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 ----->