- Executive Dance Board Member
- Co-National Dance Director
- Started with Fred Astaire Dance Studios in 1990
BIO
Tony Dovolani was born in Prishtina, Kosova and began folk dancing at age three. He was 15 years old when he and his family moved to the United States. At age 17, he began ballroom lessons at a Fred Astaire Dance Studio in Connecticut and knew he had found his passion. Six months later, he began working as a FADS Dance Instructor, and he has been a strong and successful competitor in the professional ballroom dancing world ever since.
In 2006, Tony joined ABC’s Dhia nrog lub Hnub Qub for their second season, and quickly became a fan favorite with his stellar choreography, elegance and bright smile. He spent 21 consecutive seasons on the show; Tony and his dance partner Melissa Rycroft were the Season 15 “Dancing with the Stars: All-Stars” Mirror Ball Trophy Champions. Tony’s professional body of work is impressive. He has guest hosted and choreographed for the world-famous Chippendales at the Rio/Las Vegas, (Spring 2018); choreographed the Miss Nevada pageant (2012) and was a judge for the Miss America competition (2011). He, with fellow DWTS Pro Cheryl Burke, choreographed and performed a special Paso Doble for Pixar’s Qho khoom ua si zaj dabneeg 3. He’s guest-hosted segments on NTXIV, the Golf Channel’s The Morning Drive and on the ABC syndicated show On the Red Carpet. He has guest starred on television series including TV Land’s Cov Exes and CBS TV’s Kevin Yuam Kev, and played Latin bad-boy competitor, ‘Slick Willy’ in the hit film Sawv Daws. He has toured with Dhia Ua Movies thiab Dance to the Holidays and has been a frequent guest on Zoo thaum sawv ntxov America.
Of his role as Co-National Dance Director for the Fred Astaire Dance Studios network, Tony offers, “My life has now come full circle. At age 17, I began my dance career as an Instructor with FADS, and now, to carry on the legacy of the iconic dancer and choreographer Fred Astaire, is truly an honor. My goals as Co-National Dance Director are not only to bring all the knowledge and skills I’ve gained to this position, but even more importantly – to work together with you to bring FADS – home of the best dancers in our industry – to the next level. When I was a brand new teacher, one of my mentors told me, “what you learn at FADS will help you be successful not only in your career, but in every aspect of your life”, and it’s been incredible how true that was. What I learned while working at that Fred Astaire Dance Studio has helped me with my family, my dancing, in movies and TV shows… in all the accomplishments I’ve ever had. But the truth is, I always wanted to come back – to be here, because THIS is where I belong, this is where I am proudest – to know when I walk out on a stage or anywhere, that I represent Fred Astaire Dance Studios – THAT is truly an honor.”
ACHIEVEMENTS
- 2006 Nominated rau Emmy rau Kev Ua Tau Zoo Tshaj Plaws / Dhia nrog lub Hnub Qub Zaj #208 (Dance: Jive)
- 2o06 wb America's Ballroom Challenge Rhythm Champion nrog Elena Grinenko
- 2006 Emerald Ball Open Professional American Rhythm Champion nrog Elena Grinenko
- Xyoo 2006 Tebchaws Asmeskas Qhib Kev Sib Tw Sib Tw nrog Elena Grinenko
- Xyoo 2006 Ntiaj Teb Kev Sib Tw Sib Tw nrog Elena Grinenko
- Xyoo 2005 Ohio Star Ball American Rhythm Champion nrog Elena Grinenko
- Xyoo 2005 Tebchaws Asmeskas Qhib Rhythm Champion nrog Inna Ivanenko
- Xyoo 2005 Kev Sib Tw Ntiaj Teb Rhythm nrog Inna Ivanenko
- Fred Astaire National Champion - International Latin (ntau xyoo)
- Fred Astaire National Champion - American Rhythm (ntau xyoo)
Thaj tsam ntawm kev paub dhau los
- Txhua Yam Ntawm Dance
- Kev Nyuaj Siab & Kev Txhim Kho Lub Cev
- Kev Ua Haujlwm Studio
- Kev ua yeeb yaj kiab
- Kev Kawm Lag Luam
Tony Dovolani is part of the prestigious Fred Astaire Dance Studios International Dance Council, uas saib xyuas kev qhia ua las voos qhia ntawv thiab ntawv pov thawj, kws txiav txim plaub ntug (Professional, Amateur, Pro/Am) ntawm Cheeb Tsam, Hauv Tebchaws & Thoob Ntiaj Teb Fred Astaire Dance Studio Dance Kev sib tw cov xwm txheej, nquag qhia peb Cov Tub Ntxhais Kawm & Qhia hauv kev seev cev qhov chaw nyob thoob plaws peb lub network, thiab tshuaj xyuas tas li peb cov ntawv qhia ua las voos ntiag tug kom ntseeg tau tias tsuas yog qhov zoo tshaj plaws, cov khoos kas tshiab tshaj plaws rau peb Cov Tub Ntxhais Kawm. Yog xav paub ntxiv txog Fred Astaire International Dance Council lossis ib ntawm nws cov tswv cuab, thov hu rau peb.