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DWTS' Mark Ballas and Bristol Palin: Dancing and Dating?

Pro dancer opens up about his season 11 partner, skimpy costumes and meeting Sarah Palin

By Marc Malkin, Brett Malec Sep 20, 2010 9:40 PMTags
DWTS, Bristol Palin, Mark BallasABC/BOB D'AMICO

Is Bristol Palin hooking up on Dancing With the Stars?

With tonight's season premiere just hours away, her partner, Mark Ballas, wants to make one thing clear about their relationship...

"We are not dating," Ballas told us earlier today, "but we are having a good time."

Now that that rumor has been nipped in the bud, back to the dancing.

"It's a miracle what was done in three weeks," says the pro hoofer. "She does have a little bit of rhythm. She's not Miss Superior Dancer yet, but we'll get her as close to that as we can. She's a little nervous, but she's doing very well."

As for the show's skimpy costumes and sensual dance routines, Ballas tells us that Palin is game for sexing it up, saying, "She'll be fine doing them."

Just how much skin will we see tonight?

"You'll have to wait and find out," he teased.

Rumor has it that Sarah Palin will be stopping by to cheer on her daughter this season and although Ballas says he hasn't yet met the mama bear, he'll give her a warm welcome.

"I'm looking forward to meeting her!" Ballas says. "It's been a pleasure to get to know her daughter."