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.

Sheila

Raleigh, N.C.

Who do you think will win this year's competition? I do think that you and John were the best couple last year.

Charlotte: Dance-wise, there's no question that it has to be Stacy. She has the advantage over other people because she's done choreography through her wrestling. But it all comes down to who has the best fan support in the end. I think Lisa has a big chance because of the viewers.

Jerry

Sierra Vista

Hi: Do you feel that they need to take the fan factor out?

Charlotte: For me, the more dancing that's on TV, the better. I think the show could rest on the judges alone, but I think with the audience vote people feel they can contribute and therefore you get more people watch the show. I don't mind it. Going into being on the show, you know that's how it's going to be.

Ajee

Roswell, Ga.

Charlotte what was the hardest thing about doing "Dancing With the Stars"?

Charlotte: There is nothing hard! I love to dance and for me, from my perspective, I tried to make John feel comfortable all the way along and tried to make him feel confident. The dancers have to be the rock for the stars. It's a lot of hard work, but that's just the physical part. I had a blast and I met a lot of beautiful people.

Mary Ellen

Huntingdon Valley, Pa.

I heard John say that you and he have done a video with dance steps and instructions to various dances. I tried to find it this weekend without success.Is this true and where can I get a copy?

Charlotte: Yes, we have a DVD. You can find it at www.dancefitness.biz.

Jenny

Oldsmar, Fla.

Hi Charlotte! I am getting married in October of this year and my fiance and I would love to dance our first dance at our wedding. What dance would you recommend us to dance?

Charlotte: I would probably dance either the waltz or the rumba because they are slower dances. Both of those dances are on our new DVD.