Inside Val Chmerkovskiy's show with brother Maksim and his 'DWTS' track record
For the pro-dancers of 'Dancing With The Stars', the competition is truly as tough as it gets. Besides having to perform with a celebrity that dances or may not be a dancer, they also have to choreograph and put together a stellar performance that ensures they make it to the next round. With all the pro-dancers having multiple international competition title wins to their names, it's definitely no easy feat to bag a 'DWTS' win.
But for Val Chmerkovskiy, the third time might be the charm. Having won twice before and with a track record that places him among the top three in multiple seasons, Chmerkovskiy knows how to win over the audiences and judges. Now, on Season 30, as he gears up to dance with model and influencer Olivia Jade, here's a look at his impressive track record.
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Val Chmerkovskiy early life
Valentin Aleksandrovich "Val" Chmerkovskiy is a Ukrainian-American professional dancer. He is a two-time World Latin Dance Champion (Junior and Youth), 14-time U.S. National Latin Dance champion and a two time winner of 'DWTS'. Along with his partner Diana Olonetskaya, he was part of the first American dance team to win a world junior championship title.
He was born to Aleksandr "Sasha" Chmerkovskiy and Larisa Chmerkovskaya in Ukraine's Odessa, which was formerly the Soviet Union on March 24, 1986. His older brother, Maksim Chmerkovskiy is also a professional dancer who has been a part of 'DWTS' and is a judge on Ukraine's 'DWTS'. The family moved to the United States in 1994 and in 1996, his father and brother opened a dance studio in New Jersey.
Married to 'DWTS' pro-dancer Jenna Johnson
'DWTS' has many pro-dancer couples in its roster and among them are Chmerkovskiy and Jenna Johnson. The pair were first romantically linked back in 2015, although they denied it back then. Later in 2016, the rumors were put to rest when Chmerkovskiy was said to have been dating model Amber Rose. The pair broke up 2017 and Chmerkovskiy rekindled his romance with Johnson. The pair eventually got engaged in 2018 and went on to tie the knot in 2019, surrounded by friends, family and 'DWTS' alumni such as Adam Rippon, Mark Ballas, Cheryl Burke, Artem Chigvintsev, Joe Amabile and Brandon Armstrong, among others.
Own performance tour with his brother Maksim Chmerkovskiy
The Chmerkovskiy brothers are extremely talented, to say the least. They have their very own show called 'Stripped Down', which tours across the country. As per the show's synopsis -- 'Enter "Stripped Down", a unique experience that will bring you closer to the boys than ever before; an intimate evening packed with breathtaking dancing, deeply personal storytelling, and world-class showmanship true to the Chmerkovskiy name. Maks and Val will have you laughing, crying, then laughing again. An up close and personal show sharing their most revealing stories like only they can. Genuine and heartwarming, this show promises to take your emotions for a ride, and have you smiling on the drive back. The boys leave their hearts out on stage, and maybe a sock or two.' They even offer a virtual VIP meet and greet if you want to get up close and personal!
His 'DWTS' track record
Chmerkovskiy has been a pro-dancer on the show right from Season 13 to Season 29, save for Season 26, where he was not a part of the pro-lineup. On Season 13, he was partnered with model and actress Elisabetta Canalis and the duo placed 11th. On Season 14, he was partnered with comedian and talk show host Sherri Shepherd, and they placed 10th. On Season 15 he was partnered with Season 1 winner, Kelly Monaco and they placed third that season. On Season 16, he was partnered with actress Zendaya and they placed second. On Season 17, he paired with film and television actress Elizabeth Berkley Lauren and the duo placed sixth. On Season 18, he paired with actress and author Danica McKellar and the duo placed sixth. On Season 19, he was partnered with 'Pretty Little Liars' actress Janel Parrish and they placed third.
On Season 20, he was paired with actress and singer Rumer Willis and they went on to win the season. On Season 21, he was partnered with R&B singer and reality television star, Tamar Braxton, who unfortunately quit due to health reasons. The duo placed fifth. On Season 22, he was partnered with meteorologist Ginger Zee and the duo placed third. On Season 23, he was partnered with Olympic artistic gymnast Laurie Hernandez and they went on to win the season. On Season 24, he was partnered with Fifth Harmony singer Normani Kordei and they placed third. On Season 25, he was partnered with former Paralympic swimmer Victoria Arlen and they placed fifth. On Season 27 where he was paired with actress Nancy McKeon and the duo placed 11th.
On Season 28, he was partnered with model and actress Christie Brinkley. But Brinkley had to leave the show five days before the premiere due to a broken arm. Her daughter, model Sailor Brinkley-Cook took over and the duo came in 9th. On Season 29, he is paired with cheerleading coach and reality television star Monica Aldama and they placed 10th that season. On Season 30, Chmerkovskiy is all set to dance with model and influencer Olivia Jade.