The Salahis G'DAY to 'Dancing with the Stars'

Alleged White House crashers Tareq and Michaele Salahi are HUGE down under -- in fact, we're told, the "Real Housewives of DC" stars are closing in on a deal to appear on Australia's "Dancing with the Stars."

The offer's already on the table for next season -- and sources tell TMZ, Tareq and Michaele are just hammering out the nitty gritty before signing on the dotted line.

And to prove just how famous they are over there -- we're told the couple also shot a commercial for an Australian laundry detergent last week ... LAUNDRY DETERGENT.

G status.

Sherri Shepherd to "DWTS" I'M TOO BUSY TO DO YOUR SHOW

Sherri Shepherd might be a queen of daytime TV on "The View" -- but she won't be crowned queen of "Dancing With the Stars" any time soon ... TMZ has learned.

Sources close to Shepherd tell TMZ she's been approached by "DWTS" for this upcoming season -- and they've been "aggressively courting her."

But Shepherd is getting married later this month -- during hiatus from "The View" -- and we're told once she goes back to work ... there just won't be time for "DWTS."

Guess Sherri's wedding will be the best shot to see her waltz ... or paso whatever.

NBA Star Shawn Marion TURNS DOWN "Dancing with the Stars"

Dallas Mavericks star Shawn Marion isn't taking any chances with the NBA lockout -- in fact, he just turned down "Dancing with the Stars" ... to make sure he's free to practice with his team this fall.

Sources close to Shawn tell TMZ, "Dancing" sent him an official offer to appear on the show, but the NBA champ wants to make sure he's 100% available in case the lockout ends early ... so it's a no go.

"Dancing" would end in November and NBA season usually starts in October -- which could put Marion in a difficult position if the upcoming season isn't put on ice.

We're told Shawn is adamant ... he just doesn't wanna be caught with his pants down -- or in this case, his leotard.

"DANCING WITH THE STARS" SIGNS ANOTHER KARDASHIAN

Another member of the Kardashian Klan has agreed to compete on the next season of "Dancing with the Stars" TMZ has learned ... but it ain't Khloe ... or Kourtney ... or Kris -- it's a dude!

Multiple sources confirm ... Rob Kardashian is officially on board -- despite concerns about the "Dancing" schedule conflicting with Kim's super MEGA wedding in August. We're told the two sides addressed the issue and hammered out a plan -- and Rob signed on the dotted line.

Rob will be the 2nd Kardashian to compete on the show -- his sister Kim hit the ballroom in 2008 ... but she was eliminated just 3 weeks in to the competition.

Ron Artest -- In Talks with 'Dancing w/ the Stars'

Ron Artest has a back-up plan in case the NBA lockout torpedoes next season -- we're told, Mr. World Peace is currently in talks with "Dancing with the Stars" ... and is seriously thinking about competing.

Nothing's official yet -- but sources tell us, both Artest and "Dancing" producers have been in touch to hash out a possible deal ... and Ron's pretty excited about the prospect.

But here's the catch -- "Dancing" won't end 'til November and basketball season typically starts in October ... which means if the lockout ends early, Ron could be S.O.L.

That said, Ron could theoretically handle both commitments simultaneously -- because as TMZ first reported, "Dancing" producers are desperate for A-list talent ... so there will be NO minimum rehearsal requirement next season.

'Dancing w/ the Stars' -- Sorry for All the D-Listers

Say goodbye to the likes of Ralph Macchio and Kendra Wilkinson on "Dancing with the Stars" ... TMZ has learned producers are on the hunt for more "high profile" celebs next season ... in the hopes of cutting down on the gimmicky stars they've booked in the past.

Sources connected to the show tell TMZ ... producers are under direct orders to find "more high profile" people than in the past seasons ... after booking a string of D-listers like The Situation, Kate Gosselin, Audrina Patridge, Jake Pavelka and Holly Madison.

In order to lock down the BIG names, we're told producers are offering A-listers complete control over their rehearsal schedule -- telling them there's NO minimum rehearsal requirements ... and they can practice as little or as much as they want.

Celebs will also have final say on music selections and costume design ... including colors, cuts and styles.

So far, no word if producers have signed any of the "high profile" people in their crosshairs.

'Basketball' Wife -- Courted for 'Dancing w/ the Stars'

"Basketball Wives" star Evelyn Lozada may soon follow in her fiance's fox-trotting footsteps -- TMZ has learned the future Mrs. Chad Ochocinco is in talks to join the next season of "Dancing with the Stars!"

Sources connected to the show tell us ... "Dancing" producers love the idea of having Evelyn on the show -- especially since she's engaged to Chad who was a previous contestant.

We're told the show is even hoping to involve Mr. Ochocinco ... since he's now an expert in the ways of the ballroom.

So far ... no comment from the show.

Mark Ballas: I WON'T Take $$$ from Kim K!

Private dance lessons from Mark Ballas usually run $300/hour ... but TMZ has learned Kim Kardashian won't have to pay the guy a cent ... because he REFUSES to take her money!

Mark has been hitting the ballroom floor with Kim and her fiance Kris Humphries in preparation for their GARGANTUAN wedding ... where the couple plans on performing a waltz for their first dance.

We're told K&K have been practicing up a storm over the last few weeks -- but Kris "is a perfectionist" when it comes to his footwork and has INSISTED on more training.

Kim and Kris have tried to throw some cash at Ballas for all of his help, but the "Dancing with the Stars" pro -- who was just nominated for an Emmy -- simply won't take payment from his former celebrity partner.

So ... does he still have to get them a wedding gift?

Derek Hough -- Lean, Mean Shirtless Dancing Machine

We know what "Dancing with the Stars" pro Derek Hough has been doing during his summer vacation ... working out!

The 26-year-old showed off his pumped up pecs and biceps by going shirtless in L.A. on Wednesday.

Tens across the board.

Hines Ward Busted for DUI

Hines Ward -- star wide receiver for the Pittsburgh Steelers and reigning "Dancing With the Stars" champion -- was arrested this morning for driving under the influence of alcohol ... TMZ has learned.

According to DeKalb police, Ward was stopped about 2:30 AM on Buford Highway after an officer spotted his Aston Martin failing to maintain lane and hitting a curb.Ward reportedly failed a field sobriety test and refused to take a breathalyzer test.

He posted $1,000 bond and was released.

Mark Ballas -- Dance Your Ass to Small Claims Court!

Defendant: "Dancing" pro Mark Ballas -- accused of firing his ex-publicist and NOT paying.
Plaintiff: Ace PR -- accused of doing a CRAPPY job.

Strap on your rhinestone pants ... 'cause this one's about to get NASTY!!!

Ballas has just been hit with a summons to appear in L.A. County Small Claims Court -- because Ace PR claims the "Dancing with the Stars" pro never forked over $2,637.75 he owed the company after he fired them back in September.

According to legal docs, obtained by TMZ, Ace claims Ballas agreed to pay them a "30 day termination fee" when he signed his contract ... which is basically severance pay.

But sources close to Ballas tell us ... the dancer believes he doesn't owe Ace a dime, because they breached the contract by doing such a terrible job.

Ballas and Ace PR are set to face off in small claims court on July 8.

Stay tuned ...

UPDATE: A rep for Ace tells TMZ, "After patiently waiting for this issue to be resolved, for close to a year, we hope that this can get settled and we can move on."

Mark Ballas & Cheryl Burke -- Nightclub DOMINATION

"Dancing With the Stars" pros Mark Ballas and Cheryl Burke went to a nightclub at Harrah's in Jersey this weekend ... and destroyed it with an impromptu salsa dance. Showoffs ...

Mark Ballas SCHOOLS Kim Kardashian Pre-Wedding

"Dancing with the Stars" pro Mark Ballas is getting Kim Kardashian to step it up BIG TIME before her wedding -- claiming he personally taught her and Kris Humphries some new moves for their big day.

1-9b9x0gn0

Hopefully the marriage lasts longer than Kim's stint on "Dancing with the Stars."

Hey look! What's Pia Toscano doing there?

Mark & Maksim Dancing with the Abs

"Dancing with the Stars" booty shakers Mark Ballas, 25, and Maksim Chmerkovskiy, 31, both showed off their smooth, ripped & tatted core moves in Vegas this weekend.

They both scored a perfect 10.

'Dancing' Pro 911 -- She 'Hurt Her Neck Pretty Badly'

TMZ has obtained the 911 call placed moments before "Dancing with the Stars" pro Kym Johnson was rushed to the hospital two weeks ago ... after seriously injuring her neck during rehearsal.

Dancing' Pro -- She 'Hurt Her Neck Pretty Badly' :: 0526-kym-911-ex-1

According to her rep, Kym -- who was paired with Pittsburgh Steelers great Hines Ward on the show -- got checked out by doctors for "precautionary reasons."

Thankfully, she returned to the set just two days later ... with a giant neck brace.

Kym Johnson -- Dancing with Pain

Proving to be quite the trooper, Kym Johnson showed up for "Dancing With the Stars" practice today sporting a HUGE neck brace after her injury on Friday.

Who says dancers aren't tough?

Old news is old news!
Be First!

Get TMZ breaking news sent right to your browser!