TV Tattler Interview: Carrie Ann Inaba of 'Dancing With the Stars' (Page 2 of 2)

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Oh, so it's not the same as on 'Dancing With the Stars.'
Right, it's not like on our show when they come out one at a time. Not only do they have to be excellent, they also have to get your attention. Part of the farcical nature of the costumes and make-up has to do with catching the eye of the judges. The sport of ballroom dancing is also about embodying the gender roles of society. It's about women being the sexiest, hottest women on the dance floor. The men play these roles of being these masculine men who can twirl their ladies around and save them from a fall. It's almost like playing out a fairytale. That's what's so addicting about watching the show on so many levels.

Are there plans for another summer tour?
They are putting together a tour for this season, but they're taking it to cities that haven't seen it yet. I directed the tour last season, but I'm not doing it this time because I need a little bit of a break. (Laughs)

Did you get a chance to meet Muhammad Ali when he visited the set?
No! They took him away before it ended, and I was so sad. I really wanted to meet him. He's such an icon. When he walks into the room, you can feel it. I admire Laila because I think it must be tough to grow up in the shadow of it. And I think that's what's helped her become a very centered woman.

Are we going to see you co-host 'The View' again?
I hope so. I hope they keep calling me. I love doing 'The View.' It's so much easier than having to paddle wave with the boys. (Laughs)

Carrie Ann Inaba Photos

You co-hosted the day after Rosie O'Donnell announced she was leaving, right?
Yeah. And the first time I hosted was the day after Star Jones made her exit.

Are you serious?
Yeah, I was talking to my publicist, and I was like "How is it that I always mangage to get in there when it's so dramatic?" But it was actually very calm there. I don't know Rosie well enough to say how she was feeling, but it seemed like she was very calm, and maybe that this was something in the works for a while. She felt very at ease, almost like a weight had been lifted off her shoulders. Everytime I've been there, it's always been a really welcoming atmosphere.

You're a dancer, a singer, a TV personality, but what's your dream job? I would love to do something on Broadway one day. To be a triple threat like that would be wonderful. Also, I would like to produce a few shows for television, and then I would like to direct and create a show for Las Vegas -- sort of like what Cirque du Soleil was when it started out, and get back to basics about how all people are just one. I'm from Hawaii and that spirit of ohana, which means family, is really evident as I grow older. So I'd like to create something that has heart to it.

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