Val Chmerkovskiy

Val Chmerkovskiy is a Ukrainian-American professional dancer, choreographer, and television personality best known as a professional and later a judge on the American television series Dancing with the Stars. A two-time champion of the show, he has also appeared in other television programs and launched several successful business ventures in the dance and entertainment industries. Chmerkovskiy is widely recognized for his technical skill in Latin and Ballroom dance and his charismatic on-screen presence.

Early life and education

Valentin Aleksandrovich Chmerkovskiy was born in Odesa, then part of the Ukrainian SSR within the Soviet Union, to a Jewish family. He began dancing at the age of six, following in the footsteps of his older brother, fellow professional dancer Maksim Chmerkovskiy. In 1994, his family immigrated to the United States, settling in Brooklyn, New York City. He trained extensively in Latin and Ballroom dance at the family-owned Dance Academy in New Jersey, where he was coached by renowned instructors. Chmerkovskiy attended Fort Hamilton High School in Brooklyn before pursuing higher education, though his competitive dance career took precedence. He became a U.S. National Amateur Champion and a World Latin Finalist as a youth competitor, establishing his reputation in the global dance circuit.

Dancing with the Stars

Chmerkovskiy joined the cast of professional dancers on the ABC competition series Dancing with the Stars during its thirteenth season in 2011. He quickly became a fan favorite, known for his demanding choreography and competitive spirit. Over his tenure, he has been partnered with numerous celebrities including Kelly Monaco, Zendaya, Janel Parrish, Laurie Hernandez, and Olivia Jade Giannulli. He won the twenty-third season with Olympic gymnast Laurie Hernandez and later triumphed again in the thirty-first season with actress and singer Gabrielle Union's daughter, Charli D'Amelio. In 2024, following the show's move to Disney+, Chmerkovskiy transitioned from professional dancer to a permanent judge on the panel, joining Carrie Ann Inaba, Bruno Tonioli, and Derek Hough.

Other television and media appearances

Beyond his primary work on Dancing with the Stars, Chmerkovskiy has made several other television and media appearances. He competed on the Ukrainian version of the show, Tantsi z zirkamy, and appeared on the American series The Bachelorette and General Hospital. Chmerkovskiy was also a contestant on the Food Network series Worst Cooks in America and has been featured in music videos for artists like Lady Gaga. He has made guest appearances on talk shows such as The Talk and Good Morning America, and participated in the iHeartRadio Jingle Ball tour.

Business ventures

Chmerkovskiy is a co-owner, alongside his brother Maksim Chmerkovskiy, of the Dance Academy studios located in New Jersey and New York City. The brothers also founded the Maks & Val production company, through which they launched a national tour titled "Maks & Val Live on Tour: Our Way." Furthermore, Chmerkovskiy has been involved in the fashion industry, collaborating on dancewear collections and launching his own line of dance shoes. He has also invested in and promoted various health and wellness brands, leveraging his public profile in the fitness community.

Personal life

Chmerkovskiy became engaged to fellow Dancing with the Stars professional dancer Jenna Johnson in 2018, and the couple married in 2023 in a ceremony in Charleston, South Carolina. He is a naturalized citizen of the United States and is fluent in Russian, Ukrainian, and English. Chmerkovskiy is an advocate for Ukraine, particularly following the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, using his platform to raise awareness and humanitarian aid. He and his brother Maksim Chmerkovskiy were honored with a star on the Ukrainian Walk of Fame in Odesa.

Category:American dancers Category:American television personalities Category:Ukrainian emigrants to the United States