Dancing with the stars, tony dovolani

DWTS Season 18 Premiere Interview: Tony Dovolani

Ilia Vinikovskiy
Published: March 18, 2014
Updated: October 13, 2026

TONY DOVOLANI DANCING WITH THE STARS SEASON 18 PREMIERE INTERVIEW

Dancing with the Stars veteran and proud member of the DWM FAM, Tony Dovolani returns to the show for his 17^th….SEVENTEENTH…season! Read Tony’s comments about his excitement to be back in the DWTS action, and to work with his new partner Real Housewives of Atlanta star NeNe Leakes!
HOW DOES IT FEEL TO BE ON YOUR 17^TH SEASON OF DANCING WITH THE STARS?
I feel like the veteran! You don’t know if you’re back until a few weeks before the show starts. Every time I get that phone call, and I’m invited back to this special show, it’s a feeling I can’t describe. It feels incredible to be a part of this show and a part of pop culture.
WHAT WAS YOUR REACTION WHEN YOU REALIZED YOU WERE DANCING WITH THE REAL HOUSEWIVES OF ATLANTA STAR NENE LEAKES?
My reaction was awesome because I watch that show with my wife, and she is actually one of my favorite characters on the show. She’s got a big personality and I know there will never be a dull moment. I hope you guys are ready to be entertained!
NENE HAS MENTIONED MULTIPLE TIMES THAT SHE HAS EXPERIENCE WITH EXOTIC DANCING. DO YOU THINK THAT WILL AFFECT HER PERFORMANCE?
Well, first of all, that was 20 years ago, but in this competition you have to do whatever you can to get an advantage! I’m sure she still has some moves and body control. You have to play up your strengths, so I will try to bring out all of her best qualities.
BEING A PROUD WINNER OF THE MIRROR BALL TROPHY, DO YOU FEEL MORE PRESSURE TO WIN AGAIN?
It’s funny now that I tasted a win. I really want to win again. When I found out that NeNe was my partner, I was not sure how competitive she would be, but now that we did some rehearsals I think we got a great chance!

WHAT DIFFICULTIES HAVE YOU FACED SO FAR DURING REHEARSALS WITH NENE?

The only complaint so far is soreness. She had a scary situation in November when her lung collapsed. She couldn’t exercise, and that set her back, but I’m breaking her in slowly… and she’ll be ready!
ARE YOU NERVOUS ABOUT SWITCHING PARTNERS DURING THE SHOW?

Yeah, I don’t like sharing my partners! I’m hoping that it will be an easy switch with someone like Maks because him and I already know each other for such a long time. We know each other’s teaching style, so it will be an easy transition for our partners.
HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT CHANGES IN HOSTS THIS SEASON?
I am going to miss Brooke, she was amazing, but I think Erin will bring something new and fresh. Sometimes change can be uncomfortable, but we’ll wait to see what she can bring to the team.

ANY FINAL WORDS TO THE DANCE WITH ME FAMILY?

Thanks for all the support over these years. Make sure to watch and you’ll be entertained! I promise….there will never be a dull moment with NeNe! Also, don’t forget to get the shirts and vote, vote, vote!

To vote for Team NeNe, NeNe Leakes and Tony Dovolani —

01 About the author

The person behind this guide

Ilia Vinikovskiy

Born July 16, 1990, in Kiev, Ukraine, he began his journey as a Latin dancer at 8 years old. When he was 12, he won his first national championship in the Ukraine. Ilia was only 15 years old when he was invited abroad to represent Poland and to study with top world teachers. Over the next few years he lived in various European countries such as England, Denmark, Italy, Hungary and Norway to train with top teachers and study Latin American dancing. His intense professional career led him to be very well recognized in the world of Latin dance. He has trained with world champions such as Bryan Watson, Carmen, Hans Galke, Lene and Colin James, Carolyn Smith and Graham Oswick, just to name a few.

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