Elton John's Oscar party was simply amazing, almost too amazing to describe in words. But then again, Oscar night is the most glamorous night of the year with every celebrity in Hollywood attending the most extraordinary parties in town. I am very happy that Javier Bardem received a well-deserved Best Supporting Actor Oscar for his work in "No Country for Old Men". If you haven't seen the movie yet, you must go see it. I highly recommend it. It was also good to spend time with the cast of DWTS, which was somewhat like going on a school field trip with your classmates. Only difference is everyone was dressed-up and no one needed to bring along a bag-lunch.






Monday, February 25th

Everyone's been asking what I'll be wearing for my first DWTS performance. Sequins? Gold lamé? A 1970's-style white polyester pantsuit, perhaps? Well, I can't give away all the secrets (you'll have to tune in to the season premiere of DWTS on Monday, March 17th) but I can tell you I was measured for a very important part of the outfit at my first wardrobe fitting. Without this item I might as well call it a day and go home. I finally have my dancing shoes! Although the look of the shoes emphasizes function over fashion, I have to admit my dancing has improved since I started wearing them. The 4+ hours of daily rehearsal are tough but wearing the right pair of shoes makes a huge difference. What was I thinking dancing in tennis shoes all this time?



Tuesday, February 26th

Today, I had an early morning shoot for a PSA I'm taping for NRDC (Natural Resources Defense Council.) I am proud to be part of the campaign working to save and protect the Patagonia in my native country of Chile. The Patagonia is one of the world's least-spoiled geographic regions. If you would like to receive more information about NRDC or find out how you can help please visit www.nrdc.org. Let's try to find other alternatives to electricity and let's remember we have only ONE planet.








Following afternoon rehearsal I attended my monthly board meeting for SFK (Spirituality for Kids) which is a fantastic organization which I've been involved with for 6 years. SFK teaches children the tools for life. The goal is simple; end the cycle of conflict for children at risk. (visit www.sfk.org for more information.)





Wednesday, February 27th

Days are getting crazier and more hectic. Today we shot the titles, which are the graphics you see at the beginning of the show which have the couples dancing. Well, this was the first time I was dressed like a proper dancer and took pictures with Cheryl. Without sounding too conceited, boy we looked good!!! I only hope I can dance half as good as the crew said Cheryl and I looked.

After the shoot we rehearsed and then we went to the cast "kick off" party. Unfortunately I had to cut the night short to go home early because I'm in training and living the life of a dancer.


Thursday, February 28th

Had a photo shoot for the May issue of People en Español, which hits newsstands the first week in April. I hope you'll check it out! Then, Cheryl and I rehearsed in the afternoon. I'm starting to wish the days were longer--a 30 hour day would work! I am starting to need some rest but I can always rest in my next life.





Friday, February 29th (Leap year!)

Just like clockwork and that first sip of coffee, Cheryl and I start our day with morning rehearsal. After a few hours I leave Cheryl behind in LA and set off to the Mojave Desert to shoot my "profile piece" for the show. Yes, that's right, I said the desert. Let me backup to help connect the dots for you. The shoot location was two hours and a hundred miles away from LA because the director scouted one specific tree he wanted to use. I know, I was thinking the same thing, especially after getting lost going down to, what felt like, the middle of nowhere (check out the photos—I'm not exaggerating.) But I have to admit, after seeing the footage, it was well worth it. The tree, the sunset, it was magic! I hope when you see the video on March 17th you'll look out for that tree and enjoy it as much as I did. I was in the Mojave Desert for 5 hours and then drove back to LA where Cheryl was waiting so we could rehearse again. Yes, I think I'm starting to go a little crazy. I started to dream about my dance steps. Need to move those hips!











Saturday, March 1st

I thought that Saturday was the day of the week we were supposed to rest? Well... Not anymore. More Rehearsals! I guess it was okay as the weather here in LA was rainy and grey.


Sunday, March 2nd

A crew from Chile came to shoot segments for "Golpe Bajo" a TV show that I host and produce in Chile. So I did that all day Sunday going to some of the most famous sights in LA: Rodeo Drive, the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Santa Monica Pier-and when I was done, guess what? Yes!! More rehearsals!!
Today was the first day we did the entire routine from start to finish... I was very excited. It looked good but as Cheryl says "not too good." Thanks partner!





Looking back, it was a great week. I'm a little sore (okay, who am I kidding, I'm a lot sore!) Yet, I feel great! We are accomplishing things, the choreography looks good but not too good, we are having fun but not too much fun, I am tired but not too tired, and I am happy.... VERY happy!!!
Nos vemos next week!!