A quick Q&A with ‘Dancing With the Stars’ contestant Aly Raisman
"Dancing with the Stars" hosts Tom Bergeron and Brooke Burke-Charvet announced this season's celebrity and professional pairings live on "Good Morning America" on ABC on Tuesday. Aly Raisman is second from right. (Rick Rowell/ABC)
As soon as we heard that Needham gold medalist Aly Raisman had joined the cast of “Dancing With the Stars,” we sent her an e-mail with some pressing questions. On Wednesday, the 18-year-old e-mailed us her answers — with many exclamation points. Here’s what she had to say:
Q. Will your Needham family be in the audience during “Dancing With the Stars”?
A. It depends on the week. My family will be at some shows and my friends will come visit me some weekends and watch the shows Monday and Tuesday. Either way I know they will all be cheering me on, whether in LA or at home in Boston!
Q. Did you get to meet Mark Ballas when he was in town for a charity event in Boston a few weeks ago? (Ballas performed at the “Dance for a Cure” at the Westin Copley.)
A. No, I met Mark for the first time on Sunday and the whole thing was filmed. He was so nice, it wasn’t awkward at all, things just clicked. I am so excited to have him as a partner, he is amazing!
Q. How familiar are you with the rest of the cast?
A. I have met everyone, and it is an awesome cast. I already feel so close to so many people and I have been in contact with a bunch of the cast members since we first met on Sunday. We will keep in touch while I am in Boston and everyone else is spread out around the country practicing. I love meeting new people!
Q. How would you describe your dancing skills?
A. I honestly have no idea how to characterize my dance skills. All I know is that I am going to need a lot of help, because it is actually completely different than gymnastics. I have never tried any of the dances that I will do on the show, so it will definitely be a challenge, but that is why I am so excited. I love working hard and trying new things. When I am with my friends I love to dance and be crazy, but I don’t think about technique. It’s going to be so much fun!
Raisman will be in Worcester this weekend for the American Cup.
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Mark Shanahan joined The Boston Globe in
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