Who is Kristi Yamaguchi - Skater and Dancer

When I first skated here, I definitely felt small out there because it is such a big surface.

Winning the Olympic title is one of the proudest moments of my life. And I'm extremely proud to have represented the Olympic movement and the United States at the 2002 Salt Lake City Games. This was a wonderful opportunity for not only Americans to see the world's finest athletes but for the world to see America at its best. Now, I am thrilled to be a wife and mother, and I hope to be as good of a mother as my own mother, Carole.

All the athletic glory and honors are wonderful but sometimes I come face to face with a disadvantaged child or with a struggling mother or father and I am grateful for my gifts. And I rededicate myself to doing whatever I can to help someone in need. The good feeling I get from contributing rivals anything I felt on the Olympic stand in Albertville.

Mark Ballas was born in Houston, Texas to Corky and Shirley Ballas, two of the biggest names in dance. When he was very young, they moved to London, England where he began his performing career. He joined the Italia Conti Academy of Dramatic Arts Associate School at age 4, where his training in acting and singing/dancing began. At age 11, he earned a full time spot at the Academy. He also earned a full scholarship to the college and won performer of the year in 2005.

Mark has also performed in theater. He played the lead in the musical Copa Cabana, as well as playing roles in Maria de Buenos Aires, The Buddy Holly Musical and at the London Palladium.

His dancing partner, Julianne Hough, and her brother Derek Hough moved to England when they were young and lived with Mark and his parents. There, they were trained by Mark's parents, Corky and Shirley Ballas. They became close friends and still are to this day.

Mark's biggest passion is his band "Almost Amy." Together with his best friend and fellow dancer, Derek Hough, they write and perform all their original music.