Jenna Johnson said a shortened “Dancing With the Stars” package left out rehearsal context for Harry Shum Jr.’s Sept. 22 scream. They had discussed anxiety, pressure and self-doubt building toward an emotional breaking point, with 14 couples still competing in Week 2.
Shum and Johnson danced a Viennese waltz to the Goo Goo Dolls’ “Iris.” Near its climax, he broke away, faced the camera and screamed before Johnson pulled him back into the choreography. Shum later called the moment “therapeutic,” saying it let him audibly release emotion that dance usually conveys without words.
The routine drew divided reactions, and Johnson said the scream was her favorite part. Judges awarded them 18 of 30 points, three fewer than their premiere score. They survived the Sept. 22 elimination and were scheduled to dance a jive to Daryl Hall & John Oates’ “You Make My Dreams Come True” on Sept. 29.
