Arike Ogunbowale makes it to 2nd week of Dancing with the Stars

LOS ANGELES – Arike Ogunbowale danced her way to another week of Dancing with the Stars: Athletes.

She had an exciting and fulfilling night in Hollywood before jet setting back to South Bend for class.

There was some tough competition and definitely some luck of the Fighting Irish with Arike Monday night.

The entire ballroom was transformed with Notre Dame pride and it clearly paid off.

“I mean I just went out there and knew I was going to have fun so I’m glad that the energy rubbed off on all the fans,” said Ogunbowale.

Dressed in a shimmery blue dress with a matching pair of sneakers, she salsa’d her way through the first week of the competition.

“Just enjoy it and bring the audience on the journey with us and make them feel what we’re trying to feel. Only good vibes,” said Gleb Savchenko, Ogunbowale’s dancing partner.

Vibes were felt all across the ballroom where her parents watched with pride.

“She knows what she signed up for, she’s got the energy. She’s focused, she’s determined. I know she can do it,” said George Ogunbowale, Arike’s father.

But the judges told her she’s going to have to bring that determination to the dance floor next week in high heels.

“Hopefully she will start practicing in heels because she has to bring something different,” said George.

“We gotta do it. I mean, it’s a ballroom competition and she has to put some heels on and do some foxtrot,” said Savchenko.

One dance down and hopefully several more to go as everyone is looking forward to their next chance to shine.

“We have rehearsal tomorrow and were going to start learning a new dance plus we got a team dance next week as well. So, two dances we gotta learn and teach Arike,” added Savchenko.

“We just want to say thank you to South Bend for voting. We got one more week to go. So lets get all those people around and do it again next week,” said Arike’s father.

Her parents are beyond proud of her and are hoping her luck stays blue and gold next week on the dance floor.

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