JoJo Siwa was first recognized for her talents at just eight years old, when she starred  on the hit American reality show, Dance Moms, during Seasons Five and Six.  The show followed dancers on the ALDC Junior Elite Competition Team, including Maddie Ziegler and Chloe Lukasiak, and documented weekly preparations for different dance competitions all around the country.  It was also filled with drama, often featuring screaming exchanges between the mothers fighting for their daughter to have more time in the spotlight.  

During her time on-air, JoJo developed her trademark look, a tight side-pony with a large bow and sparkly, neon clothes.  Now, people can buy her bows, clothing, and other accessories in tons of stores, including Target and Claire’s.

JoJo’s fame also led to even more support from her dance coach, Abby Lee Miller.  JoJo was not respected by Abby as a child; however, her profound confidence has rallied Abby’s support. 

“I’m very proud.”I don’t think she hides anything really,” said  Miller in an interview with Entertainment Tonight. 

Working with Miller taught JoJo to never let anybody’s criticism affect her.  The nonstop support from her audience inspired Siwa to start her music career.  Her first song, “Boomerang,” came out in 2016.  The song focused on how to deal with bullies. 

The lyrics include: “I don’t really care about what they say, I’m a come back like a boomerang, won’t let the haters get their way, I’m a come back like a boomerang.”  Despite JoJo receiving a lot of hate, she also had tons of fans supporting her.

“As a fellow dancer, I always looked up to JoJo.  I admired her skills and loved watching her pirouette turns and the emotions she had while on stage,” said junior Olivia Deriu. 

More recently, JoJo Siwa appeared as “T-Rex” in the third season of The Masked Singer.  Additionally, Siwa starred in a movie called The J Team.  She came out as a member of the LGBTQ community in January of 2021.  Currently, Siwa has a girlfriend of over six months, Kylie Prew. 

“I want to be a role model for people who love love,” said Jojo Siwa in the New York Times. 

JoJo Siwa is now on Season Thirty of Dancing with the Stars, as the first contestant to compete with a same-sex partner.  She is defying gender stereotypes in ballroom dancing. 

“I think it is incredible that JoJo is dancing with Jenna Johnson.  JoJo and Jenna have adapted to the typical male-female dancing to work for two women smoothly.  She’s taking a huge step for the LGBTQ community,” said junior Zoe Edelblum.

During the premiere, Siwa and Johnson performed the quickstep.  The two have also performed dances such as the Argentine tango, the Paso Doble, and the latest, the Viennese waltz.  Siwa and Johnson are very skilled, receiving the top score on opening night, and continuing to captivate viewers.  

A top competitor for the duo is Kenya Moore and her partner, Brandon Armstrong.  Moore is very determined to win, even dancing through an injury during Disney Week.  Siwa and Johnson, however, are the favorites and are set to win it all. 

“I have enjoyed watching JoJo and Jenna during the season.  I love their energy and what they bring to the dance floor,” said junior Megan Schwartz.