Tony Dovolani

[DanceMentor]

I was looking over the statistics for Dance Forums, and the search phrase that brought more visitors to Dance Forums in January (more than any other) was Tony Dovolani. So first, let me say, "Thank you, Tony!" :D

I recall on the first episode of Dancing with the stars Tony said he had the reputation of being the "villain" in the ballroom dance world, but as I've gotten to know him so far, he seems like a pretty likeable guy. Appearance-wise, I can see how he might be looked upon as a villain, but he seems like a pretty cool dude. I've seen him at comps, and thought, "I'm not sure if I like that guy". But I think I'm starting to see more.

What do you know about Tony Dovolani?

[fascination]

I was looking over the statistics for Dance Forums, and the search phrase that brought more visitors to Dance Forums in January (more than any other) was Tony Dovolani. So first, let me say, "Thank you, Tony!" :D

I recall on the first episode of Dancing with the stars Tony said he had the reputation of being the "villain" in the ballroom dance world, but as I've gotten to know him so far, he seems like a pretty likeable guy. Appearance-wise, I can see how he might be looked upon as a villain, but he seems like a pretty cool dude. I've seen him at comps, and thought, "I'm not sure if I like that guy". But I think I'm starting to see more.

What do you know about Tony Dovolani?well I have heard negative things about him which I will not repeat b/c I honor the anti gossip philosophy of this forum and I know that with any success people get criticized and scrutinized and objectified by others who are jealous..so I'm not going to do that...for me, he's great to watch as a dancer and um....well, he's just great to watch:oops: :oops: ...whatever else is or isnt true about him is none of my business...he's just yummy

[DanceMentor]

well I have heard negative things about him which I will not repeat b/c I honor the anti gossip philosophy of this forum and I know that with any success people get criticized and scrutinized and objectified by others who are jealous..so I'm not going to do that...for me, he's great to watch as a dancer and um....well, he's just great to watch:oops: :oops: ...whatever else is or isnt true about him is none of my business...he's just yummy

Uh-oh! I hope I didn't pick a bad topic, and I too don't like harmful gossip, warranted or not.

He sort of got a Tom Sellik look or something, eh?

[fascination]

Uh-oh! I hope I didn't pick a bad topic, and I too don't like harmful gossip, warranted or not.

He sort of got a Tom Sellik look or something, eh?well I mentioned the gossip thing as a pre-emptive reminder..b/c I was concerned that your post might lead to some sharing in that speculative direction...anyhow, so we don't gossip here...having said that...the most danger that you are now in is of one of your moderators swooning and drooling shamelessly...and that is hardly avoidable....and no, he's better than Tom Selleck....yum(did I mention that already?)

[musicchica86]

Hey, if you want to drool, go right ahead! Me and MQ did the same thing last season over Alec...:raisebro:

[fascination]

Hey, if you want to drool, go right ahead! Me and MQ did the same thing last season over Alec...:raisebro:tell me about it...you could take a bath in MQs drool buckets;)

[DanceMentor]

:uplaugh: If you are drooling, does that mean this post is getting wet?

[fascination]

:uplaugh: If you are drooling, does that mean this post is getting wet? I do not know how to answer that question...my mind has just travelled to all sorts of places...okay now, ahem....no, unles you post a picture I should be able to stay reasonably in check...however...just the thought is most distracting

[DanceMentor]

http://www.dance-forums.com/album/showphoto.php/photo/723/size/big/cat/recent/limit/recent
He sort of has a strange expression here.
That's not drool material, is it?

[fascination]

http://www.dance-forums.com/album/showphoto.php/photo/723/size/big/cat/recent/limit/recent
He sort of has a strange expression here.
That's not drool material, is it?do you really want me to click on this ???? you do dont you ???? you realize that I havent received the requsite amt of flirting from the anthroplogist in residence and this might just push me clear over the edge dont you?

[fascination]

OMG TOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO late ...swoooooooooooooooon...where's the hose?????/

[DanceMentor]

But look at his facial expression and imagine what sound he might be uttering. Surely, this is not the Tony we say on DWTS! :)

[fascination]

But look at his facial expression and imagine what sound he might be uttering. Surely, this is not the Tony we say on DWTS! :)who's looking at his face silly man

[musicchica86]

I'm so bad...

Who volunteers to run out and find a picture of the man himself?:) Me!

http://abc.go.com/primetime/dancing/images/gallery/training/re_09_240x360.jpg
Courtesy abc.com

Who's evil? Me! (Yes, I'm trying to kill you LOL)

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

[fascination]

mightily resisting urge to discuss nailing frames ...must be good...must moderate...breathe deeply...

[DanceMentor]

I'm so bad...

Who volunteers to run out and find a picture of the man himself?:) Me!

http://abc.go.com/primetime/dancing/images/gallery/training/re_09_240x360.jpg
Courtesy abc.com

Who's evil? Me! (Yes, I'm trying to kill you LOL)

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

I was not able to see Tony in that picture.
Is he somewhere in the background?

[fascination]

very funny mister...he's right there behind meeeeeeeee:cool:

[RhumbaWaltz]

If only we could PhotoShop Stacy out of that picture!!
I saw Tony at a pro-am competition and he was really fun to watch - very charismatic.

[mamboqueen]

How much dance experience does she have?? She looks way too natural, even in that pose above, to be completely new to dance. I have this little nagging feeling that she's done this before.

As for Tony...ehhhh....I'll keep my tall Russian. Somehow, I get this feeling that he and Stacey will be doing pro-am after this is all said and done.

[gusmahler]

How much dance experience does she have?? She looks way too natural, even in that pose above, to be completely new to dance. I have this little nagging feeling that she's done this before.

She trained in ballet, tap (and possibly others) for many years. No ballroom though, AFAIK. Some on the ABC forums say 14 years. This article on the WWE site: http://www.wwe.com/inside/news/stacydances only says she danced from when she was "young" (I believe 3 or 4) until high school.

[mamboqueen]

That explains a lot. Thank you.

Interesting article. She has danced competitively, which gives her a bit of an edge.

[dressgirl]

Tony is a great guy. He gets pro-am and he gets how to handle tv/movies from his experience in "Shall we Dance". They made a great decision when they picked him for the show. Not only is he good looking, he's a great dancer, from what I hear - a very capable coach, and a new DAD.

[fascination]

How much dance experience does she have?? She looks way too natural, even in that pose above, to be completely new to dance. I have this little nagging feeling that she's done this before.

As for Tony...ehhhh....I'll keep my tall Russian. Somehow, I get this feeling that he and Stacey will be doing pro-am after this is all said and done.I like my men dark...and being 100% polish (though it say russia on all the relatives birth certificates, I prefer something a bit less familiar;) )...glad I dont have to fight you for him MQ...even though we know my bicpts are bigger than your thighs and I would win...course this whole new dad thing is spoiling my fun

[mamboqueen]

hey...I have long nails and I bite...watch it! *LOL*

I tend to be attracted to the darker sort, too. DH is Portugese....and very, very handsome (as I type this on *his* laptop). If he could just dance......

[fascination]

hey...I have long nails and I bite...watch it! *LOL*

I tend to be attracted to the darker sort, too. DH is Portugese....and very, very handsome (as I type this on *his* laptop). If he could just dance......dh is italian and pro is phillipino so I am doubly blessed.....


ps both are handsome
pps both dance
ppps...I bite too

[fascination]

AND....here I go again....if someone would ever kindly explain top me how to fix a 127 thumbnail error from interfering with my upload...I could actually show you some pics of dh....though I see you know where to find my pro albeit he is hard to see ;)

[mamboqueen]

you're incessant!

Actually, I tried to upload and got the same mumbo jumbo.

[fascination]

you're incessant!

Actually, I tried to upload and got the same mumbo jumbo.well GOOD...stomp...at least I now know it isnt just me......am all for waiting, just want a clue....esp since I have never had a problem before.....sides i owe certain special special shots;)

[fascination]

well GOOD...stomp...at least I now know it isnt just me......am all for waiting, just want a clue....esp since I have never had a problem before.....sides i owe certain special special shots;)btw...since we have already highjacked a tiny bit, I am doing rhythym at the feb comp...watch for the latin dress after that...so we did mambo and bolero today...swooooooooooon

[Sunshines Partner]

Tony is a nice guy and a fine teacher. I just wish the pro dance they performed on the show was better.

[fascination]

Tony is a nice guy and a fine teacher. I just wish the pro dance they performed on the show was better.I saw them at ohio ...I think most people who have seen them compete know what their best performance looks like and those who haven't were dazzled anyway

[DanceMentor]

Tony is a nice guy and a fine teacher. I just wish the pro dance they performed on the show was better.

I thought for television they could have done more tricks. I actually thought the routine with Stacy was much more of a crowd pleaser.

[Sunshines Partner]

I thought for television they could have done more tricks. I actually thought the routine with Stacy was much more of a crowd pleaser.

I wasn't talking about the routine. I felt that they weren't dancing their body enough. I wanted to see more rib cage movement.

[DancePoet]

http://www.dance-forums.com/album/showphoto.php/photo/723/size/big/cat/recent/limit/recent
He sort of has a strange expression here.
That's not drool material, is it?
I much prefer Inna. ;)

[DancePoet]

I'm so bad...

Who volunteers to run out and find a picture of the man himself?:) Me!

http://abc.go.com/primetime/dancing/images/gallery/training/re_09_240x360.jpg
Courtesy abc.com

Who's evil? Me! (Yes, I'm trying to kill you LOL)

"Ballroom dancing is all about the woman, according to Tony. He believes the man is meant to be the frame for the picture of beauty as presented by the woman."
I'd say that is one nice looking woman to frame. ;)

[DancePoet]

mightily resisting urge to discuss nailing frames ...must be good...must moderate...breathe deeply...
:lol: There's more to say here, but I'm resisting. ;)

[DancePoet]

I was not able to see Tony in that picture.
Is he somewhere in the background?
:lol: And here I thought the guy in the background was one of our very own Dfers. Oh well.

[DancePoet]

very funny mister...he's right there behind meeeeeeeee:cool:
Oh my! Yes ... it really is her! :shock:

[DancePoet]

How much dance experience does she have?? She looks way too natural, even in that pose above, to be completely new to dance. I have this little nagging feeling that she's done this before.
Quite possibly, although I wasn't impressed with her dancing last Thursday.

As for Tony...ehhhh....I'll keep my tall Russian. Somehow, I get this feeling that he and Stacey will be doing pro-am after this is all said and done.
I've seen his actions doing Pro-Am, and sometimes it makes me think, is it about his Am or him?

[DancingMommy]

:lol: There's more to say here, but I'm resisting. ;)

Let it out... Let it all out....

[fascination]

Oh my! Yes ... it really is her! :shock:and I hear that the gallery will be up tomorrow so perhaps then I can prove it:cool:

[fascination]

:lol: There's more to say here, but I'm resisting. ;)resistance is futile:cool:

[fascination]

I've seen his actions doing Pro-Am, and sometimes it makes me think, is it about his Am or him?I have heard others express this as well...meh, could be jealousy could be accurate....I will need to take a much closer look:cool: .....

[Fuelsbaby]

I was looking over the statistics for Dance Forums, and the search phrase that brought more visitors to Dance Forums in January (more than any other) was Tony Dovolani. So first, let me say, "Thank you, Tony!" :D

I recall on the first episode of Dancing with the stars Tony said he had the reputation of being the "villain" in the ballroom dance world, but as I've gotten to know him so far, he seems like a pretty likeable guy. Appearance-wise, I can see how he might be looked upon as a villain, but he seems like a pretty cool dude. I've seen him at comps, and thought, "I'm not sure if I like that guy". But I think I'm starting to see more.

What do you know about Tony Dovolani?


I have to throw my two cents in here, I was on staff with Driton "Tony" at Fred Astaire studios in NY a few years back and he is a genuinely nice guy. He does have a bad rep in the "industry" but I suspect that is mostly b/c he has always done so well. He's funny, sweet and a spectacular dancer...I'm glad to see he is doing well.

[fascination]

well I dont want others with stories to be tempted so I hope we just leave it on that nice personal note

[Ralph]

I just saw Shall We Dance for the first time (yes, I should be ashamed as a dancer to see it so late) and found out Tony played in it. I did not know that.

[salsera_alemana]

I just saw Shall We Dance for the first time (yes, I should be ashamed as a dancer to see it so late) and found out Tony played in it. I did not know that.

Sorry for this stupid question: What is "Shall we Dance"? I am just so NOT into TV, except dancing (shows, documentaries, you name it) and figure skating.

[Laura]

It's a movie. There are two versions: the orginal, in Japanese, without Tony, which is vastly superior to the recent Richard Gere Hollywood-remake.

[SDsalsaguy]

It's a movie. There are two versions: the orginal, in Japanese, without Tony, which is vastly superior to the recent Richard Gere Hollywood-remake.
I strongly second that. The original is far, far better.

[Medira]

I'll add a third in there...even though I own both versions on DVD.

[DovolaniFan]

Hello
I found this board simply because I am a new Fan of Tony's. I do not have any inside scoop or experience as a dancer. Just a fan.
I find his dancing to be very passionate, seductive and thrillin to watch. bad boy or not. I want more Tony!!!!
Does anyone know if he has a website?
Thank you

[pygmalion]

Hi DovolaniFan. Welcome. :D

I'm not sure if he has a site or not, but I did notice one url that kept popping up when I did a google image search yesterday. Artful Rhythms something? I wonder if that's his site. :?

Anybody know?

[DovolaniFan]

Thank you
I did a similar search. I think those sites are connected to folks who might have been coached by Tony.

[pygmalion]

Oh. Bummer. I'm sure somebody here must know. :?

[fascination]

i say we just introduce ourselves at the next comp and ask him personally

[DovolaniFan]

He sort of has a strange expression here.
That's not drool material, is it?

Woah thanks for posting the picture DanceMentor.
It only makes him more attractive to me!!!

Id like to ask for a favor though..If you post other picture of Tony please give me ample warning..I nearly slipped on my drool and fell on my butt after viewing the last one! ( tee hee)

[fascination]

keep the hose handy

[fascination]

UPDATE.... MQ dont know which chicago comp you were referring to...it might be harvest moon in oct...but tony will also be at the starlight ball which is in like may or june in south bend IN

[mamboqueen]

no no...it's something in October....I think I saw it in the most recent dancebeat edition.

[fascination]

then thats harvest moon...but he is also coming to south bend for the starlight...I think I will be dancing very minimally at both....dance budget ya know...and bigger fish to fry

[mamboqueen]

hotlanta here we come! Woo hoo!

[fascination]

:cheers: :cheers: :cheers: :cheers: all advice on best margaritas in atlanta welcomed here

[mamboqueen]

They're not gonna know what hit 'em! Margarita express...salsa party....lots of fun. And I have to tell you, if they have it at the Westin hotel again, it's probably the best bed and blankets I've experienced! We'll sleep like babies!

[fascination]

:shock: :shock: :shock: :shock: ...on behalf of SD, THERE'S SLEEP AT COMPS???????????

[mamboqueen]

Well, only if you have to compete the next day!

[fascination]

you body lets you DOOOOOO that?

[mamboqueen]

Only if I sleep!

[fascination]

no silly, I meant your body LETS you sleep????

[mamboqueen]

ooohhh...well, only if I drink margaritas ;)

(I'm a doing a circular thing here?? *LOL*)

[fascination]

precisely...its all for the good of my dancing

[jona]

wow! i met him! he played with my hair! xD

[GalacticDancer44M]

Just got back from the Michigan Challenge and Tony and Elena Grinenko put on an incredible performance. Both were beyond amazing!

[PasoDancer]

I would NOT trust myself liquored-up around Tony Dovolani... that's the stuff restraining orders are made of. :D

[fascination]

lol...darlin' I am not even sure he'd be safe if I was sober.....yum

[marianya]

aren't tony and elena available for coaching sessions during the chicago harvest moon this year?

[mamboqueen]

does_nothing_for_me.

but yes, he can dance ;)

[Laura]

Not my preferred form of hotness, either.

[fascination]

aren't tony and elena available for coaching sessions during the chicago harvest moon this year?
doubt DURING...but image in the area around then...

[fascination]

does_nothing_for_me.

but yes, he can dance ;)
he DANCES?

[fascination]

Not my preferred form of hotness, either.only the bod...haven't met him so I am not sure whether he's high octane hot, cuz I'd also have to think that he was smart and other stuff...but um, yep, nice to look at IMO...I like my men dark...:cool:

[GalacticDancer44M]

does_nothing_for_me.

but yes, he can dance ;)


Not my preferred form of hotness, either.


Guess I shouldn't feel too bad when rejected! Even Tony can't please them all! :)

What famous guy fills the bill for you ladies? Inquiring minds want to know!

[fascination]

hey...this is a tony ogling thread...positively NOOOOO highjacking allowed...lol

[Imhere]

I didn’t know where to post this article so…

http://www.caller.com/news/2007/sep/04/dancing-with-a-star/ (http://www.caller.com/news/2007/sep/04/dancing-with-a-star/)
Dancing with a star
Local woman, reality TV trainer partner up to win

When local orthodontist Janet Vaughn takes the floor with new partner Tony Dovolani, she has to remind herself to focus on the dance.

Dovolani, who begins his fourth season as a professional partner on ABC's hit reality show "Dancing with the Stars" Sept. 24, has trained Vaughn since December. A few weeks ago, they competed and won their first title together as an amateur student-professional instructor pair.

Dovolani, 34, has been dancing since he was 15. He is the United States Professional Rhythm Champion and the undefeated World Professional Rhythm Champion. He made his television debut with "Dancing with the Stars" during season two. His current project is a Web site called www.ballroomdancechannel.com, (http://www.ballroomdancechannel.com,/) where he and other professional instructors give free video lessons and advice and showcase the sport of ballroom dance.

Vaughn's goal is to take the world Latin ballroom championship title in her division at the Ohio Star Ball in November. She's so committed to winning that she has commuted between Corpus Christi, Los Angles and New York during the past year to train with the seasoned instructor. She also puts in about 15 hours of practice each week, sometimes arriving at the studio before sunrise.

Vaughn met Dovolani several years ago through her Corpus Christi coach and partner, Fonzie Zapata. She said she feels blessed Dovolani, whose schedule keeps him on the run, agreed to train her. She said going places with him is always entertaining.

"He gets mobbed everywhere we go but he is always very humble," she said. "He never says no to an autograph or picture."

Photo - http://img206.imageshack.us/img206/7575/wetrtrhf6.jpg (http://img206.imageshack.us/img206/7575/wetrtrhf6.jpg)


P.S. and a new pic of Tony D. http://img519.imageshack.us/img519/6343/tony1fn0.jpg (http://img519.imageshack.us/img519/6343/tony1fn0.jpg)

[DennisBeach]

I was looking over the statistics for Dance Forums, and the search phrase that brought more visitors to Dance Forums in January (more than any other) was Tony Dovolani. So first, let me say, "Thank you, Tony!" :D

I recall on the first episode of Dancing with the stars Tony said he had the reputation of being the "villain" in the ballroom dance world, but as I've gotten to know him so far, he seems like a pretty likeable guy. Appearance-wise, I can see how he might be looked upon as a villain, but he seems like a pretty cool dude. I've seen him at comps, and thought, "I'm not sure if I like that guy". But I think I'm starting to see more.

What do you know about Tony Dovolani?
I met him once and he seems nice, he definitely is determined. He was at the Mequon FADS studio working with Jackie Joseph. I ran into him in the men's room between lessons. He had pulled a muscle in his back a few days earlier and was tending to that. They had been working on samba swivels most of the previous hour, definitely not what I would want to work on with a sore back.

[etp777]

He is definitely a nice guy. Met him at jackie's new studio, irooniically. :)

[DennisBeach]

It's a movie. There are two versions: the orginal, in Japanese, without Tony, which is vastly superior to the recent Richard Gere Hollywood-remake.

I liked it much better also. It was more reasonable. Original version depicts him having enough group and than private lesssons, to dance at the level he danced during the competition. Second version, 15 minutes with pretty teacher doing something latin, transforms him into a good smooth/standard dancer.