When I first did “Dancing with the Stars” as a teenager, I was shy, nervous, and had two left feet. Now, I’m shy, nervous, have two left feet… but am two years older!
Many people ask me the same question: Why am I coming back to the show? I know it’s a rare privilege to be on show like this. But everyone has experienced falling short of the goal you set for yourself. So when I had a chance to see if I could come back to the same show and improve – not even necessarily to win, but to perform better and to give it my all – well, I had to take it. I just want to show people that it’s possible to get back up and dance!
Even though I’m a tad scared of getting out there in front of millions of viewers, I’m so happy to have been selected to come back on “DWTS: All-Stars!” It is so wonderful that the producers paired me with Mark Ballas – I don’t know what I would’ve done with another partner. When I reunited with him for training, it was like no time at all had passed. I always think of him as my brother, and we have a great time together… which is great, because we’ve got hours that we have to spend together every day!
For the past few weeks, we’ve been in Arizona, which is so much hotter than Wasilla. After getting used to the weather, I had to get used to being in the rehearsal studio. And Mark has not let me off easy. For the past week, we’ve been rehearsing in Los Angeles, where we’ve been able to see the rest of the cast. Everyone seems so nice, and I look forward to getting to know them. Being in Los Angeles, however, is really amazing – and sobering. That’s when it got real. Memories of the last time I competed on the show came flooding back! I remember being horrified to walk out on stage, I remember bracing myself for the judges’ critiques, and – mostly — I remember the amazing fun I had.
Our first dance of the “DWTS: All-Stars” season will be the cha cha. I would rather start out with a more serious dance – I like the stern vibe of the Paso Doble and the Tango. Their beat seems like the songs are saying, “Get to the point!” Hopefully, if I survive the cha cha, I’ll get a chance to do those.
People sometimes ask me what my goals are. Well, to be perfectly honest, my goal is modest: I don’t want to get voted off the first week. You can help me with that!! If you want to be a part of my journey, e-mail me so I can add you to my DWTS mailing list. (My address is [email protected], please use the subject line: DWTS.)
After all, this really is going to be a crazy adventure. The last time I danced on the show, my favorite part was how amazing all of my fans were. Businesses back in Alaska puts signs on their doors which said, “Dance, Bristol, Dance,” people sent my family nice notes, and — week after week — people voted for me. It was a memory that will last a lifetime.
What a blessing it is to have the opportunity to do this again and make even more memories! Thanks for being a part of it with me!
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— Bristol Palin
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