Actress and dancer Jenna Dewan recently gave fans a glimpse into the dedicated — and often humorous — preparations for her 12-year-old daughter Everly Tatum‘s Irish dance competition, including an early morning fake tan application.
Jenna Dewan, a name synonymous with dynamic dance performances and a standout role in the classic film Step Up, recently offered a lighthearted peek into her life as a dedicated dance mom. Her 12-year-old daughter, Everly Tatum, whom she shares with ex-husband Channing Tatum, is deeply immersed in the world of competitive Irish dance, a passion that has taken both parents by surprise.
On Saturday, October 25, 2025, Dewan, 44, took to her Instagram Story to share the early morning ritual of preparing Everly for a competition. The key step? Applying “instant tanner” at 7 a.m., a moment Dewan playfully labeled as true dedication. The rigorous preparation clearly paid off, as a subsequent video showcased Everly flawlessly executing her formal routine, a testament to her talent and commitment.
A Legacy of Dance: From Hollywood Stages to Irish Jigs
Jenna Dewan‘s own career began as a backup dancer for music icons such as Janet Jackson, Celine Dion, and Pink, before she starred in the 2006 hit movie Step Up. Her partner in that film, and later her husband, Channing Tatum, also boasts a strong performance background, including his memorable roles in the Magic Mike movies. Given their shared history, it might seem natural for their daughter to pursue dance.
However, Dewan previously revealed to Us Weekly in 2022 that Everly initially showed little interest in dancing. “We’ve always had this joke that coming from two dance parents, she just had no interest at all,” Dewan shared. This changed when Everly, completely on her “own accord,” discovered and fell in love with Irish dancing, a style far removed from her parents’ hip-hop and contemporary backgrounds.
Dewan expressed delightful surprise at Everly‘s unexpected passion. “She was like, ‘Oh, my gosh, I want to do that,’” the Come Dance with Me judge recounted. “And now she’s going to Irish dance classes. She is so serious about it. She loves it. We are in it to win it … in her own way. That’s very Evie. She wants to do things in her own unique way. It’s so cool.” This embrace of individuality highlights Dewan‘s parenting philosophy of encouraging her children to find their own unique interests rather than pushing her own upon them.
The Evolving Family Dynamic: Co-Parenting and New Additions
Beyond Everly, Dewan is a mother of two other children with fiancé Steve Kazee: son Callum, 5, and daughter Rhiannon, 1. Kazee, known for his extensive musical theater background and a Tony Award win for his leading role in Once, also brings a rich performance legacy to the family.
Dewan has even hinted that young Callum might be the next family member to catch the dance bug. “He already has a bit of an inclination for rhythm and music,” she teased. “So we’ll see. I’m very big on not pushing [my interests] on my kids because I want them to find what they’re uniquely interested in. But yeah, they’re finding it.”
The co-parenting relationship between Dewan and Channing Tatum has also matured over time. After meeting on the set of Step Up in 2006 and marrying in 2009, their separation in 2018 and subsequent divorce were understandably difficult. However, Tatum, 45, acknowledged in a September interview with Variety, as reported by Yahoo Entertainment, that they have successfully worked through their issues to effectively co-parent Everly. “Jenna and I are good now, but it was a painful break to have that fall apart, especially being so young,” Tatum stated, adding that the divorce was “tough” on the whole family.
While Tatum has since had high-profile relationships, Dewan announced her engagement to Steve Kazee in February 2020. They welcomed their son Callum in March 2020 and their daughter Rhiannon in June 2024. In a heartfelt birth announcement for Rhiannon, the couple shared their joy: “From the moment you arrived, you have brought immense joy and love into our lives… your gentle grace, sweetness, and beauty have captivated our entire family. Our hearts are overflowing with love, and we are truly blessed by your presence. Welcome to our world baby girl.”
This glimpse into Jenna Dewan‘s life highlights not only her continued connection to the world of dance but also her unwavering dedication as a mother, fostering her children’s passions while gracefully navigating the complexities of a modern family.
