Chelsie Hightower may not be dancing as a pro on season 18 of Dancing With the Stars (DWTS), but she is weighing in on all of the performances from week one.

The ballroom dancer, who was a professional on DWTS for seasons 8 – 12, as well as seasons 14 and 15, is sizing up the contestants on a blog for ABC and on a panel with Good Morning America (GMA).

In her blog, Hightower admits that contestant Danica McKellar is her early favorite, though she was impressed by most of the contestants.

While she didn’t think Billy Dee Williams was a “great dancer,” she did give him some advice, “Just give it a little more energy and work on using those arms! We just want to see a little improvement every week. You got this!”

Like many who watched the season 18 opener of DWTS, Hightower was inspired by Amy Purdy and her performance. “Amy has sterling courage to face the stiff challenge this show presents! That is not just noteworthy but absolutely inspiring to all who will watch her performances in the coming weeks,” said Hightower.

Hightower gave positive reviews to all contestants, ending her post with, “Over-all it was an impressive ‘Dancing with the Stars’ seasonal premiere! If the opening show is any indication, and it is, this will be a strong season featuring great dancing!”

On Tuesday morning Hightower joined former DWTS contestant Sherri Shepherd, Robin Roberts, George Stephanopoulos, Josh Elliott, and Amy Robach, to further discuss the performances from the first night of season 18 of DWTS.

Tune in tomorrow for #DWTS alumna @SherriEShepherd and @chelsiehightowr breaking down @DancingABC's premiere! #GMADancing

— Good Morning America (@GMA) March 18, 2014

Did you catch @DancingABC last night? What a season premiere! We’ll chat with former cast member’s @SherriEShepherd & @chelsiehightowr.

— Robin Roberts (@RobinRoberts) March 18, 2014

Always such fun on @GMA especially when @SherriEShepherd is on the panel. Hope you guys catch it/caught it!

— Chelsie Hightower (@chelsiehightowr) March 18, 2014

Hightower took to Instagram to document her time on GMA.

“Fun on the panel @GMA”

“Always love seeing this woman @sherrieshepherd and getting her sweet words of advice. So much love to you Sherri!”

Image via Chelsie Hightower, Instagram.