Charlotte Reveals Secrets From 'Dancing'

Jan. 10, 2006 — -- Charlotte Jorgensen charmed America as John O'Hurley's dance partner in the first season of "Dancing With the Stars." Now the special guest on "Good Morning America's Girls Week Out Cruise" answers your questions about what went on behind the scenes of the hit ABC show.

Maria
New Hyde Park, N.Y.
My husband and I started taking dancing lessons when the show began. The stars make it look so easy! How long do you practice just to learn one dance?
Charlotte: For the first show we had much more time. After that, we were practicing between five to seven hours every single day. In the beginning, John gave me two hours, two times a week, and then he totally fell in love with dancing and cleared his whole schedule for me.

Lora
Garden Grove, Calif.
How are the couples decided? Who dances with who?
Charlotte: I think they put them together relative to personality. They're trying to match up the best couple as possible. They're not trying to do anything devious, but it doesn't always work out. I think John and I worked so well together because we really are the people we sold ourselves to be to the producers.

Emily
New Orleans
What type of exercises would you recommend to get my legs in shape like the dancers?
Charlotte: A lot of stretching! A lot of award bends, a lot of pointing feet. Stand on steps to stretch your calves and lift yourself up and down. Stretch the hamstring by pulling the foot behind you. Just tone and stretch.

Jerry
Clifton, Va.
Will you be dancing next season, if they have the program. Everyone misses you this year! Are you helping John with "Chicago"?
Charlotte: I'm considering it. I might be dancing next year. As for John, the only way I'm supporting him is with mental support from a distance. I actually auditioned for "Chicago," but didn't get the role. Having that private audition was still a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I'm going to see John in "Chicago" as soon as we can. I keep in touch with John and his wife as well. They're just really, really good people.