Jenna Dewan’s Hollywood Journey: From Step Up Stardom to Producing a New Drama Series

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Jenna Dewan, the dancer-slash-actress catapulted her way into Hollywood thanks to the 2006 American teen romantic dance drama film Step Up, announced on June 23, 2016, that she was developing a new drama series for YouTube Premium based on the Step Up film series with Lionsgate Television. She would serve as executive producer alongside Channing Tatum.

Jenna Dewan-Tatum wears her dark hair down as she enters a Los Angeles office buildingJenna Dewan-Tatum wears her dark hair down as she enters a Los Angeles office building on June 22, 2016 (Credit: WENN)

Jenna Dewan’s Rise to Fame with Step Up

Ten years earlier, she made her debut as ballet dancer Nora Clark in the 2006 American teen romantic dance drama film Step Up.

She was 25 when the movie was released in the United States on August 11, 2006. The film also starred Channing Tatum, Mario Dewar Barrett, Drew Sidora, Damaine Anthony Radcliff, and Rachel Griffiths.

Channing Tatum as Tyler Gage and Jenna Dewan as Nora Clark in the 2006 American teen romantic dance drama film Step UpChanning Tatum as Tyler Gage and Jenna Dewan as Nora Clark in the 2006 American teen romantic dance drama film Step Up (Credit: Buena Vista Pictures Distribution)

“I’m from Texas and actually went to a regular high school, but every day after school, I’d run to dance class and practice a lot and then go back the next day and stuff like that,” she told CinemaBlend about developing her dance skills.

Emmanuelle Chriqui with her best friend Jenna Dewan at the Los Angeles premiere of 'Step Up'Emmanuelle Chriqui with her best friend Jenna Dewan at the Los Angeles premiere of ‘Step Up’ held at the Arclight Cinemas in Hollywood on August 7, 2006 (Credit: Tinseltown / Shutterstock)

“I felt like I was in a performing arts high school, but I wasn’t. Actually, doing this movie opened my eyes to performing arts schools, and it’s pretty amazing, I think. It’s a great thing if you’re a creative person and have some kind of acting or dance or singing, any art. I think it’s great to be around people who support that and who are into it like you are, and you can have one big family and teachers who know what they’re doing.”

Jenna Dewan’s Elegant Look in Los Angeles

Jenna Dewan stuns in a sleek black midi dress paired with classic Saint Laurent ankle-strap sandalsJenna Dewan stuns in a sleek black midi dress paired with classic Saint Laurent ankle-strap sandals (Credit: WENN)

A day before announcing her new YouTube series, Jenna was seen entering a Los Angeles office building in a little black dress.

The silky black calf-skimming dress tied at the waist featured a plunging neckline, a thigh-high slit, and a skin-revealing cutout along Jenna’s back. She accessorized with a silver bracelet and a gray bucket bag adorned with tassels.

Jenna Dewan complements her chic black midi dress with a stylish gray bucket bag adorned with tassels, while her Saint Laurent ankle-strap sandals not only elevate her look but also add heightJenna Dewan complements her chic black midi dress with a stylish gray bucket bag adorned with tassels, while her Saint Laurent ankle-strap sandals not only elevate her look but also add height (Credit: WENN)

The Tamara actress wore her dark hair down, tousled, and kept her makeup simple.

Jenna Dewan's chic black midi dress reveals a subtle back cutout, perfectly paired with her sleek Saint Laurent ankle-strap heels and a stylish gray bucket bagJenna Dewan’s chic black midi dress reveals a subtle back cutout, perfectly paired with her sleek Saint Laurent ankle-strap heels and a stylish gray bucket bag (Credit: WENN)

Showcasing Classic Saint Laurent Sandals

She finished her ensemble with simple black Saint Laurent sandals, showing off her foot tattoo.

Jenna Dewan-Tatum goes for a monochromatic look while out in Los AngelesJenna Dewan-Tatum goes for a monochromatic look while out in Los Angeles (Credit: WENN)

These classic ankle-strap sandals feature a 4.5-inch heel.

Jenna Dewan's sleek Saint Laurent sandals elegantly showcase her foot tattooJenna Dewan’s sleek Saint Laurent sandals elegantly showcase her foot tattoo (Credit: WENN)

Jenna Dewan's Saint Laurent sandals feature a sleek patent leather finish and a slender ankle strap, complemented by a towering stiletto heel that adds a dramatic lift to her ensembleJenna Dewan’s Saint Laurent sandals feature a sleek patent leather finish and a slender ankle strap, complemented by a towering stiletto heel that adds a dramatic lift to her ensemble (Credit: WENN)

The “Jane” sandals come in various colors and are available at Net-a-Porter and Nordstrom.

Saint Laurent "Jane" leather sandals in black

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Saint Laurent "Jane" leather sandals in poutreSaint Laurent “Jane” leather sandals in poutre, $695

Saint Laurent "Jane" leather sandals in goldSaint Laurent “Jane” leather sandals in gold, $695