Fabian Sanchez

The highly energetic Fabian Sanchez joined the cast of professional dance instructors on the sixth season of "Dancing with the Stars" (ABC, 2005- ), partnering up with deaf actress Marlee Matlin – a challenge in and of itself, but particularly for the new guy on the job. Born in Columbia and raised in Alabama, dancing came naturally to Sanchez because of his cultural background. There was nothing but salsa and meringue music played in his house every day while his mom cleaned. What started out as just a fun summer job one year, however, turned into a remarkable career for Sanchez when he was discovered while working in a steakhouse in Birmingham, AL. This led to applying to the Fred Astaire training program. Although Sanchez had wanted to go to college with hopes of eventually turning pro in soccer, he agreed to work at Fred Astaire, thinking it would be a temporary job. He was wrong.

Throughout the years, Sanchez became a seasoned competitor, achieving such accomplishments as US Rising Star Champion, American Rhythm (1999); four time Fred Astaire National Champion; three time US Open American Rhythm Finalist, and 3rd in the World Mambo Championship. Now retired from competition, Sanchez joined season six of "Dancing" to replace Maksim Chmerkovskiy and discovered a new level of difficult when partnered up with Matlin – someone who could not hear the music. The couple lasted longer on the program than most expected; no doubt in part to Matlin's fighting spirit in tackling adversity, but also in part to Sanchez's patience and sensitivity in dealing with such a challenge.