BREAKING NEWS
OK LogoNEWS

Marlee Matlin Debuts on "Dancing With the Stars"

2008__03__9192.jpg

Mar. 11 2008, Published 5:55 a.m. ET

Link to FacebookShare to XShare to Email

There’s been a one-legged dancer on Dancing With the Stars, but never a deaf competitor — until now. Marlee Matlin has signed on to compete in this season’s ballroom dancing competition. Matlin cannot hear music, and will rely on her partner Fabian Sanchez to guide her through performances. She’ll need all the help she can get: this season Matlin competes against Olympic figure skater Kristy Yamaguchi, tennis champion Monica Seles and actor Steve Gutenberg, among others.

MORE ON:
marlee matlin
Article continues below advertisement

Matlin says practicing has become a full-time job, and it’s paying off. “She’s got natural rhythm. She’s on time every single time,” Sanchez told the New York Times.

In fact, he adds, her deafness may be an advantage. "I have somebody who has never danced, who has never heard music, so I can mold her however I want,'' he said. ''She's more sensitive to my lead because she's not trying to follow the rhythm on her own.''

Advertisement

Want OK! each day? Sign up here!

Opt-out of personalized ads

© Copyright 2024 OK!™️. A DIVISION OF EMPIRE MEDIA GROUP INC. OK! is a registered trademark. All rights reserved. Registration on or use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service, Privacy Policy and Cookies Policy. People may receive compensation for some links to products and services. Offers may be subject to change without notice.