Dancing with the Stars' Jenna Johnson Chmerkovskiy on the stunning Len Goodman tribute and her Emmy nomination

Dancing with the Stars season 33 is almost here and we're sure it's going to be just as magical as last season though there's an element to season 32 that can't be replicated or surpassed. That's the beauty, love, and impact of the Len Goodman tribute choreographed by Jenna Johnson Chmerkovskiy and Valentin Chmerkovskiy.

The stunning waltz set to "Moon River" was so stirring it moved those in the studio audience to tears as well as viewers watching from home. It's no wonder the Pro dancers and husband-and-wife choreography team have been nominated for an Emmy. The nomination is Johnson Chmerkovskiy's first and her work has also been recognized with a nod for Chmerkovskiy and Xochitl Gomez's waltz to "La Vie en Rose" which was a memorable moment from season 32 in its own right.

I had the opportunity to catch up with Johnson Chmerkovskiy to ask the pro dancer and choreographer about her Emmy nom, her time on Dancing with the Stars, and her work as a storyteller through the medium of dance. Check out the full Q&A interview below!

Jenna Johnson Chmerkovskiy on Dancing with the Stars, the Len Goodman tribute, and being nominated for an Emmy

Where were you during the Emmy nomination announcement and what was going through your mind when you saw you were nominated?

Val and I were at the park with our son in Chicago when we found out we were nominated. We both knew it was being announced that morning but didn’t want to put so much pressure on it so we decided we would look it up by ourselves. When we saw our names under our category, we couldn’t believe our eyes!! It was truly a dream come true.

The tribute you choreographed for Len Goodman was stunning. What went into planning for that routine and how did you settle on a waltz to "Moon River"?

At the beginning of last season, we were approached by production to choreograph this tribute for Len. We were incredibly honored that they would ask us to do something so meaningful and put our hearts and souls into prepping what this ‘Love Letter to Len’ would be. Len didn’t like any messing about, and preferred traditional ballroom done on our show. So we did just that! An effortless waltz, wrapped with emotion, so all of the dancers could thank him for the impact he had on us throughout our years on the show.

You're also nominated for "La Vie en Rose," another beautiful waltz. What did you want to spotlight in the dance? There was a vulnerability to the performance that I found captivating.

This piece was Val and Xochitl’s competition routine, and Val really wanted to capture the simplicity yet the power of Xochitl coming into her own. Being that it was the semi-finals this was not only important from an artistic perspective but also from the competition standpoint. This piece needed to capture a bit of Xochitl’s growth as well as the bond that her and Val had developed throughout the season. I think the beauty and simplicity of the piece allowed for the real power to seep through, which was in the emotion, the moment, and the strength of the two dancers.

As a choreographer, you're always storytelling no matter the style but what is your favorite style to shape a story around?

Oh man, this is a hard one because it really depends on the song and the intention behind the piece, but I really love to choreograph tangos, foxtrots, and contemporary dances. It’s always about the emotion for me.

It's been over a decade since your Dancing with the Stars debut, what do you love about the series and how do you think being on the show has helped you grow as a dancer and choreographer?

It’s really crazy to look back at my 10 years on the show and see who I’ve become as an artist, choreographer, dancer, and person! I spent all of my 20’s on DWTS and I’ve been so fortunate enough to have some life changing moments on the show. I’ve been able to work with top tier choreographers, some who have mentored me and really shaped me as a choreographer. I’ve learned how to create a dance routine for television. It’s very different creating a routine for a live stage show in my opinion. And I’ve really loved diving into the ins and outs of camera work and how effective it can make or break a routine.

Dancing with the Stars season 33 is right around the corner. Will you be in the season? If yes, what can you tease?

I find out soon if I’ll be on this upcoming season. Hoping to be back on the stage!!

The 76th Primetime Emmy Awards air Sunday, Sept. 15 at 8 p.m. ET on ABC and will be available to stream next day on Hulu. Dancing with the Stars season 33 premieres Tuesday, Sept. 17 at 8 p.m. ET on ABC and will simulcast on Disney+. Next day streaming will be available on Hulu.