DANCING WITH THE STARS Monday 5/16/11 (8:00-10:01 p.m. ET/PT) on ABC

FOUR REMAINING COUPLES COMPETE IN THE SERIES’ TOUGHEST SEMIFINAL EVER

“Episode 1209″ – The competition is closer than ever as the four remaining pairs perform three pressure packed routines — one ballroom and one Latin dance they’ve not yet done, and one winner-takes-all Cha Cha — for the chance to make it to the Season 12 finals.

The four remaining contestants are:

* KIRSTIE ALLEY, television and movie star, and MAKSIM CHMERKOVSKIY
* CHELSEA KANE, Disney star, and two-time champ MARK BALLAS
* RALPH MACCHIO, movie star, and KARINA SMIRNOFF
* HINES WARD, Super Bowl MVP, and Season 9 champion KYM JOHNSON

Hosted by Tom Bergeron (“America’s Funniest Home Videos”) and Brooke Burke (“Dancing with the Stars” Season Seven Champion), the celebrities perform choreographed dance routines which will be judged by renowned Ballroom judge Len Goodman and dancer/choreographers Bruno Tonioli and Carrie Ann Inaba.

Viewers may cast their votes for their favorite teams via phone on Monday night during and up to 30 minutes after the “Dancing with the Stars” performance shows. AT&T customers may also text message their votes by texting the word “VOTE” and entering the number that corresponds to the team they want to support (message and data rates may apply). AT&T will also offer customers exclusive mobile video footage of weekly backstage highlights to keep fans connected to some of their favorite couples all season long. Viewers may also vote online at www.abc.com starting from the opening of each episode on the East Coast with voting closing at 8:00 a.m., PT/11:00 a.m., ET on Tuesday mornings.

“Dancing with the Stars” is the U.S. version of the international smash hit series, “Strictly Come Dancing.” This version is produced by BBC Worldwide Productions. Conrad Green serves as executive producer and Ashley Edens-Shaffer and Joe Sungkur are co-executive producers. Alex Rudzinski directs. “Dancing with the Stars” is broadcast in 720 Progressive (720P), ABC’s selected HDTV format, with 5.1 channel surround sound. This program carries a TV-PG,L parental guideline.