Valentin Chmerkovskiy

Valentin Aleksandrovich Chmerkovskiy is an American professional Latin and ballroom dancer, choreographer, and television personality. Born in Odesa, Ukraine, he moved to the United States at age five and settled in Brooklyn, New York. He is best known for his long tenure as a professional partner on ABC's Dancing with the Stars, where he has won three Mirrorball Trophies.

His career on the show spans over two decades, beginning as a rotation professional in 2006 before becoming a permanent fixture in 2011. Val has partnered with celebrities ranging from Olympic gymnasts to actresses, earning critical acclaim for his technical precision and emotional storytelling. Beyond the dance floor, he has expanded into acting, authoring a book titled Life Unrehearsed, and serving as a judge or choreographer for various other productions. [edit]

Valentin was born in Odesa during the final years of the Soviet Union. In 1991, when he was just five years old, his family fled the political and economic instability of post-Soviet Ukraine and immigrated to the United States. They settled in the Bay Ridge neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York, where they faced the challenges of starting over in a new country. The move marked the beginning of a life defined by resilience and hard work.

Dance became the anchor for the family. His older brother, Maksim Chmerkovskiy, also a professional dancer today, began training alongside Val under their mother's guidance. Their home environment was steeped in the discipline of International Standard and Latin styles. By the time they reached their teens, both brothers were competing seriously. Val attended Abraham Lincoln High School in Brooklyn while balancing rigorous daily training schedules that often extended late into the night. Before stepping onto national television, he spent years building a reputation in the competitive ballroom circuit, winning multiple US National Championships and establishing himself as a formidable force in the amateur and professional ranks across Europe and the United States. [edit]

The turning point for Val came in 2006 when he joined the cast of Dancing with the Stars as a rotation professional. Initially serving as a fill-in for other partners, he quickly demonstrated his versatility and skill. In 2011, producers elevated him to a permanent professional partner, a role that would define the next phase of his career. This promotion allowed him to form deeper connections with celebrity contestants and showcase his full range as a performer.

His first major victory arrived in Season 20 (2015) with actress Rumer Willis. Val guided her through a challenging season to win the Mirrorball Trophy, proving his ability to mentor non-dancers. Two years later, he teamed up with Olympic gold medalist Laurie Hernandez in Season 23. Their partnership was electric, blending high-energy routines with technical mastery to secure another championship title. After a brief hiatus and return, Val claimed his third trophy in Season 32 (2023) with actress Xochitl Gomez, cementing his status as one of the most successful professionals in the show's history.

Outside of competition, Val has worked as a choreographer for film and television projects including Fuller House and The Last Ship. He has also appeared as a guest judge on shows like The Masked Singer and America's Got Talent. His contributions behind the scenes earned him a Primetime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Choreography for a Variety Series or Special. In 2020, he published his memoir Life Unrehearsed, which became a bestseller and offered readers an intimate look at his journey from immigrant child to celebrated artist. [edit]

Val presents himself as a disciplined athlete and a dedicated artist. His public persona is built on professionalism, technical excellence, and a no-nonsense approach to training. He often appears in sharp suits or athletic wear, reflecting his dual identity as a stage performer and a fitness enthusiast. Media outlets frequently describe him as charismatic yet serious about his craft. His social media presence features a mix of dance tutorials, behind-the-scenes content, and personal updates, creating a direct line to his fans. He is known for his honest communication style, sometimes engaging in public debates about industry standards or judging protocols. [edit]

iFANN has not yet collected fame data for this person. He is not featured on the September 2026 iFAMOUS Rankings flagship list. His fanbase is a passionate group that actively supports him through social media campaigns and live events. While there is no single official name for his followers, they are often referred to as dedicated supporters of his performances. Fans organize tribute videos and trending hashtags during his episodes to boost his visibility. The community is highly engaged, with active discussions on Reddit and Facebook groups analyzing his choreography and offering support. Notable fan projects include charity drives organized in his name and digital birthday celebrations featuring billboards in major cities. [edit]

Val holds the distinction of being a 14-time US National Champion and a two-time World Dance Champion in International Latin. Despite his massive success on television, he remains deeply committed to the competitive roots of ballroom dancing. Fans often refer to his signature style as "Val's Vibe," characterized by intense eye contact and dramatic flair. One of his most memorable moments occurred during a performance with Laurie Hernandez where he incorporated complex acrobatics that had never been attempted on the show before. He is also known for his strict but supportive coaching style, often pushing partners to their physical limits. Val speaks fluent Russian, English, and Ukrainian, allowing him to connect with diverse audiences worldwide. [edit]

Val grew up in Brooklyn alongside his older brother, Maksim Chmerkovskiy, who is also a renowned professional dancer. Their parents, Alexander and Natalia Chmerkovskiy, were instrumental in their early training, instilling a strong work ethic from a young age. The family maintained close ties to their Ukrainian heritage even after settling in America. Val lives in New Jersey with his wife, Jenna Johnson. While they have not publicly announced plans for children yet, they have discussed the possibility in interviews. The couple often shares glimpses of their home life on social media, highlighting their shared love for travel and fitness. [edit]

Maksim Chmerkovskiy, Jenna Johnson, Carrie Ann Inaba, Witney Carson, Sharna Burgess, Rumer Willis, Laurie Hernandez, Xochitl Gomez. [edit]

Val's romantic life has been closely followed by fans, particularly his long-term relationship with fellow Dancing with the Stars professional Jenna Johnson. Their romance began during Season 17 in 2013 when they were paired as partners on the show. The chemistry between them was evident both on and off screen, leading to a multi-year courtship. They got engaged in 2018 and married on December 31, 2019. As of late 2026, they remain happily married and continue to work together professionally. Prior to Jenna, Val had a high-profile relationship with model and actress Karina Smirnoff, another DWTS pro, which ended amicably around 2012. Their relationship was widely covered due to their on-screen chemistry and subsequent friendship. Val kept his dating life relatively private before his rise to fame, but his partnership with Karina was one of the first major relationships documented in the media. [edit]

The iFANN Editorial Team's analysis of Val Chmerkovskiy's earnings, ventures and assets points to roughly $6 million. This figure reflects his decade-long tenure on Dancing with the Stars, where he likely earned between $100,000 to $200,000 per season depending on his role and popularity. Additional income streams include his choreography fees for films and commercials, royalties from his book Life Unrehearsed, and his involvement in dance studios and online fitness programs. He has also invested in real estate, including properties in New Jersey and New York, which contribute to his overall asset base. Recent business expansions and brand partnerships have further solidified his financial standing as of 2026. [edit]

Val has secured significant recognition within the dance community, including induction into the Dancing with the Stars Hall of Fame. He is a 14-time US National Champion and a two-time World Dance Champion in International Latin. While specific award ceremonies like the Emmys have only yielded nominations rather than wins for him personally, his status as a multi-time DWTS champion is his most prominent accolade. [edit]