Dana Perino has long been admired for her poise and professionalism on camera, but a recent revelation about her off-camera dedication has shocked even her most loyal fans. The Fox News anchor opened up about the extreme sacrifices she’s made behind the scenes—pushing through physical discomfort, long hours, and even personal inconveniences without ever letting it show. Her confession highlights a level of commitment few viewers ever realize, showing just how far Perino goes to deliver excellence, day in and day out.
Discover what Perino endures just to keep the show running—and why her quiet sacrifices are now turning heads across the network.
Anyone who works in media (this reporter included) is likely in a toxic relationship with their phone. But Fox News personality Dana Perino sometimes puts her phone down for a luxurious 90 minutes in the middle of the day. Why? To ballroom dance.
“It’s like being at a jury,” she says, marveling at all the people she meets in a world outside her typical bubble. “It’s the butcher, the baker and the candlestick maker, and it’s taken about a year or so for me to now have little fun friendships with people from all over the world and people all different walks of life in New York who gather at this place, and are super encouraging to each other, and it’s fun.”
For Perino, ballroom dancing is more than just a hobby—it’s become a lifeline. In an industry where stress and constant scrutiny are the norm, she has found an unexpected refuge in the rhythm of dance. She credits the activity with not only improving her posture and alleviating chronic back pain but also giving her a mental reset that allows her to tackle each demanding day with renewed focus.
She encourages people to go out and escape their pandemic habits in her new book, “I Wish Someone Had Told Me …” (Fox News Books, 263 pp., out April 22). The book serves as a guide to help readers reset their career and life goals, offering insights from her own experiences in politics, television, and personal growth. And in her case, taking her own advice helped her fix her posture and address long-standing back issues that medicine and other treatments had failed to resolve.
“I carry a lot of tension in my upper back, a lot of us do,” she says, noting her back pain grew chronic over time. Despite the persistence of her discomfort, Perino was determined not to rely on medication. Instead, she explored alternative treatments like Pilates, acupuncture, and chiropractic sessions. However, it wasn’t until she added ballroom dancing to her routine that she experienced lasting relief.
“The only thing that has sustained this actual better posture and comfort, I have to say, it had to have been adding the dance to my routine,” she says. Bad posture can lead to more than just back discomfort; it can also contribute to neck pain, balance issues, and a lack of overall flexibility, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
The impact of dance on health isn’t just anecdotal. Medical institutions such as Johns Hopkins Medicine have documented how dance can both enhance physical well-being and pose risks, particularly for individuals with preexisting conditions. Still, for Perino, the benefits have outweighed any concerns. Her transformation has become a testament to the importance of listening to one’s body and finding sustainable ways to heal and grow.
As she continues her work on Fox News, she hopes her journey will inspire others to prioritize their health and well-being, especially in demanding professions. Her message is clear: small changes can make a big impact, and even the busiest schedules can make room for self-care.
Dana Perino’s quiet revelation has sparked a broader conversation within media circles about work-life balance, self-maintenance, and the often-unseen toll of high-profile careers. Her honesty is refreshing in an era where many public figures shy away from admitting vulnerability. And perhaps that’s the most inspiring part of all—her strength lies not just in perseverance, but in the courage to evolve.
