"Kym always says it's not a race, it's a marathon," said football great Hines Ward.
Ward is off to a strong start in the dance marathon. Ward's partner Kym Johnson said he brings the same amount of dedication to this competition that he normally brings to the football field.
"His work ethic is amazing. He's an elite athlete so he's obviously fit," Johnson said. "I couldn't ask for anything more. He gives me everything he's got."
Actor Ralph Macchio and actress Kirstie Alley are also doing well. At the end of her dance on Monday night, Alley was obviously caught up in the moment, ending her dance with a passionate kiss.
"I don't know what to say about that. I mean, he's there. I'm there. It's like, 'I think I'll kiss you,'" Alley said after her performance on Monday.
Although Alley is high on the leaderboard in third place, she said she's displeased and wants to get higher scores. Alley isn't the only one setting her sights on higher scores. Sugar Ray Leonard is on a mission to get this right.
"Oh I'm not resting George, I take in what they say because it's constructive criticism, and I try to feed off it and digest it," he said.
Several stars showed improvement from week one to week two, including last place finisher Mike Catherwood.
"Regardless of what the judges were going to say, I definitely felt a lot better about myself, and we had a lot more fun this week doing it, which is a good sign," he said.
Wendy Williams also showed improvement in her performance.
"When I get ready to pull into that parking lot for dance rehearsal, I am white knuckling. I don't know whether to hit the gas and keep going, or to come in and say hello," she said. "So when they say I'm improving, they don't know half. I've been improved."
Top 5 performances:
- Ralph Macchio - 45 out of 60
- Hines Ward - 44 out of 60
- Kirstie Alley - 43 out of 60
- Chris Jericho - 42 out of 60
- Romeo - 42 out of 60
The first elimination round of "Dancing With The Stars" begins at 9 p.m. on ABC7.
