If you've ever watched "Dancing with the Stars," you know the name Val Chmerkovskiy. This guy's not just a dancer—he's a phenomenon. Val has been rocking the ballroom since the early days of the hit ABC show. Starting as a background dancer, he quickly worked his way up to become one of the most celebrated professional dancers on the series. And let me tell you, his journey hasn’t just been about twirling around the dance floor—it's also been a financial success story.
From Odessa to the Ballroom: Val's Incredible Rise
Born in Odessa, Ukraine, Val moved to the United States with his family at the age of eight. From a young age, he and his brother Maksim were immersed in the world of dance. When Maksim opened a dance studio at just sixteen years old, Val was right by his side, training and perfecting their craft. The two brothers quickly became a force to be reckoned with in the competitive ballroom dance scene in the U.S. Their dedication paid off when they landed roles on "Dancing with the Stars," where Val's charm and talent quickly made him a fan favorite.
Today, Val's estimated net worth stands at an impressive $7 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth. That’s not just from his time on "Dancing with the Stars," though. Val has built a thriving career that extends far beyond the ballroom, and we’ll dive into that in a moment.
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Val’s Dancing with the Stars Journey
Val's debut as a professional dancer on "Dancing with the Stars" happened in season 13, and it was nothing short of magical. In his very first season, he danced alongside George Clooney’s ex-girlfriend Elisabetta Canalis. While they didn’t make it to the finals, Val’s charm and talent captivated audiences. From that point on, Val became a staple on the show, returning season after season, except for season 26. He came back strong in season 27 and continued to dazzle viewers. By season 30, whispers began circulating that it might be his last hurrah on the series.
When asked about his future with the show, Val opened up to Entertainment Tonight in November 2021. “I’ve always been very clear about coming back on the show. I love the show. I love being on it. I am so grateful for the opportunity,” he said. “Is this my last season? Probably. Probably. I have no regrets about my tenure on the show. I have no regrets about the season. I couldn’t have asked for a better partner to end it with.”
Val’s Life Beyond the Dance Floor
Off the dance floor, Val is married to another "Dancing with the Stars" pro, Jenna Johnson. Their relationship is as captivating as their performances on the show. When Val and his partner Olivia Jade were eliminated before the finale, he fully supported Jenna. She and her partner JoJo Siwa ended up in second place, which was a testament to both their talent and chemistry. Their bond both on and off the screen is one of the reasons fans keep tuning in.
Val’s Expanding Empire
Val’s success isn’t confined to "Dancing with the Stars." He and his brother Maks have taken their talents on the road, performing in multiple tours that combine incredible dance moves with compelling storytelling. Their recent tour, Maks & Val: Stripped Down, offers fans an intimate and unforgettable experience. Beyond touring, the brothers own a chain of dance studios called Dance With Me, where they teach aspiring dancers. They’ve even ventured into online dance classes, bringing their expertise to people all over the world.
"We’re showmen. We’ve been making people laugh, cry, feel, hopefully walk away a little more happy and entertained our entire life,” Val told Broadway World in August 2021 about their tour. “And this show is yet again another one of those experiences.”
