By Nalea J. Ko, Reporter
Published October 1, 2010

In her youth Margaret Cho says she was discouraged from dancing ballet when someone called her the fattest ballerina in class. The Korean American comedienne says the incident deterred her from dancing until recently.

Cho slipped on her dancing shoes again to partner with dancer Louis Van Amstel for ABC’s “Dancing With the Stars,” which premiered Sept. 20.

Despite previous criticism received in the ballet studio, Cho says she is ow confident she will out dance the other contestants to win the competition.

Three weeks into the show, Cho says her feet are bloodied from the strenuous dance regimen. Cho hides other dancing battle wounds like the bruises on her legs with makeup.

Her dancing skills have improved in the eyes of the judges since her debut performance, but Cho’s experience on the show started out bumpy.

Week one of the show, Cho hit the dance floor, adding her comic flare. But the comedy in her dance routine, which included purposely getting twisted in her costume’s golden wings while doing the waltz, did not fly with the judges.

Judge Bruno Tonioli responded to her performance by yelling at the finish, “What the hell was that?” The other judges’ critiques were also not flattering.

Still Cho’s optimism is unwavering.

“Frankly, I thought it was killer and it seemed like the judges didn’t like it because I could actually dance and that I wasn’t honoring that part of myself,” Cho explained about her first performance. “I am really proud anyway because dancing with those wings isn’t easy and I thought I did a really great job of representing myself and also doing some killer moves.”

In the audience for her first performance were Cho’s parents from the VH1 show “The Cho Show.” Proud of their daughter, Cho joked that her parents were nervous about the outcome of her performance.

“They loved it and they were so proud,” she said about Mr. and Mrs. Cho. “But they’re scared if I do poorly then we will be deported.”

A self-proclaimed “Jersey Shore” freak Cho says she was thrilled to meet The Situation. When she is not in the spotlight, Cho says she enjoys watching other dance couples like Fox and Grey.

“I am just getting to know everyone,” Cho said about the camaraderie on the show. “They’re all very supportive and nice, especially Florence. I love to watch her because she is enjoying it all so much and it really makes me smile to see her so happy.”

If she could partner with another celebrity for a routine, her decision is clear.

“I’d love to dance a beautiful foxtrot with Jennifer Grey! She’s so gorgeous!” Cho said.

The reality of the competition hit Cho after the first week when she was tied for last place with Hasselhoff and The Situation.

Cho staved off being eliminated, but celebrities David Hasselhoff and Michael Bolton were sent home within the first two weeks.

The stress of the competition hit Cho during dancing rehearsals when she broke down crying in the dance studio.

“I think I was having a hard time getting the moves because I wasn’t allowing myself the pleasure of doing it right,” Cho explained about the emotional moment captured on camera. “Just giving myself the permission to be beautiful made all the difference.”

Dressed in hot pink and zebra print, Cho redeemed herself during week two while dancing the jive. Judge Carrie Ann Inaba commended Cho’s performance as “much better” than the last.

In addition to her dance practice, Cho is also traveling in Canada on the “Cho Dependent” comedy tour. On Oct. 9 she will head to Denver, Colo. to perform her stand-up comedy at the Paramount Theatre.

Her dance partner, Van Amstel, is also traveling with Cho to prepare for their performances. When the dancing duo is not in the studio, they practice their dance steps on the tour bus and in parking lots.

The grueling dance rehearsal schedule is not only exhausting, Cho says, but has some added benefits.

“It’s made me tighter and more toned.” Cho said about losing weight from the show. “Also I feel hot because my muscles are constantly burning. It’s amazing.”

For her next dance, Cho will do the samba. Win or lose, Cho says she loves being on the show.

Considering her past experience in the ballet studio, Cho says even if she is eliminated from the show she will not hang up her dancing shoes and will “absolutely” continuing dancing.

“It’s such fun and I am learning so much.” Cho said. “I am loving this!”

‘Dancing with the Stars’ airs live on ABC Mondays at 8|7c. The results show airs Tuesdays at 9|8c.