Valentin Chmerkovskiy Biography
Val Chmerkovskiy is a talented Ukrainian-American professional dancer known for his skills in Latin and ballroom styles, as well as his work as a choreographer and television personality. He was born in Odesa, Ukraine, but grew up in Brooklyn, New York. Valentin really made a name for himself on ABC’s popular dance competition show, Dancing with the Stars, where he first stepped onto the stage in its second season.
In 2011, he took on the role of a professional dancer on the show, quickly becoming one of its most memorable performers. Over the years, he has clinched victory in three seasons with his celebrity partners: he won Season 20 with actress Rumer Willis, Season 23 with Olympic gymnast Laurie Hernandez, and Season 32 with actress Xochitl Gomez. His impressive work on the show even earned him a Primetime Emmy Award nomination for choreography, which he shared with his wife, fellow professional dancer Jenna Johnson.
Val Chmerkovskiy Age
Born on March 24, 1986, in Odesa, Ukraine, which was part of the Soviet Union back then, Val Chmerkovskiy is turning 40 in 2026. His full name is Valentin Aleksandrovich Chmerkovskiy, but most people just call him Val.
He shot to fame as a professional dancer on ABC’s Dancing with the Stars. Val is celebrated for his incredible Latin and ballroom dancing skills, high-energy performances, and creative choreography. He’s snagged three Mirrorball Trophies alongside celebrity partners Rumer Willis, Laurie Hernandez, and Xochitl Gomez.
Val Chmerkovskiy Education
Val’s journey into music and dance began early on. He picked up the violin at just five years old and started formal dance lessons around the age of seven.
After his family made the big move to the United States, he honed his dancing skills in the vibrant New York metropolitan area. His education was heavily centered on the performing arts, especially competitive Latin and ballroom dancing.
Before stepping into the spotlight as a television personality, Chmerkovskiy made a name for himself as a competitive dancer. His success in junior international competitions set the stage for his later triumphs on Dancing with the Stars.
Val Chmerkovskiy Parents
Val’s parents are Aleksandr Chmerkovskiy, affectionately known as Sasha, and Larisa Chmerkovskaya. His dad worked in the merchant marine, while his mom trained as an engineer.
The family made the leap from Ukraine to the United States in 1994, landing in Brooklyn, New York. This move opened up new avenues for Val and his older brother, Maksim, to dive into their passions for dance and entertainment.
His family has been a crucial part of his journey as a dancer. With his father and brother both involved in the dance world, Val grew up in an environment that nurtured his competitive spirit and love for dance from a young age.
Val Chmerkovskiy Brother
Val Chmerkovskiy has an older brother named Maksim Chmerkovskiy, who is also a talented ballroom dancer, choreographer, and television personality. Known affectionately as Maks, he played a pivotal role in introducing Val to the competitive dance scene.
The bond between the brothers runs deep, both professionally and personally, as they’ve collaborated in dance and television. Maks gained fame as a professional dancer on Dancing with the Stars, paving the way for Val to join the cast in 2011. Together, they’ve also ventured into the business side of dance by running Dance With Me ballroom studios, extending their impact beyond just the screen.
Val Chmerkovskiy Nationality
Val Chmerkovskiy is proudly Ukrainian-American. He was born in Ukraine and made the move to the United States with his family in 1994 when he was just eight years old.
His Ukrainian heritage plays a significant role in his life story. In his memoir, I’ll Never Change My Name: An Immigrant’s American Dream from Ukraine to the USA to Dancing with the Stars, he shares his experiences as an immigrant and his relentless pursuit of a successful career in America.
Val’s background beautifully blends his Ukrainian roots with the vibrant American entertainment scene, where he has emerged as a leading figure in professional dance.
Where Is Val Chmerkovskiy From?
Originally, Val Chmerkovskiy hails from Odesa, Ukraine, a picturesque port city along the Black Sea. He spent his early childhood there before relocating to the United States with his parents and older brother.
The family settled in Brooklyn, New York, where Val honed his dance skills and cultivated his competitive edge. His experiences in both Ukraine and the U.S. have significantly shaped his identity and laid the groundwork for his flourishing international career.
While he’s now a familiar face on American television, Val’s journey began in Ukraine and blossomed through the competitive dance community in New York.
Val Chmerkovskiy Height
Standing tall, Val Chmerkovskiy is about 6 feet (183 cm) in height.
Val Chmerkovskiy Wife
Val Chmerkovskiy is happily married to his wife is Jenna Johnson, a talented American professional dancer and choreographer who also shines on Dancing with the Stars.
The two first crossed paths on the show and started dating back in 2015. After a brief split, they found their way back to each other and got engaged in June 2018. They tied the knot on April 13, 2019, in a beautiful ceremony in California.
Their relationship beautifully blends their personal lives with their mutual love for dance. Both have carved out impressive careers on Dancing with the Stars, even teaming up professionally. Their choreography earned them a Primetime Emmy nomination for a heartfelt tribute to the late judge Len Goodman.
Val Chmerkovskiy Children
As for Val Chmerkovskiy’s children, he and Jenna Johnson welcomed their son, Rome Valentin Chmerkovskiy, on January 10, 2023.
The couple shared the joyful news of their first pregnancy in July 2022 and expressed their excitement about stepping into parenthood. They occasionally share glimpses of their family life while still chasing their dreams in the dance world.
Amber Rose and Val Chmerkovskiy
Now, regarding Amber Rose and Val Chmerkovskiy, they were an item back in 2016 and early 2017. Their romance caught the media’s eye, especially when they posted sweet photos together on social media.
Amber, a model and TV personality, had competed on Season 23 of Dancing with the Stars alongside Val’s brother, Maksim Chmerkovskiy. Val and Amber’s relationship became official in January 2017.
However, it didn’t last long. News of their breakup surfaced in February 2017 after about five months together. Val then moved on and continued his relationship with Jenna Johnson, marrying her in 2019.
Alix Earle and Val Chmerkovskiy
Alix Earle and Val Chmerkovskiy teamed up for Season 34 of Dancing with the Stars in 2025. Earle, who has made a name for herself as a social media sensation, took on the challenge of dancing under Val’s expert guidance. Throughout the season, she explored various dance styles and honed her performance skills.
Their hard work paid off as they made it to the finale, ultimately finishing as runners-up to wildlife conservationist and TV personality Robert Irwin and professional dancer Witney Carson, who took home the coveted Mirrorball Trophy.
What really caught everyone’s attention was the undeniable chemistry between Alix and Val, along with their high-energy performances and impressive growth throughout the competition. They later reunited for a special dance at the Sports Illustrated runway show during Miami Swim Week in May 2026. Fans have remained captivated by their public appearances, although it seems their bond is more about their professional dance partnership than anything romantic.
Val Chmerkovskiy Hospitalized
In March 2026, Val Chmerkovskiy made headlines when he revealed he had been hospitalized during the Dancing with the Stars Live tour. He shared an update from his hospital bed after experiencing severe dizziness that impacted his ability to perform.
This news worried fans, especially since Val is known for his physically demanding routines that require a lot of balance, coordination, and stamina. He explained that he had been feeling unwell for several days and had undergone medical tests.
Val Chmerkovskiy Hospitalized Vertigo
Val Chmerkovskiy recently found himself in the hospital due to benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), a condition that triggers short bouts of dizziness or a spinning feeling when he moves his head in certain ways.
On March 3, 2026, Val took to social media to share the news that doctors had diagnosed him with BPPV. He felt a sense of relief after getting the diagnosis and mentioned that he was diving deeper into understanding the condition and how it impacts him.
For professional dancers like Val, vertigo can be a real game-changer since it messes with balance and spatial awareness. His hospitalization raised some eyebrows among fans, especially considering the intense physicality required for his live performances on tour.
Val Chmerkovskiy on Dancing with the Stars
Val Chmerkovskiy became a household name as a professional dancer on ABC’s beloved competition show, Dancing with the Stars. He made his debut in the show’s second season back in 2006 as a member of the dance troupe, but it wasn’t long before he was promoted to a professional dancer in 2011. With his stunning Latin and ballroom skills, innovative choreography, and magnetic performances, Val has become one of the most recognizable faces on the show.
Over the course of his career, Val has snagged three Mirrorball Trophies alongside celebrity partners. His first win came in Season 20 in 2015, when he danced with actress Rumer Willis. He followed that up with another victory in Season 23 in 2016, teaming up with Olympic gymnast Laurie Hernandez. Most recently, he clinched his third championship in Season 32 in 2023, partnering with actress Xochitl Gomez.
In 2025, Val made a comeback for Season 34, this time dancing with social media star Alix Earle. The duo made it all the way to the finale, finishing as runners-up. Beyond his competition accolades, Val is also celebrated for his choreography and his creative collaborations with his wife, fellow professional dancer Jenna Johnson.
With his enduring presence on Dancing with the Stars, Val has solidified his status as a key figure in American ballroom dancing, continually bringing the excitement of competitive dance to new audiences.
Val Chmerkovskiy Net Worth
As for Val Chmerkovskiy’s financial standing, his net worth is estimated to be around $7 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth.
