Dancing’s Pro Pairings Announced on GMA

February 19, 2008

The twelve celebrity dancers stepping into the ballroom on season six of ABC’s Dancing With the Stars found out who their professional partners will be on Good Morning America Tuesday.

The announcement was made live on the morning telecast, a day after the celebrity cast was revealed on Monday night’s Dance War finale.

Notably absent from the pro list is fan favorite and two-time finalist Maksim Chmerkovskiy, who confirmed to PEOPLE Saturday that he was taking this season off. New to the cast is Chmerkovskiy’s pal, mambo champion Fabian Sanchez. Returning favorites this season are two-time DWTS champs Cheryl Burke and Julianne Hough, as well as Edyta Sliwinska, the only pro to compete in all six seasons of the show.

Here’s the lineup of who’s paired with whom:

Olympic Gold Medal skater Kristi Yamaguchi and Mark Ballas
Actress Priscilla Presley and Louis van Amstel
NFL star Jason Taylor and Edyta Sliwinska
Actor Cristian de la Fuente and Cheryl Burke
R&B singer Mario and Karina Smirnoff (pictured above)
Oscar-Award-winning actress Marlee Matlin and Fabian Sanchez
Illusionist Penn Jillette and Kym Johnson
TV and Radio Personality Adam Carolla and Julianne Hough
Actress Shannon Elizabeth and Derek Hough
Actress Marissa Jaret Winokur and Tony Dovolani
Former Tennis Champ Monica Seles and Jonathan Roberts
Actor Steve Guttenberg and Anna Trebunskaya

The cast all met for the first time in Chicago on Tuesday to tape a special DWTS-themed episode of Oprah Winfrey’s talk show, which will air on Thursday, Feb. 21. Joining the new cast on Oprah will be previous Dancing winners Kelly Monaco, Drew Lachey, Emmitt Smith and Helio Castroneves.

Dancing’s season six premiere kicks off on March 17. –Monica Rizzo

Ethan Miller/Getty; Brad Barket/Getty

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Cathy February 19th, 2008

Max is not Edyta’s husband—-Alec Mazo is

E February 19th, 2008

Adam Carolla and Marlee Matlin…that is two ends of the spectrum! What would make an Oscar Award winner what to dance on this show? These shows are traditionally for has-beens.

Terri February 19th, 2008

I’m really disappointed in this seasons line up as well. I think this is going to be pretty boring. And…you better keep Priscilla out of the hot lights in fear of her face melting!!!

Rorycat February 19th, 2008

No, no, no people !!! You have to see them dance before you can say who you are voting for or who will win. I love Edyta, so I hope Jason is as good of a dancer as Emmitt and Jerry. But I will wait to see them first. So glad Louis is back.

Mickey February 19th, 2008

What I find interesting is all this talk about the line up not being “Stars.” Apparently, they are more “celebrity” than any of us posting here. Remember, this is entertainment. It’s just fun to watch people to learn these great dances. The line up has a varitey of people that will appeal to the majority of the public. Of course, some people will not recognize all the participates (just a note, I knew 9 out of the 12). It’s still going to be fun. Just keep an open mind and enjoy the dances.

Patricia Garrison February 19th, 2008

The most unknown group of “stars” since the show began - B-O-R-I-N-G!!!

Beth February 19th, 2008

No Maksim! No good!

Elizabeth February 19th, 2008

ALL of my votes will be going to Kristi and Mark! I hope they make it all the way!

Lori February 19th, 2008

I’m MISSING MY MAX ALREADY !!!!!!