Louis Van Amstel

"Dancing with the Stars" (ABC, 2005- ) veteran and Dutch ballroom dance champion Louis van Amstel began his dance career at an early age, training in a theatre school and gaining a solid background in ballet, tap and jazz. Upon graduating, he attended the University of the Arts in Amsterdam to further strengthen his skills in the classical dances and theory. He would soon become a seven-time Dutch National Amateur Champion, as well as World Amateur Latin Champion in 1994 and 1995, European Amateur Latin Champion in 1995, Grand Slam Latin Champion in 1995, World Professional Showdance Champion in 1996 and Professional World Latin Finalist in 1996.

Upon immigrating to the United States, Van Amstel quickly became the U.S. National Latin Champion in 2000 and founded the company VanDance, LLC. Through VanDance, he directed, choreographed and performed in Latin Fusion, a feature production on Broadway. Van Amstel had a strong psychological approach to teaching. He trained under legendary dance guru Dr. Ruud Vermeij, who had a holistic approach toward the art form. Van Amstel was also a student of Laban choreology and was well-versed in human movement dynamics.

As a leading pro on "DWTS," the Emmy-nominated dancer was also the coach of the show's fellow pro, Dmitry Chaplin, and was paired with a bevy of celebrity beauties through the years, including Trista Rehn Sutter in season 1, Lisa Rinna in season 2 (the couple came in fourth place) and Monique Coleman (also fourth place). He sat out the next two seasons, stating that he did so because the female celebrities were all taller than he was, but he still maintained a choreographer and performance role on the show. He returned to the dance floor in season 6, partnering with Priscilla Presley. For season 9, Van Amstel was paired with the feisty reality TV star, Kelly Osbourne.