Shake Your Money Maker

Everything I know about tenacity I learned from Dancing With the Stars.

Okay, not everything, but a lot. Specifically, I learned it from Cristián de la Fuente, the muy caliente Chilean hunk who won viewers’ hearts and votes after suffering a serious injury executing an enthusiastic samba halfway into the season.

Most people would have quit the competition after ripping a tendon in their arm. My husband just had rotator cuff surgery, and I know that the pain alone is enough to slow even the most stalwart individual. But not my man Cristián. Oh no, this toothsome TV thespian was going to follow through on his commitment to his fans and dance his way into the annals of pop culture history, no matter the cost. 

And dance he did! Cristián and his professional partner Cheryl Burke exercised a combination of dogged persistence and creative choreography to circumnavigate his injury, consequently landing a spot in last week’s finals. Sure, Kristi Yamaguchi eventually took home the fabulous mirror ball trophy. But, Cristián showed HEART. He never quit, despite the challenges, and turned an obstacle into the opportunity of a lifetime.

To my mind, Señor de la Fuente is an exemplary model of discipline and determination, no matter the goal. He has won my respect and admiration for his exemplary character and unflagging work ethic.

It doesn’t hurt that he also has buns of steel.

Cristián de la Fuente and Cheryl Burke perform their freestyle routine in the finale of Dancing with the Stars