Julianne Hough On Ryan Seacrest: "He Understands My World"

Let's hear it for the boy…and his girl.

Julianne Hough (pronounced Huff) might star in the remake of Footloose, but she is not footloose or fancy free. In fact, she has a significant other named Ryan Seacrest — you may have heard of him. 

Ask her what it's like to have two Hollywood entities in one relationship and she insists that it works perfectly well. "It helps to be with someone in the business, but we're not just about the business," says the former Dancing with the Stars cast member. "For me and my personality, I do well when my significant other has the same drive and ambition. I love that he understands my world," she says.

We caught up with Julianne to find out more about her "world," including her relationship with Ryan, dancing her butt off for that hot body and what it feels like to remake such a classic 80s dance movie. Cut Loose! 6 Lessons We Can Learn From 80s Dance Remakes

So, do you think it helps that you and Ryan share similar interests?
Ryan and I are both in the entertainment world, which is great because we get the commitment and hours and responsibility. We really understand each other. It's never one person going, "I have to work these long hours," and the other saying, "Really?"

How do you know if you've picked the right partner in love?
You need to listen to your instincts. I just go with my gut, which serves me well.

I read something about Ryan that all women will find stunningly romantic. Is it true that he took you to Paris and bought you some very special shoes as a gift?
I was in Paris with Ryan, his mom and his sister. He took us to the Christian Louboutin shoe store. It was Ryan's first shoe store with all of us and he was amazing! He did get all of us those shoes. It was wonderful. He's always doing amazing things. Ryan Seacrest Is "Really Romantic," Says Julianne Hough

Now, let's get to your big film opening. What was it like to film the iconic prom scene in Footloose?
The feeling was overwhelming. I got tears in my eyes and I looked at my co-star Kenny Wormald and he was teary-eyed, too. The magnitude of what we were about to film hit me hard. We were about to go "Footloose."

Did you see the original film?
I did, but I was born four years after the original film came out. I watched it numerous times because it was filmed in Utah where I grew up. It was our local cult classic. You had to love this film if you were from Utah. Later on, we walked around school humming, "Let's Hear It For the Boy."

Do you think audiences are ready for a new Footloose?
People want to hate this film a little bit, which I completely understand. Luckily, I have been surprised at the early screenings. I've found the audience goes in with some skepticism. It's a classic film. People have their doubts. But they leave humming the songs and during the film, they are tapping their feet. /node/89053

Did Ryan go ballistic on Dennis Quaid (who plays her stern father in the film) for slapping you in the face when you tell him you're not a virgin anymore?
Ryan and Dennis are all good! We still have that scene in the church where I tell my father that I'm not a virgin and he slaps me. It's tough to watch, and it was tough to film. Dennis Quaid felt really bad about slapping me… although he didn't actually slap me. It's movie magic. Ryan Seacrest And Julianne Hough's Yacht PDA

What do you prefer…acting or dancing?
I've been dancing since I was a little girl. Dance was something that put me on the block. I've had these opportunities because of dance. It's how people discovered me.  Dance isn't work to me. It's actually second nature. It's what I keep in my back pocket... Acting is  the most challenging thing I've done, but it's also the most rewarding. I've learned that it's so hard to watch yourself on-screen. I'm such a perfectionist that I just see what I could have done better. 

What was it like to star opposite Tom Cruise in the upcoming Rock of Ages?
I almost said 'no' to the film before I found out that Tom Cruise was in it. I did Burlesque and then Footloose, so I was looking to do something different. But this was just too good. It was an incredible shoot. It was also one of the most exciting sets I've ever been on in my life.

Are you cheering for your brother Derek, who's Ricki Lake's partner this season on Dancing with the Stars? Aren't you competitive about Dancing wins?
He's a trophy hog. He always jokes, "You have two wins, but I have three." I just say, "I can always beat your butt." Now, that I'm not doing the show, I do root for my brother. Can Dancing Teach Us How To Love?

Will you ever work with your brother on a dance film perhaps?
Of course! Derek and I have a lot of plans for the future and we would love to work together. My brother is the most talented person. He dances, plays drums and the piano. He's a great actor and photographer. We have some fun things in the works, but it will take time. 

Finally, what diet plan are you on or workout regime to look so amazing in Footloose?
I did workout every single day. I was a little obsessed. This is the smallest I've been, but it was necessary. I wanted to look 17. So, basically, I spent time in the gym and ate protein and veggies. No sugar. For Rock of Ages, I went back to my old self with more curves. That film is set in the 80s, when women could be more volopulous and sexy. That was fun, too!

Photo Credit: Getty