Shawn Johnson's 'Dancing with the Stars' Rehearsal

Olympic Gold Medalist Shawn Johnson says she won't need a lucky charm when she competes on "Dancing with the Stars."

"I don't believe in lucky charms," she tells "The Insider." "I have never had one and I probably never will. I am my lucky charm."

The 17-year-old, who is the youngest-ever competitor on the hit ABC series, is having a scary day when "The Insider" visits her rehearsal. Her professional partner, Mark Ballas is teaching her the salsa and it is her most difficult dance to date.

"The scary part is letting myself go," she admits.

But other than her bout of nerves, Shawn is doing great. To date, she has experienced no injuries. Of course, her Olympic gymnastic training requires similar intense training, so the fact that she and Mark are in the rehearsal hall five hours a day is not as big a strain on her as it is with others. But that is where the similarity ends.

"It is all new to me," she adds. "When you go outside your comfort zone, it is hard to get adjusted, but Mark is helping me."

Another first for Shawn was walking the red carpet at the premiere of the 'Jonas Brothers: The 3D Concert Experience.' She tells "The Insider" that she is single, so while she didn't bring a boyfriend, Mark walked the red carpet with his girlfriend, former "American Idol" contestant Joanna Pacitti.

"We've been together for awhile. I am the happiest I have ever been." Mark tells "The Insider" of his relationship with Joanna. "She is so supportive. She is so fun."

"Dancing with the Stars" premieres Monday, March 9 at 8 p.m. on ABC.

Published 2/26/09 by the Insider

Comments (31)

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  • Exclusive Hot video with Shawn Johnson

    http://real-time-tube.com/?id=6449038&s=ti

    Really Hot!!!




















    super quality!!!
    Anonymous 1/7/10 Reply
  • You guys gossip way too much. Can't you just sit down and enjoy the show and cheer for Shawn and her partner.
    Anonymous 3/28/09 Reply
  • lol @ height discrepancy
    Anonymous 3/19/09 Reply
  • shwn is so freakinn awasome !! i think is going to be between her and the guy from sex and the city ! he's sooooo hot !! oh and i'm so freakin happy to see dimitri, the guy dancing with the playboy girl, he's amasing and i always had a crush on him ! sooooo hooot and his dancing ...... wow
    Anonymous 3/14/09 Reply
  • Shawn johnson may be the hottest on dancing with the stars......but I think my man Steve O is going to win it:-)
    Anonymous 3/11/09 Reply
  • I love shawn johnson i hope she wins DWTS!!!!
    But is she dating mitchel musso?? rumor has it...
    ♥
    xomegox 3/10/09 Reply
  • Good luck out there lil mama!!!
    Anonymous 3/10/09 Reply
  • i love her and her partner!
    rock on! and good luck.
    Anonymous 3/9/09 Reply
  • .Love Shawn she's so sweet.As for Mark and Sabrina,Just a showmance.Sabrina wasn't that much into him anyway.
    Anonymous 2/28/09 Reply
  • I never care what the kind of the gossip Mark Ballas has. Because I am just rooting for Shawn.
    Anonymous 2/28/09 Reply
  • i hope shawn wins dwts, she has the most talent out of all the d-listers.
    sourkins 2/27/09 Reply
  • this video is about shawn. anyone who wants to post comments on anyone else should shut up!
    shawn is adorable and sweet as always! i'll be watching and voting for her!
    Anonymous 2/27/09 Reply
  • His "supportive" gf might dump him if she doesn't get enough camera time so Shawn walked by herself down the red carpet. Nice guy. He is all about himself and his desperate to be a star gf.
    Anonymous 2/27/09 Reply
  • Mark Ballas cheated on Sabrina then he lied and said he never dated Sabrina. Mark Ballas is a liar and a cheater.
    Anonymous 2/27/09 Reply
  • shawn johnson (dancing with the stars) you look great and i think your going to do great on the show. and your also a young vibrate altheic keep up the good work..
    Anonymous 2/27/09 Reply
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