Chandler Kinney says she’s feeling “anxious” ahead of the DWTS semifinals

Chandler Kinney feel the pressure on the way in Dancing with the stars season 33 semi-finals.

“I tend to be a little more on the anxious side these days,” Kinney told exclusively Us Weekly at the EBONY Power 100 Gala on Sunday 17 November. “And then, finding moments just for myself, which is rare, I think that’s the way I can ground myself, just freshen up, release. … Even if it’s five seconds in my car (to) just breathe, look out the window, look at the trees – these are the simple things.”

Kinney has dominated DWTS dance floor with his partner, Brandon Armstrongsince season 33 premiered in September. The two continued to sit atop the leaderboard during the show’s 500th episode special on Tuesday, November 12, by earning the first perfect scores of the season for their Argentine tango and instant dance round Cha Cha.

The Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin alum told Us she’s learned a lot about throwing yourself into something “wholeheartedly” and “safely,” even if you have to fake it until you make it.

Related: ‘DWTS’ 500th episode recap: Who went home, results with instant dance round

Disney/Eric McCandless Dancing With the Stars celebrated some of the most iconic moments in the show’s history during its 500th episode. Celebrity contestants and their pro partners reimagined famous performances from past duos in the episode on Tuesday, November 12. Joey Graziadei chose to imitate one of his “favorite” DWTS moments: Riker Lynch and Allison Holkers (…)

“I think Brandon and I have had a lot of back and forth in the rehearsal studio because I like to fully understand what I’m doing before I really go for it, and he’s the opposite, like, ‘Go for it and so you will understand,'” she explained. “I think it’s a beautiful lesson, not only (it) applies in the dance room, but also outside of it, in life”

Competing on DWTS has been a great source of joy for Kinney, she said Us she would “love nothing more” than to continue dancing after the show. “It’s been such an honor and just an incredible experience to rekindle my love for dance,” she gushed. “It was something I did as a kid and I left it behind when I started playing. … I think everybody has seen that I’m having so much fun out there. It’s such a passion for me, so I would love to continue dancing.”

She continued to tease, “I don’t want to say too much, but yeah, I think there will be opportunities to keep dancing, so I’d love to do that.”

Kinney also hinted that she will be wearing a “beautiful” costume in an upcoming episode of DWTS. As for her favorite look of the season, she shared Us: “I really loved Soul Train (Night) because I started in my little trackie, which I was so comfortable. I think I was the most comfortable that week. And then losing the pants and having my little frilly skirt, I mean come on! We love a tearaway.”

Dancing with the stars airs simultaneously on ABC and Disney+ on Tuesdays at 8:00 PM ET and will stream on Disney+ the following day.

With reporting by Mariel Turner