When asked about their experiences on Dancing With the Stars, the celebrities who have battled for the mirrored disco ball usually offer some variation on the same theme.
The consensus seems to be that the competition is far more challenging than any of the participants expected it to be going in.
And it appears former Bachelorette star Hannah Brown is the latest to experience firsthand the disparity between how hard it looks and how hard it is.
According to a new report from Us Weekly, Hannah suffered a minor meltdown off-camera following a recent performance on DWTS.
“Hannah was crying a lot last night offstage,” the source says, adding that it seemed like Brown was upset about “more than just the show”
Yes, it's not just the physical demands of the show that are taking a toll on Ms. Beast Mode.
So what is it?
Is it the fact that Tyler Cameron is still blowing up her phone?
How about the fact that Luke Parker still sees fit to comment on anything she does?
Well, based on the very lengthy tirade Hannah posted on her Instagram page, it seems that just about everything is getting to her these days:
“This experience has been harder than I could have ever imagined,” she wrote.
“When I decided to do DWTS I thought it would be a fun way to channel all my energy after a whirlwind experience as the Bachelorette," Hannah went on.
"I was hopeful that the confidence I gained this year to take pride in the woman I have become would have the opportunity to shine, and I’d feel that reboot in my spirit after it took a bit of a beating after my Bachelorette season,” Brown continued.
“I came into this experience a little broken and confused—more than I’ve shared. Everyday has brought its challenges with my past, my fears, and the uncomfortableness of opening myself up again to be judged on something VERY scary like learning a new skill to perform each week.
"Last night was really defeating for me and a lot of suppressed emotions started to surface from this amazing, but grueling experience.”
So it sounds like this week was a particularly rough week that came on the heels of a whole slew of rough weeks.
We've all been there.
But Hannah didn't stop there.
No, she wants you to know this was a really rough one:
“I want to be me. I want to be real. I feel my best when I feel like I have the opportunity to share my heart with others. But I know that’s been lacking in what has been seen on DWTS. It’s true there is a disconnect. I am busting my ass," she wrote.
"I am giving this my all. It’s my focus and passion right now. But each week I fall flat. I’ve gotten to the point of being so anxious before I perform that I can’t completely enjoy it like I wish and know I could.
“I KNOW I have a lot more I can give,” she added.
“I want to be able to feel free and confident to dance with my whole heart. I’m working on getting there.”
Now, some fans might be inclined to look at this as Hannah throwing herself a pity party.
Which is why she went right ahead and got in front of that argument:
“I can take criticism and understand hard work … and I also know that my attitude has to change to rise above this slump I’m in,” she wrote.
“But this is real life. These are real emotions. It’s okay to be grateful and positive, while also acknowledging the hard days we all have. It’s so important to think positively, but it’s also important to acknowledge and feel all the feels," Brown continued.
"This pressure to pretend is not good for anyone. That’s how this crazy cycle of perfectionism continues to exist in a lot of us."
She wrapped things up on a positive note, concluding:
“I’m blown away by the support I see and feel from all of you who love me through it all. So thank you— here’s to another opportunity to grow. See y’all next Monday!”
It's not hard to see why Hannah was so down in the dumps, given the criticism she received for her most recent performance:
“You are disconnected from the movements. I need you to give your heart,” said judge Carrie Inaba.
“We want to see layers that nobody has seen before and I know it’s hard to do but, I swear, if you open up and let it go raw out here, we will be here for you.”
And it seems Inaba is not alone in that assessment.
“Hannah is incredible but she’s a bit insecure and I’ve been working so hard to get it,” said Hannah's dancing partner, Alan Bersten.
“She has no reason to be insecure. She is such a beautiful, hardworking person.”
Of course, the most significant praise came from none other than Tyler Cameron, who commented on Hannah's post:
"Fall down 7 times, get up 8! You got this HB. Be where your feet are and enjoy the ride. You’re doing amazing."
And that's why the whole world is still shipping these two.
