Elena Grinenko
Elena Grinenko is a professional ballroom dance champion, choreographer, and instructor. She is best known as one of the professional dancers on the American television series Dancing With The Stars. Grinenko was born in Moscow, Russia, USSR, and has been dancing since she was seven years old. She has been trained in ballroom dancing, ballet and Russian folk dancing. She worked with the Ballroom Formation Team of Russia, and when she reached her third year as a competitive professional dancer, she became a Soviet Union Finalist. In 1994, she emerged as the Latin Division winner at both the Moscow and National Championships. She graduated from high school in 1995, and from there went on to study various kinds of dances at the Art Academy of Russia. In 1998, she moved to the United States, where she became one of the fastest rising stars in the dancing industry. In 2006, Grinenko found herself competing against former Latin partner Chmerkovskiy, and American rhythm partner Dovolani when she was selected to join the cast of the third season of Dancing with the Stars. She was paired with journalist Tucker Carlson; they were eliminated the first week. Grinenko returned to the ballroom for the fourth season, and was partnered with NBA star Clyde Drexler. They were the fourth couple to be eliminated. This ranked them in eighth place. In 2010, Grinenko was representing U.S.A. in the Second Dance World Championship (celebrated in Mexico). She was paired with Paul Barris. Elena came out from the competition after learning that she was pregnant. Her replacement was Snejana Petrova.
In October 2011, Elena was contacted by Natalie Sanders, asking if she would like to guest judge the DWTSGame. Under a few small conditions, Elena agreed and accepted the offer. After judging the season five times, Elena found that she would enjoy a whole season as judge. She was given a spot as judge for the duration of Season 6 and also replaced Head Judge Len Goodman.
In October 2011, Elena was contacted by Natalie Sanders, asking if she would like to guest judge the DWTSGame. Under a few small conditions, Elena agreed and accepted the offer. After judging the season five times, Elena found that she would enjoy a whole season as judge. She was given a spot as judge for the duration of Season 6 and also replaced Head Judge Len Goodman.
A Small Q&A with Elena Grinenko
Q: Why did you accept the offer to be a DWTSGame judge?
A: I did couple of guest appearances during the season before and it was a lot of fun. So I decided “why not do the whole season next time?”
A: I did couple of guest appearances during the season before and it was a lot of fun. So I decided “why not do the whole season next time?”
Q: What are you looking forward to as a judge for Season 6?
A: Couple pairings, always fun to see. Exciting celebrities, which in this game you not limited to anyone. Can we put out President on? LOL!
A: Couple pairings, always fun to see. Exciting celebrities, which in this game you not limited to anyone. Can we put out President on? LOL!
Q: What was your favorite dance (that you judged) from Season 5?
A: OMG so many, because I try to imagine them in my head and I have very wild and creative imagination, they all look fantastic. It's very hard to choose!
A: OMG so many, because I try to imagine them in my head and I have very wild and creative imagination, they all look fantastic. It's very hard to choose!
Q: How much fun was it to be a professional partner on Dancing with the Stars?
A: It's fun and at the same time very hard work. Because you’re spending time with someone you barely know 8 to 10 hours a day. Because of that, you get to know them, and especially their work ethics, very quickly. The most fun starts when you start bonding with each other. Getting new friends from the experience of each season is amazing.
A: It's fun and at the same time very hard work. Because you’re spending time with someone you barely know 8 to 10 hours a day. Because of that, you get to know them, and especially their work ethics, very quickly. The most fun starts when you start bonding with each other. Getting new friends from the experience of each season is amazing.
Q: Would you return to judge Season 7 if we asked?
A: Hopefully you guys will ask me back and I will have time to participate! :-)
A: Hopefully you guys will ask me back and I will have time to participate! :-)
*This is from an e-mail interview conducted with the actual Elena Grinenko on December 16th, 2011*
Elena's Links
TWITITION (GETTING ELENA TO JUDGE THE REAL DWTS)