Married couple and Dancing with the stars Pros Jenna Johnson Chmerkovskiy and Val Chmerkovskiy have won four disco ball awards between them, but the pair could add two Primetime Emmys to their rich roster at this year’s Creative Arts ceremony. The pair are nominated for Outstanding Choreography for Variety or Reality Program for the Len Goodman tribute waltz, set to one of the late judge’s favorite songs, “Moon River.”

TV Insider chatted with Johnson Chmerkovskiy about why the routine was so special and how eight of the reality dance competition’s seasoned pros came to return for it. Johnson Chmerkovskiy also weighed in on whether she’ll return to the ballroom for the show’s 33rd season next month.^rd Season.

Last year’s tribute dance for Len Goodman was amazing, emotional and unforgettable.

Jenna Johnson Chmerkovskiy: That was all for Len.

What did it mean to be nominated for the choreography of this special dance?

We loved the piece itself and we loved (finding out we were nominated). We were actually here in Chicago and in a park with our son (Rome) when we found out about the nomination. (Val and I) saw our names and just looked at each other. It was a dream come true. There have only been a few moments in my life where I’ve felt like that. It was so nice to be recognized and also to be included with the other choreographers in that category.

You have the respect of the judges of the show, the fans of the show, and the people who watch your show SAVOR After Hours. but that has to be satisfactory on another level.

It is different and also something very special.

How did you and Val come to be commissioned to choreograph this tribute?

We were asked by production. At the beginning of the season, (the producers) explained that they wanted to honor Len because he had passed away the previous year. We were So We were honored that they asked us. We wanted to make sure we had enough time to do it. We knew how important this moment was for the show and for each individual dancer. We asked ourselves, “How can we thank Len, because he is someone who has given so much not only to our show but to the dance world?”

The return of eight OG pros – Maksim Chmerkovskiy, Kym Johnson-Herjavec, Louis van Amstel, Edyta Śliwińska, Tony Dovolani, Anna Trebunskaya, Karina Smirnoff and Mark Ballas – added a lot to the emotional impact. How did you come to include them?

The producers of the show said, “You know, we really think it would be very special if we asked some of the original professionals to come on board with us in this piece.” Val and I agreed it would be magical, and I think it helped to show how many generations and eras Len spanned, and how many dancers he had inspired and influenced. To have them all there was special, and I think a treat for the audience too.

Why did you choose “Moon River” as the song for the waltz in honor of Len?

It was (DWTS Judge) Derek Hough, who chose this piece of music. We knew we wanted to do something elegant and traditional. We thought this song would be perfect.

The ceremony ended with a recording of Len’s voice saying, “All good things must come to an end.” There were close-ups of the professional dancers. Then judges Bruno Tonioli and Carrie Ann Inaba reached across Len’s empty seat at the table and hugged. All the emotions were there.

My understanding is that (Carrie Ann and Bruno) hadn’t seen the dance yet. We usually get multiple takes for (pre-recorded) numbers, but it was very important to our executive producer Conrad Green that everything was shot in one take. I was very nervous about it because there were so many different parts coming together. I wanted to make sure everything was perfect and everything was perfect. I’m so glad we did it in one take because that was all it took. We were all teary-eyed and crying at the end.

What memories do you have of Len?

I remember him being very strict and firm. I also remember the season I danced with JoJo (Siwa). When we were in the finals, Len was assigned to work with us. He wanted us to redo a dance we had danced earlier in the season. Len came with comments on how we could improve our Argentine tango. He felt that our first one wasn’t “Argentine” enough. He wanted it to be more intimate and sharp. I remember him coming to rehearsal. He got straight to the point.

Len gave us some tips and advice. Then he just started dancing around the room and showing us what he wanted. It was the first time I had seen him dance around like that. He was full of joy and had a smile on his face. Len was so excited. JoJo and I were speechless. He just didn’t stop moving around the dance floor, spinning and everything. I will never forget that moment together. It was really special.

Your category will be announced at the Creative Arts ceremony in September. Academy members still have time to vote!

Yes. We are overjoyed and are really trying to enjoy the moment. Again, it’s a dream come true. We can’t wait.

Do you know if you will return to the show for season 33?

No, but I like it. Not knowing motivates me. It keeps me focused and motivated to improve and prepare for whatever comes. Hopefully Val and I will hear about the upcoming season soon. It’s coming very quickly. Fingers crossed!

Rome, your and Val’s son, is growing up so fast, as we can see on Instagram. What’s it like being a mother?

It’s incredible and fun to share because I feel like people only know a side of me as an artist where I may come across very intensely. I love sharing our life on social media. It’s like a little journey, a storybook diary of our family. This summer, Rome has changed so much. He’s developing and learning. He’s saying words, running around, and climbing. There’s nothing like seeing life through your child’s eyes. It can be exhausting, but it’s so beautiful. It’s so worth it.

76th Primetime Creative Arts Emmy AwardsSaturday, September 7th and Sunday, September 8th, FXX

Dancing with the starsSeason 33, Tuesday, September 17, ABC