‘Good footwork key,' Ryan saysUW head basketball coach Bo Ryan will appear on the upcoming season of the ABC smash hit Dancing with the Stars, according to a press release Sunday from ABC's Burbank studio affiliate.
He is scheduled to pair up with Steel Magnolias\ star Olympia Dukakis, who agreed to halt production on her latest project to appear on the show.
Auditions were held in January where producers said Ryan showed ""a true gift for the pas de cheval"" and a ""more than proficient Rond de jombe."" Dukakis' audition was described as an ""absolute catastrophe,"" but producers convinced Ryan that she would make a great partner, and be off her respirator in time for the taping.
Ryan, armed with seven years of jazz tap and his suave moves coaching on the court, carries more dance experience than any of his fellow cast-members.
""Being a coach—and having as much dance experience as I do—it's going to be especially hard to keep my mouth shut during rehearsals,"" Ryan said. ""But if I wanted to see somebody pointlessly galumphing around on a hardwood floor I'd go to practice and watch [Brian Butch].""
""And don't even get me started on Twinkle Toes Dukakis out there,"" Ryan said, unprovoked. ""It's like watching a water buffalo try to walk a tightrope.""
""Turning her into even a remotely passable ballerina might take my best coaching effort yet,"" Ryan continued, ""because right now, I'll be honest, she makes Evelyn Hart look like a young Anna Pavlova.""
""I'm sorry,"" Ryan added, ""but someone had to say it.""
Ryan said he plans to stay on the show until preseason camp begins.
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