Dancing With the Stars’ Jenn Tran on Her Taylor Swift Tribute and Partner Sasha’s Sweet Surprise (EXCLUSIVE)
As The Bachelorette star Jenn Tran took the Dancing With the Stars stage on Tuesday, October 15, she performed a tribute that was deeply personal. Her dance that night, a moving piece set to Taylor Swift’s “The Archer,” was dedicated to the pop icon whose songs have touched millions—including Tran herself. But behind the scenes, there was a bittersweet twist to the performance, one that Tran shared exclusively with FIRST for Women.
“I feel Taylor Swift inspires so many people and touches so many people in a different way. And not everybody can understand that,” Tran explained to FIRST exclusively after her performance during week five, before alluding to a decision made before the season started that she had to heartbreakingly adjust.
As she dove into rehearsals for Dancing With the Stars, Tran had to give up her tickets to Swift’s sold-out Eras Tour in order to accommodate the show’s filming schedule. “I had to give up my ticket [which was for] next week, and I’m going to be here dancing,” she said, her voice tinged with regret.
But her DWTS partner, Sasha Farber, wasn’t about to let that disappointment linger. Sensing how much those tickets meant to her, Farber teamed up with fellow DWTS alum and mega-Swiftie, Alyson Hannigan, to plan a special surprise.
“He knew how upset I was,” Tran shared, a smile lighting up her face. “This lovely man here knew how much I wanted to be at the Eras Tour, so he and Alyson found a way to get me tickets. They bought me tickets to the show in Vancouver. It’s the nicest gift anyone’s ever done for me in my entire life, besides my mom giving me birth. But that’s up there right next to that.”
For Tran, Farber’s gesture wasn’t just about the tickets—it symbolized the supportive bond they’ve developed since the season began. “I owe everything that I've done so far to this guy right here. Without him, I don't know where I'd be. And that's not even just the dancing part of it. It's everything,” Tran told FIRST of their bond, which fans are taking more notice of week over week. “Just the human part of it and how much growth I've had in the past few weeks.”
Jenn Tran and Sasha Farber’s growing friendship on the dance floor
From the moment they were paired together on DWTS, Tran and Farber’s connection quickly evolved into something more profound than just a partnership. The pair have spent hours in the studio—propelling them to week five—perfecting routines and learning to understand each other’s rhythms. Along the way, they’ve developed a close friendship that became a source of strength for Tran during the intense competition.
“He teaches me everything and he pushes me when he knows I need to be pushed,” she told FIRST, reflecting on how Farber’s guidance has helped her grow not just as a dancer, but as a person.
Farber, a seasoned pro who has guided many stars through the DWTS journey, brings an infectious energy to every practice. And for Tran, seeing the passion he pours into each routine has been nothing short of inspiring. “Oh, this is so cliché, but he inspires me so much because I see how much he gives to this,” she shared after the pair performed a beautiful foxtrot, earning them a score of 32 out of 40. “He works so hard week after week. The pros, they have to choreograph so much, and there's so many things going on in their head all the time. And so when I'm out here, my number one thing is I don't want to disappoint him.”
With that motivation in mind, Tran has been giving her all, pouring her heart into every performance. “I just have to give it everything,” she said. “I’ve got to be able to give the best performance for him.”
Jenn Tran and Sasha Farber are building a bond beyond the ballroom
For Tran, the journey on DWTS has been about more than just learning to dance; it’s been about self-discovery, resilience and finding a new kind of support system in Farber. As they navigate the challenges of the competition, they’ve shared both triumphs and setbacks, but through it all, they’ve found strength in their partnership.
For Farber, seeing Tran’s growth has been one of the most rewarding parts of the season. Her dedication to improving and her willingness to be vulnerable have made her a standout both on the dance floor and behind the scenes. As they continue to compete on DWTS, their bond is stronger than ever—one built on mutual respect, kindness and a shared commitment to giving their all. And while Tran may have had to trade her original Eras Tour plans for the bright lights of the ballroom, she now knows she’ll get to experience both.
With each step, spin, and lift, Tran and Farber are proving that sometimes, the best partnerships are the ones that teach us how to believe in ourselves—even when the music fades and the ballroom lights dim. Watch their full performance below:
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