CHICAGO — Louie Vito knows double corks, misty flips, ollies and swiffers. The rumba, salsa and tango? It was a foreign language until a few weeks ago.
The snowboarder is the latest athlete to take a turn on “Dancing With the Stars.” The new season begins tonight, with Vito paired with professional dancer Chelsie Hightower.
“It’s pretty crazy. Who would have thought that ‘Dancing With the Stars,’ a show all about ballroom dancing and the big-time celebrities they’ve had on, would want a snowboarder?” said Vito, 21.
Vito admits the moves on the dance floor have not been easy.
“All of them have been pretty difficult,” he said. “With the salsa, I have to learn how to roll my hips around and do a little booty shaking.”
But don’t worry, Vito is not giving up his boarder image. Asked if he was going to cut his hair for the show, Vito grinned.
“I actually did have a haircut already. You guys can’t tell?” he said. “Like I said, I’ve got to stay true to myself. I’m a snowboarder; I’m supposed to be a snowboarder on the show. This is who I am.”
