You always seem to get the hottest partners. Why is that?I think they kind of pair me up a lot of times with bad boys. Like I think Floyd [Mayweather] was somewhat of a bad boy. Mario Lopez was
definitely a bad boy. I think they give them to me 'cause they know that I can handle it, and I probably control them in some way. But it's flattering to think that people think I get the hottest boys. That's awesome!
If you had the ability to go back to any time period and any time in the world, who would be your dream dance partner?Oh, wow. I think that the perfect partner is the person who has the natural ability to dance, but he also really needs to have the time to put into rehearsal and the desire to win. If a partner has the commitment and determination, it's a win-win situation.
Is there someone in particular who fits that description?I don't know if he would be a great dancer, but I always liked Keanu Reeves.
You may have the greatest booty on television. Do you think it helps your dancing?Well, I don't think of my booty as being really good, but it definitely helps to be in shape. We do work out all the time when we're dancing; we put a lot of hours into rehearsal. So being in shape definitely helps. Thank you.
Do you think you may have squeaked out an extra point now and then from the judges just because of your booty?I totally don't think that. I
wish my booty had that much influence. On the contrary, I think the judges give a lot of couples more slack, and I kind of feel bad for [dance partner/R&B singer] Mario. But at the same time, it keeps him on his toes and makes him work that much harder.
Speaking of Mario: Which Mario smells better?Hmm … I don't know if I like one better than the other. They both smell pretty good. I think they use different styles of cologne. They're what you call a "metrosexual male." They love to take care of themselves, and love to look and smell good.
Kristi Yamaguchi is coming on strong this season ...Very strong. Any stronger, and she's going to wipe all of us out!
If the competition gets too stiff, would you consider pulling a Tonya Harding on her?Are you crazy? Of course not! The fact that Kristi is doing so well, I mean, congratulations to her. I'm considering maybe taking Mark [Ballas, Yamaguchi's dance partner] out, 'cause I'm a lot closer to Mark than to Kristi. But … [
Turns away from the phone, speaks to Mark.] It's Blender.
Mark: Hello!
Karina (continues): But no, the guys work so hard, so it's great to see our competitors doing so well.
Are you hoping to graduate from Dancing With the Stars to Hollywood?I
totally would love that. That would be the best scenario ever. I love
the show; I think it's opened up so many opportunities in the
entertainment industry. But ideally I would love to act, and it's
something that would totally please me in the future.