Los Angeles, April 2 Hollywood actress Jenna Dewan says that being one of pop icon Janet Jackson's backup dancers did not come with the "hierarchy" often seen with touring musicians.
The 45-year-old actress recounted the experience on the March 31 episode of the podcast Dinner’s on Me with Jesse Tyler Ferguson, according to people.com.
"Janet taught me a lot about life, but also about this business; she remembers the names of everyone she has worked with," Dewan, who began touring with Jackson at age 18, recalled.
Dewan added: "She remembers every dancer — where they're from. She knows our lives. I mean, she ... brings us into her life, and not many artists are like that with dancers; there's often a feeling of: you're just the dancer."
She continued: "You're staying in a different hotel than we are, or you're not as good as the singers or the backup singers ... there was a hierarchy, but she didn't have that."
Dewan said that Jackson treated her dancers like "family," adding: "If you're on her team, you're on the tour, you're part of her family. We had spa nights. We were always staying at the same hotel as her. I mean, it was just these little things that, as you get older in this business, you start to see; not everyone is that graceful."
Dewan has shared memories from her time touring with Jackson in the past, posting a carousel of throwback photos and videos on Instagram in 2022, showcasing her incredible dancing skills while sharing the stage with the iconic performer.
"TBT to living out one of my biggest dreams," Dewan started the heartfelt caption.
She added: "I had one goal and one goal only when moving to LA… and that was touring with the legend herself."
"I not only had one of the most incredible experiences of my life touring with Janet, but she also showed me just how powerful a woman can be while still having unwavering kindness and respect for everyone around her," the Supergirl actress added. "Truly an experience of a lifetime. I love you @janetjackson !"
During a 2017 appearance on Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen, Dewan credited Jackson with her career.
Dewan said: "I kind of owe everything to Janet. She was my dream job, she was my first big dance job, and because of her, I met certain people who then led me to others, then led to acting, then led to here."