Lisa Vanderpump Shares Advice for NeNe on 'DWTS'

Exclusive: the former contestant says it's "the most fantastic experience of a lifetime."

By Kevin O'Donnell Mar 5, 2014, 8:48 AM ET

NeNe Leakes will be strapping on her high heels and donning a ball gown as she hits the dance floor for next season's Dancing With the Stars. The Real Housewives of Atlanta star is teaming up with pro dancer Tony Dovolani for Season 18 of the hit competition show, premiering March 17.

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But she's not the first Housewife to give it a go in the ballroom. Lisa Vanderpump famously competed in Season 16. And although she was eliminated, she tells the Dish it was "the most fantastic experience of a lifetime."

We wondered if she had any words of wisdom for NeNe as she gets set for competition. Below, here's what she wrote us.

First off, I have to offer my congratulations, NeNe! The upside of doing Dancing With the Stars: Oh, what an incredible eight weeks of panting, gyrating and legitimately being unfaithful with one of the cutest guys on the planet! Living a dream as you float around the dance floor, camaraderie with a group of people as you fight for survival.

Downside? It's seven hours a day, you can't even stand up for seven hours let alone dance. You're absolutely frozen with fear as you peek outside the curtain, knowing that 20 million people might see you land on your arse. You're sore in places you didn't know you had!

But all in all, it's the most fantastic experience of a lifetime. You join a family with DWTS that stays with you. I will be there sending you love and cheering you on. Bring the glitter ball home to Bravo! You go girl, get your jive on!

Love,
Lisa Vanderpump

Are you rooting for NeNe, too? And what advice do you have for her? Tell us in the comments.