Tony Dovolani
Celebrity Partner:
Kate Gosselin
Style:
Latin
Nationality:
Albanian
Did You Know?
Coached Jennifer Lopez
PROFESSIONAL BIO
CELEBRITY PARTNER: Kate Gosselin
BACKGROUND:
Be still our beating, ballroom-dancing hearts—Tony's back for Season 9 of DWTS, and you can bet he's gonna bring a little extra fire to the floor this fall.
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. Most recently, Tony was partnered with Melissa Rycroft in Season 8, where they came in third place.
How far will his fancy footwork take him this time?
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:
Kathy Ireland
Melissa Rycroft
Susan Lucci
Marissa Jaret Winokur
Jane Seymour
Leeza Gibbons
Stacy Keibler
Tony's Tweets