Julianne Hough Is Dancing Burlesque With Christina Aguilera

Former DWTS pro joins cast of Burlesque, musical movie starring Xtina, Cher and Kristen Bell

Julianne Hough is Burlseque-ing with the stars..

The country-music-singing former Dancing With the Stars pro has joined the cast of Burlesque, a musical about a young small-town singer (Christina Aguilera in her big-screen debut) who becomes a star at a Hollywood burlesque club owned by Tess (Cher).

I'm told Hough, who began rehearsals this weekend, will play a fellow dancer.

Sources insist this is no Showgirls redux…

"It is not about g-strings and pasties," one source says. "It's about female empowerment. No one is ever in lingerie. The film is sexy, but there's no stripping."

Just last week, it was announced that Kristen Bell has signed on to play Aguilera's rival. Twilighter Cam Gigandet and Julie & Julia's Stanley Tucci are also in the flick, which is being directed by Steve Antin.

Filming starts early next month, with the flick due to hit theaters next Thanksgiving.

In other Burlesque happenings, sources also report that Cher will sing in the movie. A source says, "She has a big power ballad moment."

No word if the legendary diva will duet with Xtina, but we say they should go for it. You agree?

—Reporting by Dahvi Shira