Things to do in Sacramento and Beyond: 'Dancing' with style

I said to myself Monday that I didn't know if I could commit to another season of "Dancing With the Stars."

Would I actually have the time? Could I watch, knowing new mom Samantha Harris would be on maternity leave, leaving her co-hosting job up in the air? Do I really want to see Wayne Newton, er, dance?

Well, at 8 p.m. on the dot, there I was, perched on the couch, wishing I looked good in sequins as the six women contestants competed in either the fox trot or the cha cha. The six men perform tonight.

(Season 2 winner Drew Lachay had stepped in as co-host in Samantha's absence and appeared stiff, which is soooo unlike him.)

Anyway, as usual, the early competition is often painful because the stars are figuring out that this is not exactly the twist. Sometimes they don't click with their professional partners, sometimes they whine (a lot!) and, well, sometimes they simply can't put one foot in front of the other without tripping.

But I was pleasantly surprised by the hoofing capabilities - and the grace - of two of the female stars, Jane Seymour, who at 56 is the oldest female competitor, and a woman they called the "Pride of Provo," Marie Osmond, who turns 48 next month.

Jane and her dance partner, Tony Dovolani (in the ABC photo above) glided in their fox trot - she in a lovely pink chiffon dress with flowing curls, he in a classic tuxedo.

And, while Jane and Tony didn't earn quite as many judges' points as former Cheetah Girl Sabrina Bryan and her partner, newcomer Mark Ballas, they held their own and I'm rooting for Jane to steal the competition.

That way, there will be more fancy outfits for me to drool over, especially after I found out from former "Stars" competitor Lisa Rinna during an interview before the Emmys that Lisa had pretty much total say in what she wore.

Of course, tonight I'll be watching two-time professional winner Cheryl Burke attempt to lead Vegas superstar Wayne Newton across the floor. At age 65, he'll probably be the sentimental favorite. (Think George Hamilton several seasons ago.)

Nevertheless, let's keep Jane on her feet!