Maksim Chmerkovskiy Biography
Maksim Chmerkovskiy is a talented Ukrainian-American professional dancer known for his expertise in Latin and ballroom styles, as well as being a choreographer and dance instructor. He shot to fame as a professional dancer on the popular American TV show Dancing with the Stars, where he made his first appearance in the second season. Over his impressive 17 seasons as a competing pro, he made it to the finale five times, with two runner-up finishes and two third-place spots under his belt.
On May 20, 2014, Chmerkovskiy clinched his first championship on Dancing with the Stars, partnering with Olympic ice dancer Meryl Davis. But his talents don’t stop at television; he has also dazzled audiences on Broadway, showcasing his choreography and dance skills in hit productions like Burn the Floor and Forever Tango.
Maksim Chmerkovskiy Age
Maksim Chmerkovskiy is a talented Ukrainian-American professional ballroom dancer, choreographer, and dance instructor. He was born on January 17, 1980, in Odesa, Ukraine, which makes him 46 years old as of 2026.
Maksim Chmerkovskiy Education
From a young age, Maksim’s life revolved around dance. His parents recognized his potential early on and enrolled him in a school of aesthetic education when he was just four. There, he not only learned the art of ballroom dancing but also picked up valuable lessons in manners and other essential skills.
After his family made the big move to Brooklyn, New York, in 1994, Maksim continued to hone his dance skills and dive into competitions. As a teenager, he took on the role of a dance instructor and even teamed up with his father to establish a competitive dance studio.
While there isn’t a wealth of public information about his formal academic background, it’s clear that his extensive training and competitive experiences laid the groundwork for his successful career as a dancer, choreographer, and entrepreneur.
Maksim Chmerkovskiy Parents
Maksim Chmerkovskiy’s parents are Aleksandr “Sasha” Chmerkovskiy and Larisa Chmerkovskaya. His father is Jewish, and his mother is Christian. They raised Maksim and his younger brother, Val, in Ukraine before relocating to the United States in 1994.
His parents were instrumental in his early dance journey, enrolling him in lessons when he was young. Additionally, his father’s partnership in opening a dance studio with Maksim provided crucial support for his professional growth.
Moving to the United States opened up a world of opportunities for the family, but it also came with its own set of challenges, like adjusting to a new language and culture. Maksim’s impressive achievements in dance and entertainment are a testament to the path he forged after settling in New York.
Maksim Chmerkovskiy Nationality
Maksim Chmerkovskiy proudly identifies as Ukrainian-American. He was born in Odesa, Ukraine, during the time it was part of the Soviet Union, and he immigrated to the United States with his family in 1994.
He carved out a successful career in the United States, gaining recognition for his competitive ballroom dancing, television roles, and choreography. His Ukrainian roots play a significant role in shaping his identity, and he has openly shared his journey of immigrating to America.
In 2022, after Russia invaded Ukraine, Chmerkovskiy found himself in Ukraine and shared his attempts to leave the country safely. His story brought a lot of attention to his deep ties to his homeland.
Maksim Chmerkovskiy Height
Maksim Chmerkovskiy stands tall at about 6 feet 2 inches (1.88 meters).
Maksim Chmerkovskiy Brother
Maksim’s younger brother is Val Chmerkovskiy, a talented Ukrainian-American professional dancer and choreographer who gained fame competing on Dancing with the Stars.
These brothers share a deep love for dance and have teamed up on various professional ventures. They co-founded Dance With Me studios and have toured together in shows like Maks & Val Live on Tour: Our Way. Their collaboration has allowed them to broaden their horizons beyond just television, diving into dance education, live performances, and business opportunities.
Val and Maksim Chmerkovskiy
Both Val and Maksim Chmerkovskiy have carved out impressive careers in the competitive dance scene. Maksim became a household name on Dancing with the Stars starting in 2006, while Val joined the professional cast a few years later in 2011.
Maksim clinched the Mirrorball Trophy in the show’s 18th season in 2014 alongside Olympic ice dancer Meryl Davis, while Val has taken home three trophies with partners Rumer Willis, Laurie Hernandez, and Xochitl Gomez.
Their bond goes beyond their television appearances. They’ve collaborated as choreographers, performers, and dance entrepreneurs, always cheering each other on in their professional journeys.
Maksim Chmerkovskiy Wife
Maksim Chmerkovskiy’s wife is Peta Murgatroyd, an Australian-American professional dancer and choreographer celebrated for her work on Dancing with the Stars.
The couple started dating in 2012, had a brief split in 2013, but found their way back to each other. Maksim popped the question to Peta in December 2015 during a live performance of Sway: A Dance Trilogy. They tied the knot on July 8, 2017, at the stunning Oheka Castle in Long Island, New York.
Their relationship has drawn a lot of public attention, especially since both are accomplished dancers who have graced the same television series. Together, they are proud parents to three sons and have collaborated on dance tours and various entertainment projects.
Maksim Chmerkovskiy Children
Maksim Chmerkovskiy and Peta Murgatroyd are proud parents of three wonderful sons: Shai Aleksander, Rio John, and Milan Maksim.
– Shai Aleksander Chmerkovskiy: Their firstborn, who came into the world in January 2017.
– Rio John Chmerkovskiy: Their second son, who joined the family in June 2023.
– Milan Maksim Chmerkovskiy: Their youngest, born in July 2024.
Maksim Chmerkovskiy Son
Maksim Chmerkovskiy’s eldest son, Shai, was born on January 4, 2017. His younger brothers, Rio and Milan, followed in 2023 and 2024, respectively.
Shai has made appearances with his dad at various public events, including the 2024 premiere of The Garfield Movie. Maksim and Peta love giving fans a peek into their family life, sharing the joys and challenges of raising three boys.
Maksim Chmerkovskiy Accident
When it comes to challenges, Maksim Chmerkovskiy faced a significant one during his teenage years when he broke his right leg in a skiing accident at around 13 years old. Doctors were concerned that this injury might hinder his future in dance.
Fortunately, he made a strong recovery and was back on the dance floor about six months later. This experience has become a pivotal part of his journey, showcasing the resilience he demonstrated while chasing his dreams in the world of professional dance.
Meryl Davis and Maksim Chmerkovskiy
Meryl Davis and Maksim Chmerkovskiy teamed up for Season 18 of Dancing with the Stars back in 2014. Meryl, an Olympic ice dancer who snagged gold at the 2014 Winter Olympics alongside her partner Charlie White, brought a wealth of skating experience and athletic prowess to the dance floor.
Right from the start, this duo emerged as fierce competitors, wowing the judges with their impressive technique, musicality, and creative choreography. On May 20, 2014, they clinched the coveted Mirrorball Trophy, marking Maksim’s first championship win on the show.
Maksim Chmerkovskiy and Peta Murgatroyd Move
In June 2026, Maksim Chmerkovskiy and Peta Murgatroyd made a big announcement: they were packing up their lives in Los Angeles and heading to Florida after spending over ten years in California. Their three sons, Shai, Rio, and Milan, are making the move with them.
The couple described this transition as a significant family change and shared some heartfelt thoughts about leaving behind their beloved home. Even as they settle into their new life in Florida, they’re still on the lookout for entertainment opportunities.
By September 2026, they hinted at an exciting new dance project, proving that their move doesn’t mean they’re stepping away from the entertainment scene.
What’s Maksim Chmerkovskiy up to these Days?
As of October 2026, Maksim Chmerkovskiy is still making waves in the worlds of entertainment, dance, and business. Even though he stepped away from competing on Dancing with the Stars back in 2017, he’s been busy exploring new ventures beyond the dance floor.
Here’s a glimpse into what he’s been up to lately:
– Acting: Maksim landed his first leading role in a scripted series called Wild Silence, which premiered on the My Drama platform in February 2026.
– Dance projects: He’s still deeply involved in dance and has hinted at exciting new collaborations with his wife after their recent move to Florida.
– Business: Maksim is actively engaged with Dance With Me studios, where they provide dance lessons and create fun social dance experiences.
– Family life: Together with Peta, he’s raising their three sons while also planning the next steps in their careers in sunny Florida.
Maksim Chmerkovskiy on Dancing with the Stars
Maksim Chmerkovskiy is a talented Ukrainian-American ballroom dancer, choreographer, and television personality who really made a name for himself on ABC’s Dancing with the Stars. He first stepped onto the dance floor as a professional in Season 2 back in 2006, quickly becoming one of the show’s standout figures thanks to his fierce competitive spirit, impressive dance skills, and unforgettable partnerships with celebrities.
Throughout his journey on the show, Maksim made it to the finale five times, snagging two runner-up spots and two third-place finishes before finally clinching his first Mirrorball Trophy in Season 18 in 2014. He achieved this milestone alongside Olympic ice dancer Meryl Davis, whose background in skating gave her an edge in mastering the intricate choreography and performance style of ballroom dancing.
Their win was a significant highlight in Maksim’s television career after years of hard-fought competition. He became known not just for his dancing prowess but also for his creative choreography, passionate performances, and his sometimes candid personality.
Maksim decided to step away from the show after Season 25 in 2017, where he partnered with television personality Vanessa Lachey. While he hasn’t returned as a competing professional since then, he has remained active in the dance, entertainment, and business worlds. In October 2026, he hinted that a return to Dancing with the Stars might still be a possibility.
His legacy on the show is forever linked to his championship win with Meryl Davis and his significant impact on the rise of professional ballroom dancing in American television.
Maksim Chmerkovskiy Net Worth
According to Celebrity Net Worth, Maksim Chmerkovskiy’s net worth is estimated to be around $8 million.
