Hugging it out! Kellie Pickler and Derek Hough share a warm

Three couples have already been sent home and it's is getting down to the wire.
So the remaining contestants on Dancing with the Stars 2013 have no time to spare as they kicked up their rehearsing schedule on Friday.
The pairs were spotted sweating outside the studio, inspired to pick up their game after Tuesday's episode left reality star Lisa Vanderpump in the dust.

Hug it out: Dancing With The Stars partners Kellie Pickler and Derek Hough shared a tight embrace after Friday's rehearsal

Kellie Pickler and Derek Hough shared a warm embrace as they drove off.
While the dynamic duo have been enjoying great success on the series - two weeks ago Kellie was named Prom Queen - they know they have to step up their game.
'It's clear that the Foxtrot doesn't like me,' the country crooner tweeted.

Fancy footwork: The couple have been praised with high marks from the judges

Foxtrot friends: Kellie tweeted Friday that she's been struggling with this week's dance

Bidding adieu: The pair left in separate cars

And fellow hot shots Jacoby Jones and Karina Smirnoff kept close as they chatted outside the studio after a rehearsal session full of hijinks.
'Playing pranks on each other during rehearsals,' the Ukranian beauty posted on Twitter.
Surely fans will enjoy the behind the scene antics during next weeks episode -- which may feature some smooth moves from the NFL player.

Pretty partners: Sean Lowe and Peta Murgatroyd left after a fumbling rehearsal

Balancing act: Sean and Petra had some struggles as they tried some hands-free lifts

Putting on the pink: Sean changed into a brightly hued T-shirt after spending the day in the studio

Karina continued: 'I can't get over the fact that Jacoby can jump over me w/o help at all! Crazy!'
Sean and Peta looked to be brimming as they left the studio, having been spared this week from being in the bottom two -- having landed quite low the week before.
On Tuesday's episode, Sean admitted that he needs to step up his performance.

Pranksters: Karina Smirnoff tweeted that she and partner Jacoby Jones shared some funny moments during rehearsal

Good spirits: Karina kept up the laughs as she chatted on her phone

'We need to redeem ourselves,' he said of his thoughts of next week. 'I accept the challenge.'
The two appeared cozy as they rolled around on a soft mat during rehearsal in a snap shared on the show's Instagram with the caption: 'Balancing act or blundering act?'
It shows the former Bachelor contestant attempting a hands-free lift on his partner before she tumbles to the ground.

Shake it up: Maxim Chmerkovskiy handled a health drink as he took a break on Friday

Strong pair: Maxim's brother Val kept a tight grip on partner Zendaya

Victor Ortiz smiled for his fans despite having a close call just days before.
The boxer and his pro Lindsay Arnold were spared from elimination after being in the bottom two against reality star Lisa Vanderpump.
Come Monday they'll have another chance at dancing in front of the cameras.

Close call: Victor Ortiz was nearly eliminated on Tuesday

Team Vicsay: Victor's partner Lindsay smiled for the cameras afterward

First season: The blonde was previously a contestant on So You Think You Can Dance

Fortunately they'll have another chance to dance with their take on the Viennese waltz on Monday's show.
'Please keep rooting for @Dance9Lindsay and I on @DancingABC every MONDAY night we don't like being bottom 2 much,' he pleaded to his Twitter followers.
Still in the competition are Alexandra Raisman, Zendaya Coleman, Kellie Pickler, Sean Lowe, Soap opera star Ingo Rademacher, American football star Jacoby Jones, boxer Victor Ortiz and comedians D.L. Hughley and Andy Dick.

Lunch time: Sean was seen taking a break from DWTS rehearsals on Friday as he grabbed a bite to eat with boxer Victor Ortiz

Second chance: The popular boxer gave a thumbs up to fans before rehearsal