Ciara Miller turned the criticism over her Dancing With the Stars debut into a joke after some viewers focused on her facial expressions during the performance. The Summer House star entered DWTS Season 35 with pro Brandon Armstrong after months of anticipation surrounding her ballroom debut. Now, she is making it clear that she heard the feedback.
Ciara Miller promises to ‘smile from here on out’ after ‘DWTS’ viewers criticized her premiere performance
According to Us Weekly, Ciara Miller responded on TikTok after viewers questioned her facial expressions during the September 16 premiere. “I promise to smile from here on out,” she captioned a rehearsal clip that showed her repeatedly flashing a grin alongside Brandon Armstrong.
The playful response came after a high-pressure first night. Ciara Miller and Armstrong performed a foxtrot to Whitney Houston’s “Exhale (Shoop Shoop)” and earned 15 out of 30 points. The routine also moved judge Carrie Ann Inaba, who told Miller she could see and feel the emotion in her performance.
The premiere marked the start of her competitive ballroom run after months of training with Armstrong. The criticism centered less on her dancing and more on Miller’s serious expression during the live show. However, the Summer House star had already made clear that nerves played a role in her demeanor.
Her DWTS debut followed months of preparation. Ciara Miller and Maura Higgins joined Dancing With the Stars Season 35 as the first two reality stars announced for the cast in April. Miller had previously said she grew up dancing and took ballet for 10 years.
Support also came from her Summer House circle before the premiere. Carl Radke publicly backed Ciara Miller ahead of her first performance and praised her work ethic, confidence, and dance ability.
Brandon Armstrong seemed amused by Miller’s response to the criticism. He praised her TikTok reaction in the comments, calling it “elite work.”
For Ciara Miller, the reaction turned viewer commentary into a lighthearted moment. She may have promised more smiles, but her first DWTS performance already gave audiences plenty to discuss.
Dancing With the Stars Season 35 airs Tuesdays on ABC and Disney+
