'Dancing With the Stars': Nev Shulman Nabs First Perfect Score of Season 29

For the first time this season, one of the celebrities earned a perfect score from the judges. [...]

By Stephanie Downs

For the first time this season, one of the celebrities earned a perfect score from the judges. Following their Black Swan-inspired performance, Catfish star Nev Schulman and his partner, Jenna Johnson, received three 10's from the judges — Carrie Ann Inaba, Derek Hough and Bruno Tonioli. Of course, the pair were thrilled to receive the first perfect score of the season, as Schulman even joked that he was getting "swan bumps" (a Black Swan version of goosebumps) because of the exciting moment.

Throughout the night, the celebrities performed routines inspired by famous villains from horrors and thrillers celebrating Halloween. Schulman and Johnson brought out the ballet moves, and the feathers, for a routine inspired by the 2010 Natalie Portman film Black Swan. As Schulman explained in a segment before their performance, he and his father frequently visit the New York City ballet, so he was wholly prepared to channel his inner ballet dancer. As fans saw on Monday night's episode, Schulman was able to do just that. As a result, he and Johnson were able to pull out the season's first perfect score.

Back in September, shortly after the season premiered, Schulman spoke to Us Weekly about appearing on the ABC competition. According to the MTV personality, he believes that he has what it takes to win the entire thing. "Part of me feels like I have a chance, but I mean, there's so many things that could happen," he explained. "Everyone on the show has such a different kind of arsenal of talents and charm and personality. I have no idea, honestly, every day [what's going to happen]." He added, "Even last night, I said to [Jenna] after our performance, 'If this was it, if I was off the show tonight, it'd be fine. It would be a win. I'd be thrilled.' Every week that we get past [like we did] last night is a win, as far as I'm concerned. I mean, it really doesn't matter to me. I'm just having the best time."

While Schulman noted that there are some definite standouts in the competition, including Bachelorette alum Kaitlyn Bristowe and Olympic figure skater Johnny Weir, he still said that it's anyone's game. The Catfish star continued, "[What's] great about the show is that you really can't count anyone out because not only can dancers improve, everyone has it with all the time and energy that we're putting into these things [and] everyone's going to get better. Also, it's so much about the fans and who has the support of the audience. So, it's anyone's game." It should also be noted that Schulman shared that he has pledged to donate the money that he earns from the show to Dance Against Cancer, the New York City Ballet Dancer Relief Fund, and the National Dance Institute, which is where he danced as a child.

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