Dancing With The Stars - Season 6

[Melanie]

Season premiere March 17 at 8/7c on ABC.

Contestants to be named on Monday's Dance War finale.

This news from People.com:

Maksim Chmerkovskiy to Take Break from Dancing

When the much-anticipated, sixth season Dancing with the Stars casting announcement is made on Monday’s Dance War finale, one name missing from the roster will be that of pro dancer Maksim Chmerkovskiy.

The 28-year-old, who took celebrity partners Laila Ali and Mel B. to the finals in back-to-back seasons, is taking some time off, his rep confirms to PEOPLE.

“He just needs a break,” says an ABC spokesperson. “He is part of the Dancing family, and he will be back.”

Last December, Chmerkovskiy told PEOPLE that he was feeling burnt-out after the show’s grueling schedule.

“After coming down from two seasons back-to-back, 10 weeks each season — 14 weeks, if you count all of the rehearsals — it puts a lot of pressure on a person and it takes its toll,” Chmerkovskiy said.

A fan favorite, Chmerkovskiy may appear on several of Dancing’s results shows when the pros are featured in group-choreographed dances. It’s also very likely he will be back for the seventh season.

Meantime, Chmerkovskiy — who choreographed the Wynn Las Vegas’s theatrical water show Le Reve — is putting the finishing touches on a DWTS fitness DVD with fellow pro Cheryl Burke, and this spring he will continue to work with students at his Rising Stars Dance Academy in Saddlebrook, N.J.

I know some folks won't miss Maks, but I will. I can undestand him wanting a break though.
Can't wait to see the list of contestants!

[Jenemmy]

Oh I will really miss Maks, too! Sure, he sorta seemed to love himself, but he has good reason to

[murphy1]

There's speculation two of the contestants will be Donald Trump's ex-wife Marla Maples, along with Oscar-winning actress Marlee Matlin. I heard Sean Hayes (Will and Grace) was a potential contestant, but is opting out, he is so funny, I wish he would do it!

[J9]

More speculation that Steve Guttenburg and Adam Corolla are going to be contestants

[Melanie]

Not long now!

They've really done a much better job this season keeping the potential contestants secret. Last year we knew almost the entire list before it was announced.

[PirateLover]

I think I may tune in a bit more consistently this season!

This year's confirmed participants are: Marlee Matlin, Penn Jillette, Marissa Jaret Winokur, Adam Carolla, Cristián de la Fuente, Kristi Yamaguchi, Monica Seles, Mario Dewar Barrett, Steve Guttenberg, Jason Taylor, Shannon Elizabeth, and Priscilla Presley.

[Melanie]

Thanks for posting the list. Interesting!

I had to look some of these folks up. Cristián de la Fuente ----->

[PirateLover]

I decided to give some descriptions to help people who don't know who everyone is

Marlee Matlin- Acadamy Award winner for "Children of A Lesser God", Almost deaf

Penn Jillette- Magician, Speaking half of Penn and Teller

Marissa Jaret Winokur- Tony Award-winning actress known for her performance as Tracy Turnblad in Broadway musical Hairspray.

Adam Carolla- Former co host of Man Show with Jimmy Kimmel, radio host

Cristián de la Fuente- Chilean actor, Rodrigo from Ugly Betty (this year's eye candy)

Kristi Yamaguchi-Champion Figure Skater

Monica Seles-Former Pro Tennis Player

Mario Dewar Barrett- Singer (Let Me Love You), Actor

Steve Guttenberg- One of my fiance's favorite 80s/early 90s actors, was in the Tower of Terror Movie

Jason Taylor- Defensive end for Miami Dolphins

Shannon Elizabeth- Most famous from American Pie

Priscilla Presley- Elvis's wife (i'm really surprised about her actually)

[ChipnDaleGal]

I just adore Kristi Yamaguchi. I might have to watch this season to root her on. And how brave is Marlee Matlin? Dancing competitively with her hearing issues? I admire her spunk and would have to root for her as well. To me Penn Jillette is one of the most annoying people on the face of the planet. Hope he is first out. And Priscilla Presley is so scary looking these days, not sure about watching that frozen face of hers every week. A very intersting mix of contestants.

[KarenP]

No Maks??!!

[murphy1]

I love Marlee Matlin, she is married to a policeman and has four kids. Kristi is great too. I don't know too many of the guys. Can't wait to see who is paired with who. I wouldn't be surprised to see Mario or Jason with Julianne (my favorite pro). I'm so glad she's coming back. Whoever is with her has a lot of live up to!!

[murphy1]

I have to ask, how will Marlee be able to hear the music? I hate to ask that, I don't know if she is fully deaf, but will she have special accommodations? She is really amazing for all that she does!

[MNNHFLTX]

I have to ask, how will Marlee be able to hear the music? I hate to ask that, I don't know if she is fully deaf, but will she have special accommodations? She is really amazing for all that she does!

I'm not an expert on these things, but I know many deaf people can feel the music through vibrations, especially if there's a good bass beat. Also I'm sure that she (Marlee) will rely on her partner to set cues as to the rhythm and pace. It will be challenging, I'm sure, but if anyone can do it, I'm betting she can.

The rest of the contestant list is interesting too. Kristi Yamaguchi is a favorite of mine too and I'm thinking my husband might even watch if Adam Carolla is on.

[Jenemmy]

I just adore Kristi Yamaguchi. I might have to watch this season to root her on. And how brave is Marlee Matlin? Dancing competitively with her hearing issues? I admire her spunk and would have to root for her as well. To me Penn Jillette is one of the most annoying people on the face of the planet. Hope he is first out. And Priscilla Presley is so scary looking these days, not sure about watching that frozen face of hers every week. A very intersting mix of contestants.

YOu wrote my post for me, Donna -- I agree with every word you said!

[Donald Duck]

I wouldn't be surprised to see Mario or Jason with Julianne (my favorite pro).

Priscilla Presley - Louis van Amstel
Marlee Matlin - Fabian Sanchez (new, replacing Maks)
Kristi Yamaguchi - Mark Ballas
Marissa Jaret Winokur - Tony Dovolani
Shannon Elizabeth - Derek Hough
Monica Seles - Jonathan Roberts
Mario - Karina Smirnoff
Penn Jillette - Kym Johnson
Steve Guttenberg - Anna Trebunskaya
Adam Carolla - Julianne Hough
Cristian de la Fuente - Cheryl Burke
Jason Taylor - Edyta Sliwinska

[Melanie]

Woohoo - Cheryl got the young cutie. I guess she's done her time with the older men and it's time for her and Julianne to switch.

I think the chances look for Edyta to finally get a win, but I'll miss her hubby Alec.

[murphy1]

Woot! Kristi got Mark who was (and is dating) with Sabrina last season. So far they are my fave couple - they are going to be great! Thanks for posting the couples list.

That's kind of funny that Karina got another Mario.

[ChipnDaleGal]

I really like Marissa Jaret Winokur too. She is a little dynamo. Looks like I am really going to be rooting for the ladies this season.

[TheDuckRocks]

I'm going to be watching Cheryl and Cristian very closely. What a hottie he is!!!
Poor Kym Johnson, she keeps getting guys that she really has no chance to win with. First Cliff, then Mark Cuban and now Penn, it doesn't seem fair.
I'm so glad I'm not the only one who thinks Priscilla Presley's face is a mess. My goodness with her money you would think that she could have found a better plastic surgeon. It's very sad as she was so beautiful.

[2Epcot]

I've never watched a full episode of Dancing with the Stars. This season there are actually several stars I'm interested in seeing how they do, so I will give the show a try.