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 For the past two weeks, Marlee Matlin has been cha-cha-ing and quickstepping for seven hours a day in preparation for her “Dancing With the Stars” debut.
While none of this year’s crop of “Dancing” hopefuls have ever danced professionally, Matlin has the additional challenge of being deaf. And that’s not a problem, she said through her longtime interpreter, Jack Jason. Matlin relies on her professional partner, show newcomer Fabian Sanchez, to lead the way.
“He’s my music,” she said.
Sanchez has modified some of the dances slightly so he and Matlin maintain more physical or visual contact than they otherwise might. But even when she steps out solo, “she’s got a natural rhythm,” he said. “She’s on time every single time.”
The dance instructor from Birmingham, Ala. had never worked with a deaf student before, but he finds Matlin easier to teach than many who can hear.
“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.”
The 42-year-old mother of four was inspired to be on the show by her 12-year-old daughter, Sara, a devoted “Stars” fan.
She stands out from this year’s crop, which includes radio host Adam Carolla, magician Penn Jillette, pro football player Jason Taylor, tennis champ Monica Seles, Olympic skater Kristi Yamaguchi, R&B singer Mario and actors Steve Guttenberg, Shannon Elizabeth, Christian de la Fuente, Priscilla Presley and Marissa Jaret Winokur.
As the ABC hit begins its sixth season Monday, she gives little thought to her impairment: “We’re all challenged in some way. ... The only thing I can’t do is hear.”
The new season of “Dancing With The Stars” premieres 8 p.m. (Eastern) Monday on ABC. |
