Priscilla Presley Takes on 'DWS'

Feb. 19, 2008 — -- The prospect of participating in a sport she adores prompted actress Priscilla Presley to join the upcoming season of "Dancing with the Stars."

"I'm dancing because I, first of all, love dancing," she said on "Good Morning America" today. "There's a little dancing in all of us."

Yet she hasn't overlooked the physical benefits of the pastime and looks forward to attaining a leaner physique like so many of the show's previous contestants.

"I could go for the toning," she said.

Presley was one of the twelve celebrities, six men and six women, tapped to participate for the show's sixth season, which begins March 25.

The five women competing against Presley will be: skater and gold medalist Kristi Yamaguchi; tennis great Monica Seles; "American Pie" actress Shannon Elizabeth; 1986 Academy Award winning actress Marlee Matlin; and Tony-award winning Marissa Jaret Winokur.

Representing the men are: Miami Dolphins defensive end Jason Taylor; actor Steve Guttenberg; radio show host Adam Carolla; R&B singer Mario; comic and magician Penn Jillette; and South American actor Cristian de la Fuente.

Presley said she spoke with stars who competed in previous seasons and they only had good things to say about their experience, which helped her commit to the show.

"Everyone that I talked to said they all want to do it again," she said.

Presley, known internationally for her marriage to rock-and-roll icon Elvis Presley, did not wait to get a leg up on the competition. Her coach and partner Louis Van Amstel said the two already have practiced. He said he was impressed with her performance.

"We met two days ago. We did a little bit of foxtrot. She's going to be a surprise," he said. "I'm so excited. I mean come on, it's Priscilla Presley."

The mother of the King's only child has a history of dance.

"I danced a little. I took jazz, which is completely different from ballroom dancing," Presley said. She added that she also had some ballet experience. "There's a little dancing in all of us."

But that won't necessarily benefit her. Last year, the audience was stunned to see fan-favorite Sabrina Bryan get eliminated early in the competition.

Presley does have one rule about participating. She won't dance to any Elvis songs.

"I just don't really think that would be appropriate," she said.