Dance Teams
Trista Sutter Celebrity dancer Louis Van Amstel Professional dancer Rachel Hunter Celebrity dancer Jonathan Roberts Professional dancer Kelly Monaco Celebrity dancer Alec Mazo Professional dancer Joey McIntyre Celebrity dancer Ashly DelGrosso Professional dancer Evander Holyfield Celebrity dancer Edyta Sliwinska Professional dancer John O'Hurley Celebrity dancer Charlotte Jorgensen Professional dancer

Trista Sutter PROFESSION: Reality Star HEIGHT: 5'2 PARTNER: Louis van Amstel BACKGROUND: Trista was born in Indianapolis, Indiana. At the age of four she moved with her family to St. Louis. An outgoing tomboy as a child, Trista loved soccer, swimming and softball. She attended university in Indiana gaining a degree in exercise science before moving to the University of Miami for her masters degree. CAREER: Trista started her career as a pediatric physical therapist at Miami Children's Hospital, but achieved overnight fame aged 29 when she was chosen to appear on ABC's hit reality show The Bachelor. She made the final two, but was not ultimately picked as The Bachelor's dream girl. Not being chosen proved to be the best thing that ever happened to her, because Trista was then asked to become the first Bachelorette. She met the man of her dreams in handsome fireman Ryan Sutter, and after a long engagement they married in a million dollar special TV wedding. PERSONAL: Trista and Ryan live in Vail, Colorado. OTHER INFORMATION: Trista spent two seasons as a Miami Heat dancer.

Louis Van Amstel ACHIEVEMENTS: United States Professional Latin American champion (2000) 7 Time Dutch National Amateur Champion European Amateur Latin Champion ('95) World Amateur Latin Champion ('94, '95) Grand Slam Latin Champion ('95) World Professional Showdance Champion ('96) Professional World Latin Finalist ('96) STATS: Style: Latin Age: 32 Height: 5'7" Nationality: Dutch Based in: Utah Status: Retired from competing, but regularly appears in exhibition performances. Has produced dance shows on Broadway (Latin Fusion) and in Salt Lake City (Latin Revolution). CELEBRITY PARTNER: Louis is partnering Trista Sutter, reality star of The Bachelor and The Bachelorette. BACKGROUND: Louis first began his dance career at an early age, training in a theater school gaining a solid background in ballet, tap, and jazz. Upon graduating, Louis attended the University of the Arts in Amsterdam to further strengthen his skills in the classical dances and theory. Unlike many dancers Louis has a strong psychological approach to teaching. He trains under legendary dance guru Dr. Ruud Vermeij who has a holistic approach towards dancing. Louis is also a student of Laban choreology and is well versed in human movement dynamics. DANCING: Upon immigrating to the United States, Louis quickly became the U.S. National Latin Champion in 2000 and founded the company VanDance, LLC. Through VanDance Louis directed, choreographed and performed in Latin Fusion, a feature production on Broadway at City Center in New York City. He is certain he will change his celebrity's life through dance and he is convinced that his celebrity will be the best dancer on the floor.

Rachel Hunter PROFESSION: Supermodel, Actress HEIGHT: 5'10 PARTNER: Jonathan Roberts BACKGROUND: Born and raised in Auckland, New Zealand, Rachel dreamed of being a ballerina from an early age. Her dreams of dancing were not to come true, because by the age of 17 Rachel was working as an international model. Rachel posed for Sports Illustrated magazine in 1989 and quickly became one of the most photographed cover girls in the world. CAREER: As one of the world's most instantly recognizable models, Rachel graced the covers of hundreds of magazines including Vogue, Sports Illustrated and Elle to name a few. She has been the face of Covergirl, Revlon and Pantene. Rachel has recently branched out into acting, and has appeared in numerous feature and independent films, including Rock Star, El Padrino, Ozzie, Macarthur Park and 12 Rounds. TV work includes playing Judd Nelson's lesbian girlfriend on Suddenly Susan and appearances on The Drew Carey Show. Rachel also hosted ABC's Are You Hot. Last year, Rachel starred in the title role of the Fountains of Wayne song Stacey's Mom. The video was among the top five most viewed videos of the year. PERSONAL: At just 21, Rachel married legendary rock star Rod Stewart. The marriage was not to last, but it did produce two beautiful children Renee (13) and Liam (11), who live with Rachel in Los Angeles.

Jonathan Roberts ACHIEVEMENTS: 2004 USA Rising Star Latin Champion 2003 Blackpool Rising Star Latin 1997 USA Rising Star American Ballroom 2 times undefeated USA pro-am 10 dance champions 3 times undefeated USA pro-am Latin champions 2 times USA pro-am American Ballroom champions. STATS: Style: Latin Age: 31 Height: 6'0 Nationality: American Based in: San Jose, California Status: Currently dancing with Anna Trebunskaya CELEBRITY PARTNER: Jonathan is partnering supermodel Rachel Hunter. BACKGROUND: Jonathan started dancing 10 years ago, at the age of 20. He is one of the few competitors representing America who was actually born in the U.S. Coming from a big sports background in high school (namely basketball), it was as much of as shock to Jonathan as it was to his family and friends when he discovered a passion for ballroom dancing. Jonathan went to see the Al Pacino movie Scent of a Woman and there was something about the famous tango scene that struck a chord. He took advantage of the free ballroom lesson offered on his movie ticket stub, and the rest is history. DANCING: With his first partner, Jonathan won the 1997 USA Rising Star American Ballroom before deciding to focus on the Latin style. Jonathan also competes in Pro-Am (the Professional/Amateur circuit), where he trains a student and also competes with her - Jonathan and his amateur partner Pam Butler are 2 times undefeated USA Pro-Am 10 dance champions, 3 times undefeated USA pro-am Latin champions, 2 times USA Pro-Am American Ballroom champions. He has been dancing with his current partner (and wife) Anna Trebunskaya for 4 years. Together they represent the USA in competitions around the world. Jonathan trains 6 days per week; training includes dance practice, Pilates, ballet, yoga and gym work. Although only having danced together for a relatively short time, Jonathan and Anna have achieved many high placements in competitions around the world. Jonathan and Anna currently rank 6th in the US and 24th in the world, and Jonathan has his signts set on the top; 'Winning means everything to me. You never go out to have fun, you go out to win'.

Kelly Monaco PROFESSION: Actress HEIGHT: 5'1 PARTNER: Alec Mazo BACKGROUND: Born and raised in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Kelly was a sporty child who enjoyed soccer, track and softball. CAREER: Kelly currently stars in ABC's daytime soap General Hospital as Sam McCall, the pregnant mistress of Port Charles' mob boss Sonny Corinthos. Kelly also starred as Tess Ramsey in General Hospital spin-off series Port Charles, for which she was nominated for a Daytime Emmy. She has also appeared on Spin City and a variety of feature films. PERSONAL: Kelly lives in Los Angeles. She is involved numerous children's charity events and programs for the elderly.

Alec Mazo ACHIEVEMENTS: Emerald Ball Latin Amateur Champion 1st Place - 2001 International Grand Ball (San Francisco) 1st Place - 2001 Holiday Ball (Las Vegas, Nevada) STATS: Style: Latin Age: 27 Height: 5' 11" Nationality: American Based in: San Francisco Status: Currently competing with Edyta Sliwinska CELEBRITY PARTNER: Alec is partnering actress Kelly Monaco, star of ABC's General Hospital. BACKGROUND: Alec moved to America from Russia with his family when he was 12 years old. His mother ran a dance studio, and today Alec runs the largest and most successful studio in California. Alec has a BA in Cognitive Science from UC Berkeley. He has appeared in the Vanessa Williams movie Dance With Me as well as numerous commercials. DANCING: Alec has been dancing since he was five years old. Also a keen soccer player, Alec considers dancing a sport, and the competitive side of dance is what he loves most. Early on, Alec realized that dancing was a great way to meet girls; he found it gave him something in common with them, making him more approachable and talkative. He's been hooked on dancing ever since, and before meeting his girlfriend he enjoyed a fast lifestyle on the international dance scene. Alec and his partner Edyta Sliwinska only turned professional this year, having been successful amateur Latin competitors for the last five years. Alec says he is a very dominant, powerful male on the dance floor. He is fully aware of his good looks and admits that he concentrates on the aesthetic side of the performance as he knows that's what he's good at.

Joey McIntyre PROFESSION: Musician, Actor HEIGHT: 5'10 PARTNER: Ashly Delgrosso BACKGROUND: The youngest of nine kids - he has seven sisters and one brother - Joey was born in Needham, MA, on New Year's Eve 1972. The McIntyre's were a musical family and Joey started performing in local theatre at a young age. At just 12 years old, Joey joined brand new Boston boy band New Kids On The Block (NKOTB) as their very youngest member. CAREER: NKOTB burst onto the scene and enjoyed phenomenal success with memorable hits such as Hangin' Tough, You've Got It (The Right Stuff) and Cover Girl. By the time they disbanded in 1994, NKOTB had sold 35 million records worldwide, and reached the top of Forbes' highest paid entertainers list. After leaving NKOTB Joey decided to go back to acting, and won roles in various movies. He has recently starred on Broadway, first in Tick Tick Boom and more recently as the lead Fiyero in Wicked. On TV, Joey had a recurring role as a teacher in the successful show Boston Public. He has been a regular fixture on MTV over the years, featuring on Cribs, Fanatic and a record breaking 14 appearances on TRL. Never far from music, Joey has released four solo albums: Stay The Same, Meet Joe Mac, One Too Many and most recently 8:09. PERSONAL: Joey lives in Los Angeles with Barrett, his wife of almost 2 years.

Ashly DelGrosso ACHIEVEMENTS: Holiday Rising Star Champion Rising Star World Professional Latin Championship Semi-Finalist United States Rising Star Professional Latin Champion Finalist 2 x US Youth Ten Dance Champion Amateur Ten Dance Champion US Youth Standard Champion STATS: Style: Latin Age: 22 Height: 5'3" Nationality: American Based in: Utah Status: Currently not competing as she's looking for a partner. Performs regularly as part of a dance company CELEBRITY PARTNER: Ashly is partnering musician and ex-New Kid On The Block Joey McIntyre. PROFESSIONAL DANCE PARTNER: Before recently retiring from the professional Latin circuit, Ashly partnered Rick Robinson. BACKGROUND: Ashly grew up in Utah as one of a family of eight kids (6 girls and 2 boys). Ashly's mother, a keen dancer herself, owns a local dance studio so it was only natural that Ashly started dancing as soon as she could walk. All of Ashly's siblings, save for one brother, are also keen dancers. DANCING: Growing up, dancing was as natural for Ashly as walking and talking. At the age of 12 Ashly discovered ballroom dancing. She trained in both and, won a number Amateur Ten Dance titles with her amateur partner Jonathan Gulledge. What Ashly loves about Latin dancing is the "passion and charisma." She thinks the chemistry between a couple is crucial "because if you don't have the chemistry you're just dancing as two different people and not as a couple." As a professional dancer, Ashly partnered Rick Robinson with whom she won the Holiday Rising Star Champion title, as well as reaching the Semi-Finalist round in the Rising Star section of the Ballroom world's biggest competition in Blackpool England.

Evander Holyfield PROFESSION: World Heavyweight Boxing Champion HEIGHT: 6'2" PARTNER: Edyta Sliwinska BACKGROUND: Born in Atmore, Alabama, Evander Holyfield moved with his family at a young age to Atlanta, Georgia. The youngest of nine children (four brothers and four sisters), Holyfield supported himself pumping airplane fuel and by working as lifeguard. Evander was especially close to his beloved mother Annie Laura Holyfield who taught her children that hard work was key to reaching their goals, establishing in Evander a quality that he would continue to exhibit in every aspect of his life. As a child Holyfield dreamed of representing his new hometown on the football field as an Atlanta Falcon. He joined the Warren Memorial Boys Club and quickly distinguished himself on the football field, but it was his curiosity that led Holyfield to his athletic destiny. Evander was fascinated by what went on in the restricted area of the boy's club -- namely boxing. After daily requests that were always turned down, Holyfield finally wore down coach Carter Morgan, convincing him to join the boxing team. CAREER: As an amateur boxer, Holyfield represented the United States in the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics. Heavily tipped to win the gold medal, Evander took home the bronze after a controversial decision from the referee. That same year Holyfield turned professional, winning his debut pro fight against Lionel Byarm. He won his first world title (as a Cruiserweight) in 1986, and to this day remains the only undefeated, undisputed Cruiserweight Champion. Evander has faced numerous boxing legends in the ring, including George Foreman, Larry Holmes, Riddick Bowe and Lennox Lewis. He has a record of 38 wins, 7 losses and 2 draws, with 25 wins by knockout. On October 25, 1990, Holyfield fulfilled his lifelong dream of becoming the Heavyweight Champion of the world. Holyfield was the first cruiserweight champion to win the heavyweight title, which he has gone on to win a further three times, making him the world's only 4-time Heavyweight Champion of the World. In 1997 Holyfield famously faced Mike Tyson in the ring defending his WBA title. In one of boxing history's most unforgettable encounters, Mike Tyson bit off a large chunk of Evander's ear. PERSONAL: Evander is a keen dancer and even owns his dance studio. A father of ten children, Evander lives in Atlanta with his third wife Cindy.

Edyta Sliwinska ACHIEVEMENTS: Emerald Ball Latin Amateur Champion 1st Place - 2001 International Grand Ball (San Francisco) 1st Place - 2001 Holiday Ball (Las Vegas, Nevada) STATS: Style: Latin Age: 25 Height: 5' 6" Nationality: Polish Based in: San Francisco Status: Currently competing with Alec Mazo CELEBRITY PARTNER: Edyta is partnering four-time world heavyweight boxing champion Evander Holyfield. BACKGROUND: Edyta comes from a humble working-class Polish background and has made many sacrifices to pursue her dream to become the world's grea-*test*-('") Latin dancer. She misses her family greatly but feels she is on the road to stardom in the dancing world so the sacrifice is worth it. DANCING: Music was what first drew Edyta to dancing, and what keeps her so passionate about it. Edyta believes very strongly in creating chemistry on the dance floor. Despite only turning professional recently, Edyta sees herself as a future world champion and her sudden emergence on the professional scene has ruffled the feathers of many of her competitors. Full of contradictions, Edyta is passionate and animalistic on the dance floor, firm in the rehearsal room but also possesses an undeniably soft side.

John O'Hurley PROFESSION: Actor, TV Host HEIGHT: 6'2" PARTNER: Charlotte Jorgensen BACKGROUND: John was born in Kittery, Maine but grew up in West Hartford, CT. Drawn to performing from a young age, he remembers dressing up in a swimsuit, homemade oxygen tank and goggles to watch his favorite show Sea Hunt. "From that point on, acting was in my blood." Having graduated from Providence College, RI with a theater degree, John's career began with 12 years in daytime television, on shows including The Young And The Restless, All My Children and Santa Barbara. CAREER: John is best known for his role as charismatic catalogue king J. Peterman on Seinfeld, the number one syndicated TV show. His career in television includes ABC's Over The Top and A Whole New Ball Game, NBC's The Weber Show and CBS's Scorch. More than 50 guest-starring roles include Frasier, The X Files and Murder She Wrote. Most recently John appeared on UPN's The Mullets and NBC's Father of the Pride. John has starred in various films including Race To Space with James Woods and Billy The Kid with Val Kilmer. Behind the camera, John is currently producing The Richard Petty Story and is also developing a film version of the bestselling novel Ahab's Wife. An accomplished stage actor, John has starred in national tours of Pirates of Penzance, Gentlemen Prefer Blondes and Brigadoon. He is currently lending his voice to King Neptune in SpongeBob SquarePants, Captain Star Johnson in Duck Dodgers, and King Wallace II in Kim Possible. After a two year stint hosting To Tell The Truth and three years on Get Golf with the PGA tour, O'Hurley is a regular host of NBC's The National Dog Show. An all round performer, John has shown off his musical talent on stage in several performances of Broadway songs, accompanied by a 60-piece orchestra. PERSONAL: John married wife Lisa Mesloh in August 2004. They live in Beverly Hills with their two dogs Scoschi and Betty. Though an ardent Boston Red Sox Fan, John's true sporting passion is golf. He maintains his single digit handicap by playing on the Celebrity Player Tour, as well as lending his name and game to help charities close to his heart, namely Golfers against Cancer and The Child Development Institute. John is also an Honorary Chairman of the Epilepsy Foundation.

Charlotte Jorgensen ACHIEVEMENTS: 1999 US Open Champion 1998 Japanese Open International Ballroom Champion 1999 US open Champion 1997 2nd at the United Kingdom, British, World and European Championships 1994 Amateur World Champion 1994 Professional Rising Star champion at Blackpool STATS: Style: Ballroom Age: 33 Height: 5'6" Nationality: Danish Based in: NY Status: Recently retired CELEBRITY PARTNER: Charlotte is partnering actor and comedian John O'Hurley - aka J.Peterman on Seinfeld. BACKGROUND: Charlotte grew up in Denmark, and as was customary she started dance classes at the age of 2 (most Danish children attend dance classes to help them achieve poise and manners). Both her mother and sister were keen dancers. At the age of 10, Charlotte took up ballet and was instantly hooked. From that day she never questioned her future - Charlotte knew that dancing was the only thing she ever wanted to do. Originally Charlotte wanted a dance career on the stage in the West End or on Broadway, so she moved to London at 18 to pursue her dream. However Charlotte soon discovered ballroom and Latin dancing, and within three years was an Amateur Ten Dance Champion. By the age of 22 she was World Amateur Champion. In 1994, after winning the Amateur World Championships, Charlotte turned professional, and that same year won the Professional Rising Star at the prestigious Blackpool competition. DANCING: Charlotte is an internationally renowned dancer. She is considered to be one of the best ballroom dancers ever. During the summer of 2003 Charlotte was chosen by Richard Gere to be his dance instructor for the film Shall We Dance. She also partly taught Jennifer Lopez. In addition to ballroom, Charlotte is experienced in several dance disciplines - jazz, ballet, modern and tap. In 1997, Charlotte started dancing with Andrew Sinkinson. Together, they went on to place second at the United Kingdom, the British, the World and the European Championships. Charlotte believes her biggest achievements were never the results; it was always about being true to the dancing.

For serious? Especially Trista ....