Who Will Be “Dancing” Later This Month?

Monday, March 17th sees the return of “Dancing With the Stars” and the new cast is an eclectic one…

Here are this season’s pairs:

Kristi Yamaguchi and Mark Ballas
Priscilla Presley and Louis Van Amstel
Jason Taylor and Edyta Sliwinska
Cristian de la Fuente and Cheryl Burke
Mario and Karina Smirnoff
Marlee Matlin and Fabian Sanchez
Penn Jillette and Kym Johnson
Adam Carolla and Julianne Hough
Shannon Elizabeth and Derek Hough
Marissa Janet Winokur and Tony Dovolani
Monica Seles and Jonathan Roberts
Steve Guttenburg and Anna Trebunskaya

One name you’ll notice is missing from the pros is Maksim Chmerikovsky. He says he’s sitting out this season to focus on other activities, but you might remember he stirred up some controversy last season with his post-finale comments in which he revealed his frustration at losing. Maks was also critical of Marie Osmond and Jane Seymour staying on so long…

So, who do I see as an early favorite? I’m going with Kristi and Mark. Kristi is a professional skater so we know she has moves and Mark is a good partner—if his shoulder is completely healed.

One thing I can tell you for sure. Julianne is not going to three-peat…

One other note from “DWTS”: Karina had back surgery this week, but is expected to be back for the premiere…