Just Talkin’
AMC’s Susan Lucci Chats With Digest about last night’s DANCING WITH THE STARS
On Monday night’s DWTS, Olympic volleyball star Misty May-Treanor spoke about the torn Achilles tendon that took her out of the competition, but she wasn’t the only injured dancer in the room last night. AMC’s Susan Lucci (Erica) danced with a wrapped ankle after injuring herself earlier in the day. Here, she and dance partner Tony Dovolani share what happened and how they still managed to take on the Jive.
Soap Opera Digest: Tell us about your injury.
Susan Lucci: Early this morning, in our first rehearsal, we were doing one of the tricks where I slide underneath Tony’s legs. Nothing has ever happened before. But this time, I caught my heel and my ankle rolled. We still rehearsed about four more times after that and I thought it was just going to get better and better and then dress rehearsal came and I couldn’t really put weight on it. Tony noticed my face and said stop. He was such a gentleman, I have to tell you. I didn’t want to tell him I had a bad ankle and he not only stopped, but he got the medics to come. He carried me from the stage to my trailer so I didn’t have to put any weight on it. He’s such a good man.
Tony Dovolani [to Lucci]: Anyone who’s in your presence, who gets to know you, wouldn’t think twice.
Lucci: Thank you.
Digest: How did you get through the number?
Lucci: I love the Jive. I love it so much. I feel a real spirit for this dance and I’m just happy I could do it. The producers were kind enough to suggest that I not try and get through the dress rehearsal, since the Jive is a lot of jumping. The medics came and wrapped my ankle and there were ice packs, Tony was helping with those, and feeding me bananas for potassium [laughs]. They gave me some Ibuprofen and let it rest for a while. We kept it elevated and I just kept getting ready because I really wanted to do it, and then I was ready and then I could do it. I was so happy.
Digest: It must have helped that you were up first.
Lucci: Yes, and that was the original lineup for the night so I didn’t mess anyone else up. Everyone could keep their regular schedule, as well.
Digest: Considering your mishap and the fact that we lost Misty tonight, that’s a sobering reminder that this isn’t all fun and games.
Lucci: Absolutely. This is art form and this is a sport, for sure. No one could be more physically fit than Misty and she’s a spectacular person. I think it was a freak accident and unfortunately, it’s very serious. I think the world of Misty and I miss her already. I wish her the best, such sad sad news.
Digest: It’s been a month now. How are you both meshing?
Dovolani: I feel like she’s actually finally hitting her stride right now. I think it takes a while to get your body in the right condition. I have to tell you, the routine Susan and I did tonight is not an easy routine but she nailed it out there. The energy was great and she really captured the essence of what Jive is all about. I loved being out there with her. Right now, I feel we’re in the perfect position to really break through and that’s what we want to do. We want to fly under the radar until the time is right.
Digest: How is your student/teacher relationship?
Lucci: It couldn’t be better. I couldn’t be luckier. I was hoping I was going to get Tony. I knew he was a great dancer but I had no idea what a great teacher he is.
Dovolani: I have to say she’s prepared every single time. If we have an hour in between, sometimes we accomplish more in one hour than in five hours. That’s the kind of concentration and dedication she has.
Lucci: I’m not fool. I have the opportunity to learn all these great dances from a world champion!
Digest: Susan, what do you have to say to your fans watching?
Lucci: I could never thank them enough. I used to say to my husband, ‘They’re so good to me and they’re always there for me and I wish I could sing and dance for them.’ Well, I went on Broadway [in Annie Get Your Gun] and I sang and now I’m dancing. I’m so grateful for this opportunity and so grateful to have them in my life. Thank you so much!
Conversation
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