Lombard native voted off 'Dancing' after strong run

Before her stint on ABC's hit show "Dancing With the Stars," Lombard native Joanna Krupa's dance resume read like this: Quit ballet at age 9 because her parents could no longer afford the lessons. Used fake ID at 16 to go dancing in Chicago nightclubs.

But the Playboy cover girl/bikini model made it to the show's semifinal round before being eliminated Tuesday night by viewer vote.

The 1997 Glenbard East High School graduate who appears on the cover of the December issue of Playboy magazine wanted to be a part of the show for years and even had an interview with producers two years ago, she said. But since that original meeting, Krupa's career spiked. She's appeared in scores of magazine spreads declaring her one of the world's sexiest models.

She also unleashed an expletive-laced tirade against NFL star wide receiver Terrell Owens for his lack of effort during an episode of ABC's otherwise un-notable "Superstars" competition program earlier this year. That helped her name recognition, though Krupa wants to give her manager some credit, rather than just her extensively downloaded rant at Owens.

"I don't know if I'd give (Owens) the credit, but I'm sure that helped a little bit," she said.

While her hair was being done before Tuesday's results show, the Polish-born sex symbol talked to the Daily Herald about her recollections of growing up in Lombard, body image issues and who picks out the garish costumes for dance routines.

Q. What was high school like for you at Glenbard East?

A. I was very shy. I wasn't a big fan of school to begin with. I hung out with the Polish crowd. I wasn't very in with the popular crowd. I wasn't involved in a lot of after-school activities. I just basically went to school and left. I had a great time, but I wasn't into the whole school spirit thing.

Q. Do you know they spelled your last name wrong in your senior yearbook?

A. I was in Los Angeles or New York for a modeling shoot during my graduation. I also missed my prom. The friends I had in school were all a year ahead of me. I didn't have the usual high school experience, but I don't have any regrets about it.

Q. Was dancing part of your life at school?

A. The only part of my life that involved dancing back then was when I would go out dancing at nightclubs in downtown Chicago or on the West Side of the city. I had my first fake ID when I was 16.

Q. Did you like growing up in Lombard?

A. We moved there when I was either 13 or 14 and it was completely different from what I was used to in the city. I was used to lots of houses side by side, but in Lombard we had a lot of land and few neighbors. It was a nice, quiet upbringing. I try to go home at least once a year.

Q. How did you become so comfortable with your body?

A. I've been comfortable with myself since I can remember. I try to tell people who struggle with body image issues that they've got to find the positive with your body and focus on that. Nobody's perfect. Nobody's flawless. You don't wake up in the morning looking like the cover of a magazine. In photo shoots we get amazing lighting, and Photoshop helps. Don't be so critical of yourself. The body is an amazing thing. It's God's creation and I don't think there's anything wrong posing nude as long as it's classy and artful. Playboy definitely helped build my name, and I was grateful they wanted to put me on the cover again and I thought, "Why go against something that works?"

Q. Modeling shoots, movie sets or television shows, which is more fun?

A. Television shows, depending on the group of people you get to work with. "Dancing With the Stars" has been the best experience because it's like a little family.

Q. So you get along with everyone?

A. My partner, Derek (Hough), is a doll and I adore him. He's such a sweetheart. And also Kelly (Osbourne) is so nice. Anytime she smiles, no matter what kind of mood you're in, you want to smile. She has such a wholesome personality, you just want to love her. Even the professional dancers have been great; Karina (Smirnoff) has been rooting for me since the beginning. Everybody's gotten along so well, it doesn't feel like a competition. No enemies, sorry.

Q. What's your favorite dance routine so far?

A. Every week when I learn a new dance, at first I'm like "I don't like this dance." But after I perform it, it's one of my favorites. I guess I'd say the paso doble because I thought it would be one of my most challenging and the fact that I pulled it off was even more surprising. But if you asked for my least favorite, I'd say the quick step, without a doubt. I just don't understand the dance and don't think it's a pretty dance.

Q. Do you have any say in the outfits they put you guys in?

A. We definitely have consultations. I trust Derek because he's been on the show for so long and as a dancer he knows what works with the dances. If I'm against a color or a design I'll say, but I've been letting him do his thing and then work the outfit to my advantage.

Q. Who's going to win?

A. You never know. I came into this competition as an underdog and at this point the competition is really tough. Anyone can go home; it's all about the voters.