Who is Val on Dancing with the Stars
Val on Dancing with the Stars refers to Val Chmerkovskiy, a Ukrainian-American professional dancer, choreographer, and instructor who joined the show in season 18 as a troupe member before becoming a competing professional in season 19. He is known for high-energy Latin and ballroom routines, sharp technique, and playful on-camera personality. On air, he has partnered with multiple celebrities; off air, he is publicly linked to actress and fellow pro Jenna Johnson, though he has not always publicly confirmed every relationship explored by media. This explainer focuses on verifiable roles, timeline of appearances, and professional context rather than speculation.
Val Chmerkovskiy: professional background and roles on DWTS
Val Chmerkovskiy first appeared on Dancing with the Stars as a member of the dance troupe in season 18 (2014), providing background choreography and supporting performances. He was promoted to competing professional in season 19 (2014) and has remained a fixture through subsequent seasons. On the show, he performs across Latin dances (cha-cha, rumba, paso doble, jive, samba) and ballroom (waltz, tango, foxtrot, quickstep). He co-owns and operates Salsa Nova studio in New York and has choreography credits beyond the show. His on-air roles include competing partner, troupe member, and occasional guest judge or mentor segments.
Notable season-by-season roles and celebrity partners
| Season (year) | Role on show | Celebrity partner | Placement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Season 18 (2014) | Troupe member | — | N/A (troupe) |
| Season 19 (2014) | Pro partner | Edyta Śliwińska | 3rd |
| Season 20 (2015) | Pro partner | NeNe Leakes | 9th |
| Season 22 (2016) | Pro partner | Tammy Blanchard | 9th |
| Season 24 (2017) | Pro partner | Vanessa L. Williams | 5th |
| Season 26 (2018) | All-star pro | Jenna Johnson (switch) | 2nd |
| Season 27 (2019) | Pro partner | Vanessa L. Williams (second run) | 3rd |
| Season 28 (2020) | Pro partner | Debbie Gibson | 5th |
| Recent seasons | Pro/All-star partner | Multiple (rotating) | Variable |
Professional credentials and contributions off DWTS
Beyond the television spotlight, Val Chmerkovskiy is a working studio owner, choreographer, and competition dancer. He runs Salsa Nova in New York City, teaching social and competitive Latin dance. He has participated in national and international Latin dance competitions, which informs his technique showcased on DWTS. His choreography has appeared in stage shows, music videos, and live tours. He is frequently invited as a clinician at dance conventions and appears in instructional content, helping to translate his on-screen expertise into teachable steps for students at home.
Relationship status and public context
Val Chmerkovskiy’s personal life intersects with his DWTS presence primarily through professional pairings; he has repeatedly been paired with Jenna Johnson on and off the ballroom floor, leading to frequent media speculation. Public statements from both professionals have framed their connection as a close friendship and, more recently, as romantic partners, though exact timelines and private details remain limited. Because entertainment news often highlights relationship rumors, it is useful to anchor descriptions in what has been directly acknowledged: they are DWTS colleagues who have also been publicly identified as a couple in social media posts and occasional interviews. For the most current status, checking their official channels or reputable entertainment reporting is recommended.
How DWTS pairings and pro roles work
On Dancing with the Stars, professional dancers are assigned rotating celebrity partners each season. Pros like Val teach choreography, refine technique, and perform with partners in competition. They are judged on execution, artistry, and connection. In addition to competing, pros may appear as part of the troupe in earlier seasons, providing group numbers and backup dancing. Because pairings change annually, a viewer may see Val partnered with different celebrities across seasons, which shapes his on-screen narrative and public familiarity.