The Stars Get Ready for Dancing!

With just a week till the March 9 kickoff, see how some of season 8's contestants (Steve-O! Lil' Kim!) are prepping for the ballroom
By People Staff
Updated February 27, 2009 06:00 PM

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STEVE-O & LACEY SCHWIMMER

Credit: Sara De Boer/Retna

Steve-O and Schwimmer bond over shop therapy! But make no mistake about the former Jackass star – he's a "workhorse." When it comes time to rehearsing, says Schwimmer, the daredevil pulls no stunts: "He is here every day, five hours."

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JEWEL & DMITRY CHAPLIN

Credit: Scott Garfield/ABC

Eight-hour rehearsals with her Russian dance partner landed Jewel first on Dancing's injured list – and the season hasn't even begun! But the singer, who has tendonitis, says don't count her out: "I am in this for the long run."

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SHAWN JOHNSON & MARK BALLAS

Credit: Marcos Vasquez/Ramey

Johnson and season 6 champ Ballas know practice makes perfect 10s! And the Olympic gymnast has already received a DWTS scouting report – from season 4 champ Apolo Anton Ohno. "He told me what to expect and a rundown of the show," says Johnson. "I can't wait to perform."

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KARINA SMIRNOFF & STEVE WOZNIAK

Credit: Mitch Haddad/ABC

The Apple Computer co-founder and his pro partner Smirnoff take it one small step at a time in the dance studio. Once dubbed "King of the Nerds," Wozniak may be a mirror-ball trophy long shot, but then again, did you ever hear of a little film called Revenge of the Nerds?

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DENISE RICHARDS & MAKSIM CHMERKOVSKIY

Credit: National Photo Group

Richards and her partner are already on the same Dancing page. Raves the actress: "He's an amazing, amazing dancer." Maks would most definitely agree. He led former partner Spice Girl Mel B. all the way to the finale on season 5.

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DAVID ALAN GRIER & KYM JOHNSON

Credit: Adam Larkey/ABC

Fans thought the Chocolate News host was pulling their leg when he was announced as a contestant on DWTS. But the funnyman is taking his stretches – and paso dobles – with partner Johnson seriously. Check out that balance!

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LIL' KIM & DEREK HOUGH

Credit: Chris Chavira/ABC

There's no bad rap when it comes to Lil' Kim and her pro partner Hough, who have been hard at work rehearsing in New York City. In fact, the season 7 champ has nothing but praise for his hip-hop partner. In a recent blog post he wrote, "I think she will surprise a lot of people."

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