Four Surprising Things We've Learned from ABC's 'Dancing with the Stars'

Ok, so maybe you started watching Season 11 of "Dancing with the Stars" merely to lay eyes on the dreamy former Los Angeles Laker, Rick Fox. Perhaps you tune in simply to hear Bruno's "almost NC-17"-laden commentary. If you think that "Dancing with the Stars" exists purely for your uncomplicated entertainment, you are probably right. Whatever your reason for watching, there is a chance that you've missed some of the ABC show's most blatant life lessons.

Success means nothing without pain.

You really can push through the pain. At least that's what the producers over at ABC would have you to believe. Many of the celebrities on the program suffer injuries, sometimes breaking bones. We see them hobbling, limping, and crying in pain during the grueling rehearsals. And then miraculously, they step out on the DWTS dance floor without missing a beat. Either the time lapse between the show and the injury is such that they can recover pretty quickly. Or these are some awfully gifted actors.

Your favorite celebs are "faking it."

Wouldn't you know it: the stars you think would really burn up the dance floor, often are the worst dancers. In Season 7, everyone (including the judges) expected sexpot celebutante Kim Kardashian to steam up the ballroom. But on the DWTS dance floor, her sizzle turned to fizzle. She repeatedly disappointed the judges by not using the "assets" she's so famous for--and was sent packing after only three performances. Season 11 found a sore loser in Michael Bolton, a celebrity noted for his suave musical persona. Yet his wooden performances on the dance floor failed to deliver-and he was quickly booted off the show.

Ballroom dancing is more erotic than sex.

Limbs intertwined, bent into puzzling, mathematical contortions. Pulses racing, nooks and crannies pooling with sweat, as the couple looks deeply into one another's eyes. No, these lines weren't ripped from your favorite smutty romance novel. This is in fact, a scene from a typical rehearsal session for "Dancing with the Stars." These rehearsals are notorious for working up a sweat. With all those pheromones flying around, it's no wonder that each season is besieged by romance rumors.

Just because you can dance, doesn't mean you can "Dance."

In Season 10, Nicole Scherzinger and Derek Hough received more than one standing ovation for their fancy routines. But sometimes fancy just isn't good enough. One thing celebrities quickly learn on DWTS is that technique always trumps "style." On several occasions, the DWTS couples drive audiences wild, only to be berated (by Len, especially) for obliterating formal ballroom technique. You can rip off your shirt, juggle fireworks, or even simulate a bedroom scene; none of that matters if you can't shuffle-ball-change.

SOURCES:

www.abc.go.com