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Tony Dovolani

Driton Dovolani (born July 17, 1973),[2] commonly known as Tony Dovolani is an Albanian-American professional ballroom dancer, instructor and judge. He is known for his involvement in the American version of Dancing with the Stars on ABC. Dovolani also portrayed Slick Willy in the hit film Shall We Dance? and spent time coaching actress Jennifer Lopez.

Tony Dovolani

Driton Dovolani

(1973-07-17) July 17, 1973
Pristina, SFR Yugoslavia
  • Ballroom dancer
  • instructor
  • judge
  • actor
Lina Dovolani
​
(m. 1999)​
[1]

3

Early life[edit]

Dovolani was born in Pristina, Kosovo to Albanian parents from Debar.[3][4] He began folk dancing at the age of three. At the age of fifteen, his family moved to Stamford, Connecticut.[4] He got the opportunity to attend classes at a Fred Astaire Dance Academy.[5]

Average: 27.7

Dancing[edit]

Ballroom dancing is all about the woman, according to Dovolani. He believes the man is meant to be the frame for the picture of beauty as presented by the woman.


Dovolani and his partner Elena Grinenko have recently retired from competing in the American rhythm division. Prior to his partnership with Elena, he danced with Inna Ivanenko[12] and Lisa Regal.

2006 nominated for an for outstanding choreography for Dancing with the Stars for episode #208 (Dance: Jive).

Emmy

2006 America's Ballroom Challenge Rhythm Champion

PBS

2006 Emerald Ball Open Professional American Rhythm Champion

[13]

2006 Champion with Elena Grinenko

United States Open Rhythm

2006 with Elena Grinenko

World Rhythm Champion

2005 Ohio Star Ball American Rhythm Champion

[14]

2005 Champion with Inna Ivanenko

United States Open Rhythm

2005 with Inna Ivanenko

World Rhythm Champion

Dancesport World Champions (rhythm)

U.S. National Dancesport Champions (Professional Rhythm)

Dancing with the Stars (U.S. TV series)

at IMDb

Tony Dovolani

Dancing with the Stars Biography

Tony Dovolani Official MySpace Page