Dancing with the Stars - Season 16 Professional Dancers

TONY DOVOLANI

CELEBRITY PARTNER: Wynonna Judd

BACKGROUND:

Be still our beating, ballroom-dancing hearts—Tony's back for Season 16 of DWTS, and you can bet he's gonna bring a little extra fire to the floor.

Born in Kosovo, professional ballroom dancer, instructor and judge Driton "Tony" Dovolani began folk dancing at age three. When he was 15, his entire family moved to the United States and Tony got the opportunity to attend the New England-based Fred Astaire Dance Academy. From that moment on, he knew he had found his passion.

Since that time, Tony has traveled the world and won several championships. Tony also had a featured role in the hit film Shall We Dance, and spent time coaching Jennifer Lopez.

Dovolani made his Dancing with the Stars debut in Season 2, when he was paired up with professional wrestler Stacy Keibler. And Tony was partnered with Melissa Rycroft in Season 8, where they came in third place.

Dovolani's fancy footwork and a second chance to dance with Melissa Rycroft in the All-Star season took him all the way to the finals, and the pair won the Mirror Ball Trophy!

ACHIEVEMENTS:

• 2005 and 2006 World Rhythm Champion
• 2006 PBS American Ballroom Challenge Rhythm Champion
• 2006 Emerald Ball Open Professional American Rhythm Champion
• 2005 Ohio Star Ball American Rhythm Champion
• Current world and undefeated United States Open champion

PRIOR CELEBRITY PARTNERS:

• Melissa Rycroft (All Star Season Champion)
• Martina Navratilova
• Wendy Williams
• Audrina Patridge
• Kate Gosselin
• Kathy Ireland
• Melissa Rycroft
• Susan Lucci
• Marissa Jaret Winokur
• Jane Seymour
• Leeza Gibbons
• Stacy Keibler