5 Shocking Secrets And Triumphs Of Skai Jackson’s Journey On Dancing With The Stars Season 29

The journey of Skai Jackson on Dancing with the Stars Season 29 was one of the most talked-about celebrity performances in recent memory, blending Disney Channel nostalgia with a surprising level of technical skill. As of December 12, 2025, her time on the show remains a benchmark for young contestants, characterized by incredible highs, challenging lows, and a heartfelt emotional tribute that resonated with millions of viewers.

The actress, best known for her role as Zuri Ross, entered the ballroom as the youngest competitor of her season, partnering with professional dancer Alan Bersten. Their partnership, affectionately dubbed 'Team Hai-Skai,' delivered some of the most memorable routines, demonstrating a remarkable evolution from a nervous beginner to a semi-finalist contender.

Skai Jackson: Complete Biography and Career Profile

Skai Jackson is an American actress, model, and author whose career began in infancy. She quickly rose to prominence as a Disney Channel star before transitioning into a multi-faceted performer and influencer.

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• Full Name: Skai Jackson
• Born: April 8, 2002
• Birthplace: Staten Island, New York, United States
• Parents: Kiya Cole (Mother) and Jacob Jackson (Father)
• Early Career: Began her career as a child model, appearing in numerous national commercials, including for Band-Aid bandages.
• Major Film Roles:
  • Liberty Kid (2007) - Her first major acting role.
  • The Rebound (2009)
  • The Smurfs (2011) - Voice role.
• Breakthrough Television Roles (Zuri Ross):
  • Jessie (2011–2015) - Starring role as Zuri Ross.
  • Bunk'd (2015–2018) - Reprised the role of Zuri Ross.
• Other Notable Work:
  • Dancing with the Stars (Season 29, 2020) - Finished 5th place.
  • Author of the book, Reach for the Skai: How to Inspire, Empower, and Clapback (2019).
• Accolades: Nominated for an NAACP Image Award and featured in Time's list of Most Influential Teens.

The Highs and Lows: Skai Jackson’s Shocking DWTS Season 29 Performance Breakdown

Skai Jackson and her professional partner, Alan Bersten, were a formidable team on Dancing with the Stars Season 29, which aired in the fall of 2020. They consistently landed near the top of the leaderboard, but their journey was marked by a dramatic contrast between their best and worst nights.

The Disastrous Low Score: The Week 2 Samba

The second week of the competition proved to be the most challenging for Team Hai-Skai. They performed a Samba to Ne-Yo’s "Miss Independent." Despite a strong start, Skai suffered a literal, visible fall during the routine. The judges—Carrie Ann Inaba, Derek Hough, and Bruno Tonioli—were unforgiving, resulting in their lowest score of the season.

• Dance: Samba
• Song: "Miss Independent" by Ne-Yo
• Score: 15 out of 30 (5, 5, 5)

This early setback was a critical test of Skai’s resolve. Alan Bersten later spoke about the moment, emphasizing how the young star handled the pressure and criticism, which ultimately fueled her determination for the rest of the season.

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The Perfect 30: A Championship-Caliber Viennese Waltz

Team Hai-Skai's dedication paid off dramatically during the competition's later stages. Their Viennese Waltz was widely regarded as a technical and emotional masterpiece. The performance was flawless, showcasing Skai’s elegance and control, a stark contrast to her Week 2 struggle.

• Dance: Viennese Waltz
• Score: 30 out of 30
• Significance: This was their highest score of the season and demonstrated her incredible growth and potential to win the coveted Mirrorball Trophy.

Other high-scoring dances included their Argentine Tango for Villains Night, which earned a near-perfect 27, and their Redemption Cha Cha in the Semi-finals, which also scored a 27. This consistency proved she was a serious contender against other celebrities like Nev Schulman and the eventual winner, Kaitlyn Bristowe.

The Emotional Tribute: Honoring Cameron Boyce and The Final Placement

Beyond the scores and technical critiques, Skai Jackson's run on DWTS was deeply personal due to her connection with her late co-star and friend, Cameron Boyce.

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A Cause Close to Her Heart

Skai and Cameron Boyce were close friends, having worked together extensively on the Disney Channel hit series Jessie. Cameron Boyce tragically passed away in 2019. During her time on the show, Skai announced a deeply moving gesture: she was donating a portion of her earnings from Dancing with the Stars to the Cameron Boyce Foundation.

This commitment added a layer of profound purpose to her participation, turning her dances into a platform for advocacy and remembrance. The emotional weight she carried was evident in her performances, particularly during her more expressive routines.

The Semi-Finals Elimination

Despite her perfect score and consistent high placements, Skai Jackson and Alan Bersten were eliminated in a shocking double elimination during the Semi-finals. They finished the competition in 5th place. The elimination was a major surprise to many fans and judges, given her technical prowess and the perfect 30 she had achieved.

The Semi-finals saw her dance a Redemption Cha Cha and a second routine, but ultimately, the audience votes combined with the judges' scores were not enough to secure her a spot in the finale.

Behind-the-Scenes Secrets: DWTS Season 29 and Topical Authority

Skai Jackson's season was unique, taking place under the strict protocols of the COVID-19 pandemic. This context adds significant topical authority to her story, highlighting the unprecedented challenges faced by the cast and crew.

The COVID-19 Protocols

Season 29 was one of the first major reality competitions to navigate production during the global pandemic. Skai Jackson confirmed that the production was working diligently to ensure the safety of all participants. This included rigorous and regular testing for COVID-19, which fundamentally changed the rehearsal and performance environment. The lack of a live audience also created a different atmosphere in the ballroom, which contestants had to quickly adapt to.

The Youngest Contender and Her Impact

At just 18 years old, Skai was the youngest celebrity contestant in her season. Her participation helped bridge the gap between classic Disney stars and the world of ballroom dancing. She brought a massive social media following, which translated into significant fan votes, keeping her safe through several elimination rounds despite the unpredictable nature of the competition.

Her technical repertoire throughout the season was extensive, including the Tango, Foxtrot, Paso Doble, Cha Cha, and Quickstep, all performed under the intense scrutiny of the judges and the unique constraints of a pandemic-era production.

Skai Jackson's run on Dancing with the Stars Season 29 will be remembered not just for her average score of 23.6 or her 5th place finish, but for her resilience, the emotional weight of her Cameron Boyce tribute, and her ability to achieve a perfect 30 after a devastating early-season fall.