Jenn Tran was used Dancing with the stars‘ A night of dedication to make a bold statement about her mental health.
The former Bachelor performed the Foxtrot with partner Sasha Farber to Taylor Swift’s “The Archer,” and Tran now tells PEOPLE that she chose Lover the song as an ode to one’s own emotions.
“‘The Archer’ is such a beautiful, beautiful song about flaws and insecurities and feeling like you don’t love me. I feel that way a lot of the time,” says Tran, 26. “I’ve been through a lot of depression [and] anxieties in the past and times when I didn’t think I’d still be here today.”
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“That song was really about me going through those moments, but I’m still here today and I still overcome those battles from time to time.”
Tran adds about his decision to dedicate his performance to the 34-year-old pop star: “I wanted to dance my heart out for myself, for Taylor, but also for everyone else who was going through the same things that I was going through, because I want them to know that they are not alone.”
Sasha Farber and Jenn Tran in ‘Dancing with the Stars’.
Eric McCandless/Disney
During a rehearsal with Farber, 40, Tran said Swift’s music “took me to another place when I was at my lowest” as she talked about her parents’ “volatile relationship.”
“I remember walking home from school and seeing, like, a police car in my driveway and feeling scared and alone.”
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Swift, 34, taught Tran that “there’s so much strength in being vulnerable and letting other people see you for who you really are.”
Her performance earned her a score of 32/40, with judge Bruno Tonioli telling her she was “moving around like a speedster in the air”, while guest judge and former DWTS Pro Mark Ballas said, “You’re improving every week. Keep it up.”
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Julianne Hough interviews Jenn Tran and Sasha Farber on ‘Dancing with the Stars’.
Eric McCandless/Disney
Week 5 ended in elimination after the cast performed a variety of heartwarming Dedication Night dances and Brooks Nader and Gleb Savchenko packed their bags.
“I thought we were going to win,” Savchenko told Nader afterward. “I had so much fun working with you. You are super talented and I love you.”
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Dancing with the stars airs Tuesdays at 8pm ET on ABC and Disney+ and airs the following day on Hulu.
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Source: HIS Education