Backstage at Dancing with the Stars

Summary

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Hot Mess with Alix Earle

Episode: Backstage at Dancing with the Stars (September 17, 2025)

Overview

In this episode, Alix Earle takes listeners behind the scenes of her Dancing with the Stars journey—from wardrobe fittings and first dance rehearsals to meeting her partner, Val Chmerkovskiy, and navigating the chaos of press days. With her candid, energetic tone, Alix shares her nerves, excitement, awkward moments, and the realities of diving into a demanding ballroom competition. Special guests include Val (her dance partner) and friend Jake, plus plenty of fun dog (Asia) updates.

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Key Discussion Points

1. Wardrobe Fittings & Creative Costuming (00:30–03:23, 11:07–12:07, 21:07–22:14)

• Alix details her experiences at the Dancing with the Stars costume fitting:
  • Shares hopes for outfits that are "flattering," "snatched," and with "crystals all over" (00:52).
  • Discusses wanting to pay tribute to Britney Spears’ "Circus" video with a nude, crystal-covered look—"nude for Disney Channel!" (01:37).
  • Costume designer discusses options: "Normally, everything is custom made for you, but for promos now we have to use something we have already." – Costume Designer (02:31)
  • Alix tries on various looks, excited but indecisive: "We’re having a problem, a good problem. I’m liking all of them now." (03:17)
  • Reflects on how everything is custom-made and draws inspiration directly from Britney’s music videos (21:07).

2. Meeting Her Dance Partner & Initial Nerves (07:45–08:48)

• Shares her anxiety about meeting her partner: "I’m nervous to meet my partner. Like, hello. Hi. What do you say? Hi. Do I fangirl?" (04:36)
• Val Chmerkovskiy introduced as her pro partner:
  • "This is my 20th season... I just want to make her proud of herself." – Val (07:50)
  • Alix: "Do you think I was shy at first?"
    Val: "Yeah, for sure. I think you were naturally a bit closed off." (08:06)
  • Playful banter about first impressions and their developing rapport:
    "So now keeping it real over here. We’re not that close. We’re not that friendly." – Alix (08:34, sarcastically)

3. Rehearsal Realities: Excitement, Physical Strain, and Learning Curve (13:16–15:58, 22:14–23:18)

• Alix expresses concerns about live performance: "I told Val that I’m a little nervous for the live performance and that I’m a little afraid I’m gonna, like, blank out and forget it all. But Val told me, don’t do that, or he’s gonna find a new partner." (13:45)
• Discusses her first rehearsal for the Cha Cha:
  • "We’re dancing for four hours straight. I’m a little nervous." (14:09)
  • Jokes about lacking hip movement: "I seriously looked like someone shoved a pole up my arsehole, and I was stuck like this." (15:58)
  • Recognizes the unique challenge: "Ballroom dancing is so different than any type of dance training I had before... It’s so strenuous and exhausting. But like I’m having so much fun with it." (23:01)

4. Fun Behind-the-Scenes with Friends and Family (16:58–18:45)

• Alix spends downtime at Jake’s house, discusses Asian food cravings, and ongoing jokes about her dog Asia being a “vibe-check” expert.
  • "Asia just likes your backyard... Maybe when I leave out of town, you guys can watch her. And that's your fostering a dog?" – Alix (18:08)
  • Jokes about her camera rig looking like “WALL‑E.” (17:14)

5. Navigating Media Days and Publicity (19:43–21:07)

• Shares the chaos and excitement of press days:
  • "Rise and shine vlog. It’s a little 4am glam session right now. But the power just went out. We have a long press day ahead of us. I have to get there at 6am..." (19:43)
  • Looks forward to Good Morning America, the VMEs, and practicing with Val in New York.

6. Building Confidence & Embracing the Experience (21:11–23:01)

• Admits surprises—physical pain ("my feet are gushing blood from every which way") and the emotional vulnerability of starting something totally new.
  • "I thought I was prepared because I’m always in heels, but I guess I was wrong." (22:14)
  • "I’m so nervous and I get so shy. And I think now we’re finally at a point...I can be Big Al. I can be myself." (22:42)
  • Reflects on her competitive side and hope for viewers to see another dimension: "I’m excited for fans to see my competitive side. I don’t think that’s a side anyone’s really seen yet." (13:40)

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Outfits & Self-Image:
  "I definitely want to make sure things are flattering and, I don’t know, make my butt look good or something, or nice and snatched." – Alix (00:54)
  "A nude for Disney Channel. Crystals all over it." – Alix (01:37)

• On First Day Jitters:
  "I don’t think the first performance, like, I’m going to be able to do. Like, I’m going to blank out and not remember any of it." – Alix (01:25)

• On Partner Chemistry:
  "I think also coming in, there’s so much pressure. Like, we have to look like we like each other. We have to look like it’s fun…. And that would be inauthentic to who I am. At least. And I guess who you are." – Val (08:15)

• On Physical Toll:
  "When I said that my feet weren't going to hurt and I was going to be fine...my feet are gushing blood from every which way." – Alix (22:14)

• On Being a Competitive Underdog:
  "I’m competitive with, like, myself. Like, I don’t want to see other people lose, but I want myself to do better. But in this case, other people are gonna have to lose..." – Alix (13:46)

• On Embracing Vulnerability & Growth:
  "I think now we’re finally at a point...I can be Big Al. I can be myself. I can be normal. And I think our vibes together is really, really fun." – Alix (22:42)

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Timestamps for Core Segments

• Wardrobe and Song/Skit Prep: 00:30 – 04:00, 21:07 – 22:14
• Meeting Val / First Impressions: 07:45 – 08:48
• First Rehearsals and Dance Training: 13:16 – 15:58, 22:14 – 23:18
• Downtime at Jake’s and Asia Updates: 16:58 – 18:45
• Press and Media Day Adventures: 19:43 – 21:07
• Reflection on Partner Dynamic and Growth: 21:11 – 23:30

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Tone, Energy, and Style

Alix’s signature blend of high energy, humorous honesty, and occasional self-deprecation shines throughout the episode. She’s open about her insecurities, excitement, and growth, and she keeps listeners engaged with behind-the-scenes details and candid anecdotes—all filtered through her relatable, youthful perspective.

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Summary Takeaway

This episode offers an unfiltered glimpse at the whirlwind of joining Dancing with the Stars — from flashy outfits and awkward meetings to crushed toes and newfound confidence. Alix’s journey so far is marked by vulnerability, a steep learning curve in ballroom performance, and a budding partnership with Val that promises plenty of sass, support, and “Earl Girl” energy for the weeks ahead.

Final Note:
“Tune in to Dancing with the Stars and watch your girl take on the Cha Cha.” – Alix (23:30)

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Transcript

[A]

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[B]

Your pictures made me want to quit dancing at the stars. It's time to wake up AZ girl. Hi, my name is Alex and I'm gonna puke on you. Time to clock in. First Dancing with the Stars activity that I'm doing, I'm going to a fitting. So meeting with like the design team of the costumes. I have no idea what to expect. It's starting to feel real. Mom, we have to go. Come on. We're going Beverly Hills. So I think they're going to ask me preferences on cuts and different stuff I like to wear. So I'm going to try and voice my opinions as loud as possible. Sometimes I get a little shy, but I definitely want to make sure things are flattering and I don't know, make my butt look good or something or nice and snatched. But I don't know how revealing we're allowed to get on dance you at the start. I think for my first song we might do a Britney Spears song. If it passes and they let me do it. So I would like to pay attribute to what Britney's wearing in the music video. But she's like sort of naked. It's like sort of just like a bodysuit with like nipple covers on. So we'll have to dress it up a little bit for tv. A nude for Disney Channel. Crystals all over it. Nude dress with crystals. Yeah, crystals all over it. That's exactly what I'm going for. I really want to do Circus by Britney Spears. Obviously as the first song. They were like, pick a theme song. My. My dad said that I should do When I Grow up by the Pussycat Dolls. And I was like, I don't know if we can be doing all of this on television. Omg. Hi. Hi, Alex. Earl. Can I just see your gravit? Yes. Thank you. Well, this is so cool. Hi. So just follow me. Okay. I'm in my car. Thank you. Go to wardrobe. Go to wardrobe. We're on tv. I like, don't think you understand. I don't think the first performance, like I'm going to be able to do like I'm going to blank out and not remember any of it. And I'm convinced. I think you'll be fine. Okay. This is my new home for the next four months. I love it already.

[C]

Normally everything is custom made for you, but for promos now we have to use something cuz that we have already. So I made a little selection for you over there that I think would fit you well. And then there's a lot more to look through if there's nothing on it that you like.

[B]

Okay.

[C]

Cuz I didn't know. Do you do feathers and stuff like that?

[B]

Anything?

[C]

Okay, that's great.

[B]

But I'm your girl.

[C]

I love it.

[B]

I mean, this one, I'm ready.

[C]

I was like, well, you know, if.

[B]

You can, you can. So cool.

[C]

It's always good when the first outfit is already one that you like.

[B]

Okay. Oh, I like this too. I mean this is so fun. I'm liking it. I'm not worried.

[C]

There's a two piece that could be.

[B]

Fun if you wanna. If I don't know if you would.

[C]

Consider something like that.

[B]

Oh yeah, it's starting to all feel really real now. Yeah.

[C]

Once the fringe goes on.

[B]

Yeah. I love this too though. We're really liking this one. Twirl on to the next. All right. We don't know what to do. We're having a problem, a good problem. But I'm liking all of them now. This is the last one we're trying on and I'm feeling like this could be really fun. But I think I need to like go back and look at the photos because I can't really tell. I don't know. They're amazing. I love them all, so stay tuned I guess. That was so much fun. I'm so excited. I could have stayed all day except everything I loved and they were like too booby, I would say. First pair of heels. They said that these ones are the comfier ones so my feet don't get ripped up. And I said, you guys have no idea. I love a good heel. So I think my feet will be fine because they're already disgusting and bunions and ripped up and look how pretty these are. So these are my first pair that I'm gonna wear to practice. I'm excited, but now I am a little nervous. Just like putting those on. My picture's all blurry. That I took your pictures made me want to quit Dancing with the stars. My mom was taking pictures while I'm getting changed and I'm like. It's like from the side and I. Well I was sitting in a chair off to the side, and I couldn't get a good angle. The first one I tried on, it might been too much for the promo, but I want to wear something like that where there was a huge, like, bouquet of feathers on the butt. So we're deciding between these two, and I have no idea, but I think the long sleeve one next up is I think I meet my partner, and then there's a promo shoot, and I'm nervous to meet my partner. Like, hello. Hi. What do you say? Hi. Do I fangirl like, hey, or am I supposed to be more chill? I don't know. I feel like I need to re watch other seasons of Dancing with the Stars this weekend to prepare, because I don't even know what to say. How do you feel? I know, but that's not always great. Scared but excited. Hi, sweetie girl. Are we gonna go for a walk? We gotta get you up, my little baby. Yeah, you gotta walk. I missed you so much. She's been so sleepy from the bed. Oh, baby. She's been sleeping for, like, 24 hours. My big baby. All right, it's time to wake up, Asian girl. I'm gonna puke. Hi, my name is Alex, and I'm gonna puke on you. Hi. So obviously I'm not gonna be this just glammed up for rehearsals every day, but I did get my hair blown out because this is special. This is our first tv first day on tv. So this right now is like when they film for the first episode. You going in, meeting your partner. And one, I'm nervous, like, who am I gonna be partnered with? And two, I'm scared of my reaction because, like, obviously I'm gonna be really excited for whoever I get. But, like, what is gonna be the words that come out of my mouth? I don't know. I'm kind of awkward, guys, and I don't think you guys, like, get that. Maybe I don't, like, give off that vibe in the vlogs or on, but, like, I can be a little awkward at times. Holy hell. I'm hoping that I just, like, something comes over me and I'm like, woohoo. Easy, breezy, beautiful cover girl and outfit of the day. Can't really see, but we have just a workout set on with this top because we can't have too much boobs on tv. And then I have these, like, leg warmers on my back. I'm not gonna lie, guys. I don't know what I did, but I hurt my back, so I went to a chiropractor yesterday, but I'm like, we're starting off on a great butt. Yeah, I'm gonna puke.

[D]

So.

[B]

So I do this, and then I have an hour and a half interview after, which is basically just asking me questions, I guess, to get, like, clips for the first episode. But I'm like, an hour and a half. I'm so excited, which is why I'm so nervous, because I've been so excited for it. And I'm always like, I'm not nervous. Like, whatever. Like, I'm really not nervous. But now I'm like, oh, my God, it's happening. Like, I'm shaking. Like, I don't think you can see my hands, but they're shaking. Calm the fuck down, Alex. It's Dancing with the Stars. There's also bird all over my car right now. So I had my car. It was all cleaned. I was like, you know what? Just in case there's, like, anyone outside taking photos, like, nice, clean car, and here I come with bird on the windshield and all down the side. It's not like one bird shit on my car. It's like 10. Like, 10 different bird on my car. But I think that's a sign of good luck. So maybe that means good things are ahead. Like, seriously, what happens if I just get in there and spew? Would make for good tv, huh? I wanted to introduce you guys to Val a little bit because the first day we met, I was too scared to open up my camera. But now I feel like we've become a little friendlier since. Right?

[D]

A little. So excited to take you on this journey with us and kind of.

[B]

Earl Girls.

[D]

The Earl Girls. So this is my 20th season. This is the 20th year of dancing with the Stars. I'm just excited that my 20th season is with this incredible talent. So I just want to make her proud of herself and just the things that she's able to accomplish on her show.

[B]

Do you think I was shy at first?

[D]

Yeah, for sure. I think you were naturally a bit closed off.

[B]

It was really awkward, and you were, like, sort of scary.

[D]

Why?

[B]

I don't know. You were just like.

[D]

I also was trying to be cordial. Our first meet is just, what a normal first meet between two people that don't know each other was like. I think also coming in, there's so much pressure. Like, we have to look like we like each other. We have to look like it's fun. You know what I'm saying? And that would be inauthentic to who I am. At least. And I guess who you are.

[B]

So now keeping it real over here. We're not that close. We're not that friendly. We're not really getting along.

[D]

We have some rapport. I met your sister. Boom. And now I feel like I. I know a little bit more of the Earl girl lore.

[B]

I'm very excited for week one. So happy to have you as my partner. And we're going to kill it. Hopefully we're going to do something. There's something we would be out there. That's all I can now. I'm getting changed in this room. We're at the studios where I'm going to do my hour and a half interview. For the first episode I didn't know what to wear cuz they were like don't wear solid white or black and no logos. I have this red dress but it like is way too long. But I don't think it's full body. I'm hoping I could just roll it and I think it's sitting. I also think I need to touch up my hair and makeup. Here's my makeup I brought from touch ups. There's literally two things. Did I even bring powder? That's about good enough. Here we are. I'm so excited. So me and Val planned out some poses that we're going to do together cuz we got to be looking good. Cuz these are the photos that they're going to use like all season so hopefully we like them. I'm wearing purple today. Purple. They're asking for our signature dance move. Which mine is the baby freeze. But I don't think we can pull that out today. Here's our liners. I'm so bad at saying these like one time things. The floor is mine. Like I can't. Oh no. Dj hit it. My moves, your votes. Give me that mirror ball, America. Time for makeup. Taylor Swift and Travis Kelsey just got engaged and we're all freaking out in here. I look like that thing from American Horror Story. We're gonna take my hair out of these pins. I'm still getting used to all this like show makeup. Like we did these big fake lashes which I don't normally do but I think for camera you need like a lot more poof and glam. So I'm back in the trailer right now and then going to put on the costume. Oh God. I'm getting some h. So this is what I'm going to be wearing today. This like purple long sleeve bodysuit. And then we added a bra under it and they did all Crystals on the bra. So I'm really excited for this. All right, we're ready to put on the costume now. Let's see. Here she is. We have a fun fringe bottom for dancing. This stuff is just, like, so different. Like, everything is bigger. Okay, here she comes. Feel like a ice skater gymnast. And we have our French bottom. I had them add a bra in it. I was really scared to ask, but I was like, I feel like we're going to need some cleavage. And these, like, hand things are just giving me flashbacks of when I used to dance when I was little. And all the costumes you would put on. I, like, don't recognize myself right now. Dancer Alex is here. We're just going to start with the shot. She's in the front. I'm going to give you the advanced version. I feel like you can handle it. And then we'll scale back if we need to. We're going to go eight. One to the front. Open. Two together. Three. Left, right, left.

[D]

Go the same direction.

[B]

Yes, Same direction and back. Step together and pass it. Yes, exactly. Six. Great. Hey. Look great to me.

[E]

That was quick.

[B]

It's a hair faster. I really believe in you. You look great. Okay, what's the countdown to, like, start.

[D]

Me going six, seven. Whoever's on set will count.

[B]

Yeah. Misha will count you in. So tempo. Will Jordan. Nice to meet you. Pleasure here.

[E]

Awesome.

[B]

Thanks, everybody. Nice. Very good. Nice. Perfect. Oh, my God. That was so good. I loved it. This is my least favorite question. Where do you know me from? What is not cringy? It's all cringy. Like, do I say for you, Paige, or do I say, you might know me from online? The number one thing I hope to accomplish this season is dancing to Legal.

[D]

Good Morning America.

[B]

What do you feel that you want fans to learn about you from this show?

[D]

I'd like the fans to know that I'm more than just a piece of me, you know, more than just a beautiful, handsome face.

[B]

I'm excited for fans to see my competitive side. I don't think that's a side anyone's really seen yet.

[D]

Well, are you competitive?

[B]

I'm competitive with, like, myself. Like, I don't want to see other people lose, but I want myself to do better. But in this case, other people are gonna have to lose. I told Val that I'm a little nervous for the live performance and that I'm a little afraid I'm gonna, like, blank out and forget it all. But Val told me, don't do that, or he's gonna find A new partner. Now it's time to dance. O. All right. Today's our first official rehearsal for Dancing with the Stars. I know we did, like, the first meet the other day. First steps. We did the promo shoot, but now this is our first four hour rehearsal. We're dancing for four hours straight. I'm a little nervous. This is the outfit of the day. I just have, like, a bodysuit on. And then I did this sweater. I don't know, socks, sneakers, and then I have my heels in my bag. Asia, you want to say hi? You wagging your tail? You want to be in the vlog, don't you? Asia's been doing so good here. Yes. If you don't kiss your dogs, you're weird. So today we're gonna be learning the cha cha. I know it's really. Oh, oh, you want a cha cha with me? You wanna cha cha? One, two, cha cha cha. So I'm just a little nervous about all this in general. The cha cha is a Latin dance. You know, everyone's very like, woo woo. And I'm like, stiff as a board. I walk like a stick figure. So I need to learn to, like, hi. Like, I don't have any hips. I might need to get a BBL for this first week of dancing with the swords.

[D]

You know, we went from this to getting the ooey gooey, which is what we want.

[B]

We're back, and we're gonna go over to Jake's house and have some Thai food. Asia. And I'm gonna bring Asia because I hate leaving her. So we're gonna see if she's gonna be a good girl in the car. I definitely learned today that I do not know how to move my hips in the slightest. Belle was like, okay, like, pop your right hip out. And I was like, it is popped out. Like, wasn't moving, and I was very stiff. I am nervous, but I know it was just day one, so I'm hoping that, like, it can get a little better. But, like, I just don't know if I have what it takes to, like, have all that hip move. I seriously looked like someone shoved a pole up my arsehole, and I was stuck like this, and I'm just like, can I just, like, chillax for one second? B kept saying that, like, I was being too, like, fast and, like, trying to lead the dance. So I have to, like, let him lead, and you don't want me leading that cha cha, cuz I don't know what I'm doing. He. Asia, how are you feeling, Ms. Asia, are you ready to go to Jake's? She met Jake the other night and she loved him. Are you so excited to see Jake? And maybe he could give you an octopus friend to hang out with. Good girl, Jake and Asia. Wait.

[E]

What is that?

[B]

This is a gimbal. Everyone's shocked by my camera.

[E]

Do the people watching understand what this is?

[B]

No, they don't know. Gimbal.

[E]

It looks like.

[B]

Like Wally, right? It's Wally. That's what I always call it.

[E]

It looks like Wally.

[B]

We're watching the Summer I Turned Pretty. We have Asia. I ordered Chinese food. We have Jake, and we have pickles. Like, what else could be better? Jake.

[E]

And probably the place that I promised I'd take Alice.

[B]

Yeah, Jake said that we were. I was coming over and we were getting Thai food, and he's like, best Thai food in la. And we get over it. I get all the way over here and he goes, oh, I ate dinner already.

[E]

Okay. Because I forgot I had a dinner at 5:45.

[B]

Yeah, whatever.

[E]

But we're so hanging out.

[B]

What flavor pickles are those? Hot honey Harisa.

[E]

Oh, yeah. I just brushed my teeth, but I'm.

[B]

Going to have a. I ordered you Chinese food.

[E]

Well, I'm going to all the.

[B]

What you got general and what general St. Chicken.

[E]

That's it.

[B]

I got dumplings. I got orange chicken.

[E]

Okay.

[B]

I got spring rolls.

[E]

Okay. Dumpling. Steamed or fried? I didn't specify.

[B]

I'll be singing today. Should I move in here?

[E]

Here you are more than welcome.

[B]

Asia just likes your backyard. Which is why I thought this would be a good match. Maybe when I leave out of town, you guys can watch her. And that's your fostering a dog?

[E]

Honestly, like, I'm just scared I'll up. How many times a day do you have to feed the dog?

[B]

Twice.

[E]

Okay. And like, in how.

[B]

And she pees and poops like, four times a day.

[E]

Okay. Yeah. I think there's a reason I don't have a dog.

[B]

I think she can sense people's auras. Like, I call her Aura Asia. I don't really call her that.

[E]

You do.

[B]

That's her next.

[E]

Like, I've never heard you call her that ever.

[B]

We're beat up over here.

[D]

What's up, Vlog? She is doing great. I can't tell a lot of times because she's got, like, a really stoic, thinking face.

[B]

Do you think that I have a. Like a. Like a very serious face? Yeah. No. But when I'm watching you dance right now, you're very in the zone. What's the most surprising thing about Val? I don't know. He's kind of rude. Val is really great at framing his words to not sound rude. Like if he says I'm doing something wrong. So if you're doing it right. But there could be a tweak here. Rise and shine vlog. It's a little 4am glam session right now. But the power just went out. We have a long press day ahead of us. I have to get there at 6am and I don't think I'm on camera until 8 or 9am and then I have Good Morning America. Then live with Kelly and Mark. And then I did it. What you do?

[D]

I'm in the hallway as my assistant's going to get.

[B]

You're in the hallway?

[D]

I plugged into the hallway. I have a long extension cord. Thank God for the battery power light.

[B]

I'm making us watch the tears music video. Good little 5am Wake up. It's so good. All righty. We are ready. Let me show you the outfit. Good morning America. Just a little 6am Casual outfit. We have a long day ahead. I'm going to be going until like 7pm Lots of caffeine in my future. And then I'm going to be spending the weekend in New York cuz I'm presenting at the Vmes on Sunday. So my partner Val is staying with me. So we're gonna practice in New York. Maybe we'll do a fun dinner or something. I'll see my friends and of course I'm gonna be taking you guys with me because what else would I be doing? Rise and shine. Let's go to Good Morning America. We're here for Good Morning America and look who's joining Dancing with the Stars. And it didn't tell me. I'm sorry. I feel a little. She said she knew that I would tell everyone. She would have and it's okay. That's why we're here. And now she can tell the whole world, not me. Not knowing anything to say cuz my brain's not working. Good morning. So we're just prepping over here for tv. So awkward. We've never done this before. Hey guys. This is my new bestie by the way. Good morning America. Hi. Hi. To the vlog. Hi, my name is Scott.

[D]

I'm 34 years old and I love a good time.

[B]

We're officially a few days out from show day and we're at the like costume warehouse right now. So this is our first, first costume that I'm going to be Wearing which they got this insane like, lace black fabric and then they added red in it because we did like a lot of mood boards from Britney's music video. And she had this like nude bodysuit with rhinestones on it. So we're gonna gem this up. We're gonna add some fringe on here too. But I feel like this is like the perfect kind of like lingerie. I'm so excited to wear this. They're actually so talented. It's insane. Like, they custom make you the outfits every week. I can't believe we're gonna be wearing this. So good. How are you feeling, Belle?

[D]

Feeling great.

[B]

Are you ready?

[D]

Yeah.

[B]

Where is your dress?

[D]

My dress wasn't made yet.

[B]

Oh, too much extra fabric.

[D]

There's a lot of lace on.

[B]

It takes a little bit longer. Okay. Off to rehearsals. How many rehearsals do we have left? 3.

[D]

Today's Thursday.

[B]

2.

[D]

So Friday, Saturday, Sunday. Monday's blocking. That's your hair. Tuesday, showtime.

[B]

Got you a present.

[D]

Thank you.

[B]

Just, you can wear that for the dance. Time to clock in. No more effing around here. We are going to perform on stage in front of millions of people live. First of all, I'm a liar. I'm a big fat liar. When I said that my feet weren't going to hurt and I was going to be fine. Cuz I'm literally sitting here with like blood gushing out of my foot and these blisters, I don't know what do to do. It's like if you cover it with a band aid, it still hurts. And then I'm like, is it better to just callous my feet up or am I supposed to let them? Like, I don't know. But my feet are gushing blood from every which way. So that was something I was not expecting. I thought I was prepared because I'm always in heels, but I guess I was wrong. So first, I've been getting so many questions about like me and Val and the partnership and how it's been going. And I'm so, so happy that we're partners. Like, we've been having so much fun. And I think you can tell even in a lot of the vlogs footage. I'm so nervous and like, I get so shy. And I think now we're finally at a point. It took like a few days, but now I'm finally, I'm like, I can be Big Al. I can be myself. I can be normal. And I think our vibes together is really, really fun. Like, we're both very sarcastic. How do you feel about Alex being.

[D]

Your partner just overflowing with gratitude. I haven't stopped thanking the universe ever since I found out.

[B]

And I think we're going to have to be careful with that because I feel like on interviews stuff it comes off like we hate each other, but like we're just like on each other in a joking manner. Cuz I think that's kind of just like both how we are. So he's really pushing me to be my best. I feel like I've improved a lot the past two weeks. Like from the first rehearsal to now. Like I. I do feel like I'm getting a little better. I did dance when I was younger so I thought I would like come in a little bit better than I was. And I'm just like sore. Like my neck is so sore. I feel like I'm wearing a neck brace. Like I can't even turn, my spine is sore. Like I'm just. Everything is sore in different places than I've ever experienced before. Ballroom dancing is so different than any type of dance training I had before. Like I would do ballet when I was younger and I was used to like very stiff in this and this is all like, like strong fingers, you know, Like I was used to like soft ballet hands and I mean, I don't know, but I haven't done it in so long and it's so tiring. I'm like, holy. We do something for 10 seconds, even straightening my leg, my leg is sore and I'm like, oh, it is so strenuous and exhausting. But like I'm having so much fun with it. Like I think I've unlocked. I think that's another thing I've shocked myself with is I've unlocked this like nerdier side of me. Like I'm so excited to get into rehearsals every day and just like train. And then I go home and I'm watching videos and trying to like study my more about ballroom dancing in general. So I'm just trying to be like a sponge and absorb all the information. But I've been loving it. I keep saying I'm like, can I take a tequila shot before the first show? Like that's probably not a good idea. Then I'll probably forget the steps. But like, seriously, I don't know if I'm going to be able to do it. I think I'm going to cry. Like I just have this vision of like we finished the first dance and I just start like balling because I'm like, well, I can't believe that I'm here after, like, being such a fan of the show. I'm excited just for the unknown. Like, I don't really know what this is going to end up being. Like, it is a little scary, but I think it's really fun and I'm. I'm just excited to embrace it all because it's going to go by so fast. I cannot believe that this is here already. We don't know if we're like team Valix, team Big Val, Val's gals. We don't know yet. But your guys support means everything and it's just made me so emotional and I can't believe this is happening. So tune in to Dancing with the Stars and watch your girl take on the Cha Cha.