Doni Greenberg is the novice dance partner of Jake Carver.

Q: How have you prepared for our first practice?

I started Jazzercise in February. I’ve lost 15 pounds but have another - uh - more to lose. I’m not any better at dancing, but I do have better endurance.

Q: What is your previous dancing experience?

A disastrous experiece with ballet and tap in third grade.

Q: Do you have a recurring Dancing with the Stars, Shasta County Style, nightmare?

Two, actually. The first involves skidding, splits and careening off the stage. The second involves a “costume malfunction” - like the hem of my dress stuck in the waistband of my control-top pantyhose.

Q: Which couple do you think will be the toughest to beat, and why?

Chita Johnson and Logan Grimes. Chita is gorgeous, young and she has many fans. If they show up and vote, the rest of us are sunk.

Q: Any idea what you’ll wear for your dance numbers?

I found this elegant Liz Claiborne dress at the Salvation Army for only $4. It’s long, has sheer sleeves and is four sizes too small. I thought that by the time the dance rolled around I’d have dieted and exercised enough to squeeze into it. The last time I tried it on I looked like a kielbasa swathed in black gauze.

Q: Would you like to share a before-practice message for your dance partner?

Jake, I’m sorry.

Q: What’s your winning strategy?

Now’s a good time to mention that the audience can actually buy unlimited votes. 

Q: Have you had any moments when you’ve had cold feet?

December through June.

I just graduated Foothill High School, and I am very much into band.

I play trombone, percussion, and a few strings, as well as bass, mandolin and violin. I started playing lacrosse this year, as well, not to mention I dance.

Q: What’s your dance experience?

I have been dancing for seven years now in tap, jazz, hip hop (only a little), then all styles from Club Cougar including: Quickstep, charleston, swing, samba, tango, and more.

Q: Do you have a recurring Dancing with the Stars nightmare?

Only that I will have too much going on my plate with starting summer session at Shasta College, on top of keeping up with a normal social life, and this.

Q: What couple do you think will be the toughest to beat, and why?

DUH - Kathy’s group cuz, well, she IS the choreographer, so she knows these styles best - haha.

Q: What’s your plan to help your partner dance well?

Probably breaking down the steps and slowing them down to a more reasonable pace to learn effectively and then making sure (you) understand it before going on.

Q: What advice do you have for your partner, especially since she might have limited dance experience?

Don’t get stressed out if you aren’t getting it because it will come in time.

And just have fun with it.

If the audience can see you’re having fun then they will have fun watching you.

Q: Anything else you’d like to say?

Let’s just have fun with this!