Hi guys!

I can't tell you how excited I am to have made it through another double elimination and on to week nine of the show. I can't believe it!

This week Derek and I danced the rumba. Derek was concerned about my fiance’s reaction to the rehearsal video showing our attempts at getting into romantic character. Of course he had nothing to worry about – this is my job, after all – but I thought it was very classy of him to end the dance with the dip in front of my fiance and shake hands.

Joanna Krupa Dancing

Everyone is so relieved that double eliminations are over, but really, every Tuesday is daunting. I was so nervous for Mark and Aaron when they did the dance off to stay in the competition. It's disappointing to be voted off, but it's a completely different when you have a 30-second make or break dance off. I'm glad Derek and I didn't need to dance the salsa we prepared for an elimination dance off. Even with a stressful elimination episode, I was excited to see Mark and Derek perform in their band Ballas Hough. They did a fantastic job! I bet you fans out there didn't know they can sing, too.

Kelly and I were talking about how surprised and honored we are to have made it this far. When the show first started I was hoping to at least make it to week three. Plus, there's seems to be a curse that causes models to always get booted first. Derek also thought there might not be any hope for me – he bet I'd be off the show by week two. I proved us wrong, and I'm glad because this whole experience has taught me that you can succeed at whatever you’re dedicated to.

Next week we're doing a quick step and a paso doble. Each couple got an era for their paso doble and ours is futuristic. I'm really interested to see what Derek comes up with. I bet it'll be very robotic, which is different than anything else we’ve done. What I'm really wondering is how the judges will score us on a futuristic dance when they can't see the future.

Well, now that there are only five couples left the pressure is really on! I want to do well and not disappoint the audience. Now it’s time for futuristic rehearsal with Derek. Wish me luck – I’ll need it!