Tony Dovolani has become one of the most recognized faces of Fred Astaire Dance Studios and of Ballroom Dancing. Tony began his ballroom career as an instructor with Fred Astaire and has since become a World Champion American Rhythm Dancer with his partner, Elena Grinenko. Having a coaching with Tony gives you bragging rights, as he has been a cast member of ABC’s Dancing with the Stars every year since Season 2.
Born in Prishtina, Kosova. Tony began folk dancing at age three. He was 15 when he and his entire family moved to the United States. He attended Fred Astaire Dance Academy and knew he had found his passion. Tony has been a strong and successful competitor in the ballroom dancing world. He, and his partner for many years, Elena Grinenko have retired from competing and remain close friends. When he isn’t dancing on “Dancing with the Stars” he teaches and does personal appearances around the country. Tony and fellow dancers Maksim and Val Chmerkovskiy are partners in the dance studios, “Dance With Me” USA Dance Studios, in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut.