Dancing with… or trying to dance with the stars!

Last year ABC’s runaway hit DANCING WITH THE STARS came under some critical fire. People alleged certain contestants had unfair advantages because their “day job” included choreography and learning of dance moves. Whether it was the Cheetah Girl, the Spice Girl, or the “little bit country” girl, there was no denying many of them were trained as part of what they did before to pick up steps quickly and execute them all too well.

Well… this year, although we do have an Olympic medalist ice skater and a Broadway Tony winner who both know choreography, the dancing is not quite as advanced or slick. Poor poor Monica Seles who looks like a jock in a dress, and moves as stiffly as she is fierce on the tennis court. Wow! She’s bad, and looks like she’ll be leaving soon. But guys like Adam Carolla and Penn Jillette aren’t posing much of a threat to her. It’s decidedly the most amateurish group of dancing stars ever.

Personally, as good as Kristi Yamaguchi already is, the one I am cheering for so far is Priscilla Presley, who is the oldest contestant ever. For a grandmother she looks great, and her dancing is awesome. She’s the big surprise! Shannon Elizabeth is surprisingly good too. Steve Guttenberg looks dazed and confused but somehow hopelessly happy. I want some of whatever he is on. And who knew NFL star Jason Taylor would take the lead so easily? Most courageous and inspiring goes to Marlee Matlin, who is at a disadvantage with her deafness. Yet somehow she is always the one on the beat.

I hate to admit I watch this show, but I am sort of hooked. I guess it’s just one of those shows you can’t help but smile through. But this year I doubt we will hear much controversy about professionals in an amateur contest. Apart from Yamaguchi, they all look like they have never stepped on a dance floor before.

My prediction is that Monica Seles and Adam Carolla go home all too soon… I hope Penn sticks around long enough to make me laugh harder.