still a win-win.”
Conclusion
Jen Affleck’s decision to join "Dancing With the Stars" just months after giving birth is a testament to her strength and determination. As she navigates the challenges of motherhood and competition, her positive attitude and support system will undoubtedly carry her through. Whether she emerges as the winner or not, Jen’s journey on "DWTS" is already a victory in her own right.
FAQs
Q: How soon after giving birth did Jen Affleck join "Dancing With the Stars"?
A: Jen Affleck joined "Dancing With the Stars" less than three months after giving birth to her baby, Penelope.
Q: What motivated Jen to join the show?
A: Jen was motivated to join the show as a way to overcome postpartum depression and to prioritize her own self-care as a mom.
Q: Who is Jen’s dance partner on "DWTS"?
A: Jen’s dance partner on "DWTS" is Jan Ravnik.
Q: What is Jen’s "dream scenario" for the season finale?
A: Jen’s "dream scenario" is for the competition to come down to just her and her friend Whitney Leavitt in the season finale.
