Edyta Śliwińska

Coming from a working class Polish background, Edyta Sliwinska made many sacrifices to pursue her dream of becoming the world's greatest Latin dancer. She missed her family greatly but felt she was on the road to stardom in the dancing world, so the sacrifice was worth it. Some of her professional achievements included first place in the 2001 International Grand Ball (San Francisco, CA), first place in the 2001 Holiday Ball (Las Vegas, NV) and Emerald Ball Latin Amateur Champion.

On "Dancing with the Stars" (ABC, 2005- ), she partnered boxing champion Evander Holyfield in season 1, where they came in fifth place. In season 2, she and George Hamilton also came in fifth. During season 3, she partnered actor Joey Lawrence and they came in fourth place. In season 4, Edyta partnered with actor John Ratzenberger into sixth place, followed by season 5, in which she partnered up w/ the bi-coastal soap star, Cameron Mathison.

Though they got cut late in the game, their "Superman" Paso Doble became a particular crowd favorite. In fact, the impossibly long-legged Sliwinska made a definite impression with her seductive outfits, uber-fit body and creative choreography. To the disappointment of many male viewers, it was revealed that Sliwinska was the wife of fellow "DWTS" pro, Alec Mazo, who had taken Kelly Monaco the top during season 1.

Continuing to impress but being hard pressed to find a partner even close to a workable skill level, Sliwinska was partnered with NFL player Jason Taylor in season 6 and the Comedy Central Roastmaster comic, Jeffrey Ross. Unfortunately, Ross sustained an eye injury during practice and the couple were the first voted off. Not long after, however, Sliwinska was called back to temporarily replace Julianne Hough as Cody Linley's professional partner until Hough recovered from endometreosis surgery.

In Season 8, Sliwinska was paired with NFL player Lawrence Taylor and for season 9, she was paired with Ashley Hamilton, George Hamilton's son.