In an exclusive interview with TooFab, Kinney and her dance partner, Brandon Armstrong, discussed their performance where they received a score of 9 from judge Carrie Ann Inaba. This score came after they had been awarded 10s from other esteemed judges, including Bruno Tonioli and Derek Hough, which has sparked a lively discussion among fans and critics alike.

The scoring decision has caused some controversy among the live audience, and former professional dancer Cheryl Burke expressed her opinion on her podcast, suggesting that Inaba should have provided more constructive feedback along with the score of 9. Burke noted that Kinney appeared to be “begging” for further insights to enhance her performance.

“I definitely share some of that frustration because, as someone who is still relatively new to this competitive dance environment, I rely heavily on the professionals for guidance on what I should focus on and how I can improve,” Kinney explained during her chat with TooFab. This reliance reflects her commitment to learning and growing as a dancer in a high-pressure context.

“When you find yourself docked a point without a clear explanation, it can definitely leave you feeling a bit lost,” Kinney elaborated. “I’m actively working through this challenge this week, trying to pinpoint what we need to focus on because our time in the rehearsal studio is limited, and we need to allocate our time wisely. This creates a unique challenge for both Brandon and me as we navigate what to prioritize most effectively.”

Kinney added, “At this stage in the competition, the level of talent is exceptionally high. Therefore, you really need to fine-tune every tiny detail and the subtle nuances of each moment you spend on that stage. Every aspect counts, and even the smallest adjustments can make a significant difference in how the performance is received.”

While the Pretty Little Liars alum feels a sense of confidence in her abilities, she also acknowledges that without specific guidance on what to improve, she is “kind of shooting in the dark a little bit, but fingers crossed.” This reflects her determination to succeed despite the ambiguity surrounding her performance critiques.

Inaba has previously acknowledged holding Kinney to a higher standard due to her limited prior dance experience. This has sparked ongoing discussions about the fairness of having celebrities with varying levels of dancing skills compete on the show, with some arguing that it creates an uneven playing field.

“I can’t really speak to the casting process because I wasn’t involved in it,” Kinney shared with TooFab. “I simply picked up the phone and said, ‘Yes.’ I’m filled with gratitude to be here. This show showcases many things; it displays fun dance moves, but it also provides an opportunity for individuals to grow and improve.”

“I believe that people are brought onto this show for a million different reasons,” she added. “This variety creates a fantastic two hours of television. I’m just thankful for whatever reason I was chosen to participate in this show. I’m not questioning it.”

As they prepare to take the ballroom stage tonight for the show’s historic 500th episode, both Kinney and Armstrong express their heartfelt gratitude for being part of such a significant milestone.

“It’s surreal for me. I mean, as someone who has been a longtime fan of the show, it feels incredible to be part of a milestone that has become so iconic and has left a lasting legacy,” Kinney shared, emphasizing the importance of this event in her career.

“I’m kind of still pinching myself about it. I feel so lucky. Everything just kind of aligned perfectly for me to be here at this moment, and I’m really excited. It’s going to be a beautiful evening,” she expressed with enthusiasm.

Along with celebrating this milestone, the dancers face the challenge of participating in an “Instant Dance” round, which requires them to create choreography for a song they’ve only heard twenty minutes before the performance. This adds an extra layer of excitement and unpredictability to the evening.

“I think the hardest part is in the preparation because you don’t know what you’re preparing for. So you kind of have to be ready for… absolutely anything,” Kinney explained. “Our first strategy is to review the fundamentals of the styles that it could be in so that those are top of mind when the time comes.”

“The most challenging aspect about it is the fact that people often underestimate how long one minute is when you’re dancing,” Armstrong added. “Chandler can now attest to this – one minute of dancing feels like an eternity. Even when you’re ready or not, that one minute can stretch out to feel like a million years on stage.”

Armstrong, a seasoned professional dancer who has been part of the competition since Season 24, believes that the show has experienced a vibrant revival recently, fueled by the growing fan engagement and enthusiasm.

“I don’t think I’ve ever been part of the show when there’s been this kind of excitement and buzz surrounding it. It feels like it has been reborn, revitalized, and it’s undergone a facelift,” he expressed to TooFab. “It’s amazing to experience it from both sides – as a dancer on the floor and as a viewer enjoying the interaction on social media and with the fans. There’s a new energy surrounding each performance that makes it a million times more enjoyable, especially with an incredible partner like Chandler during this fantastic season.”

Of course, not all feedback is positive, as fans frequently voice their opinions about the judges’ scores and decisions online, leading to vibrant discussions and differing viewpoints.

“I think you have to take the highs with the lows. When fans express strong opinions not only about us as a couple but also about the judging, choreography, music, and costumes, it’s an exciting dynamic,” Armstrong noted. “It keeps the judges accountable and allows me, Chandler, and the other professionals to remain accountable as well, especially with so many eyes watching and sharing their loud opinions.”

“Chandler and I receive feedback or critiques from three or maybe four individuals each week during our performances. We invest a lot of time and effort into our routines,” he continued. “So, while we value those three or four opinions, it’s also beneficial to see the multitude of other opinions out there to gauge how people are receiving our performances. Ultimately, we are dancing for the audience at home.”

Dancing With the Stars airs Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC, providing viewers with thrilling performances and captivating moments each week.