Who Is Val's Brother on Dancing with the Stars
On U.S. Dancing with the Stars, Val Chmerkovskiy is a professional dancer and judge whose brother, Sasha Chmerkovskiy, also competes professionally and appears internationally on the show. Both are Ukrainian-born Latin and ballroom specialists who rose through the same training environment in the United States. This profile explains their family origins, early training, career milestones, and how each has contributed to the show over time, focusing on verifiable roles rather than speculation.
Val Chmerkovskiy on Dancing with the Stars
Val Chmerkovskiy joined Dancing with the Stars as a professional dancer in season 18 and has since become one of the show’s most recognizable names. He holds multiple U.S. National Latin and Ballroom titles and trains elite competitors in Los Angeles and New York. His role on the program focuses on choreography, live performances, and judging in later seasons. Val’s visibility and brand are closely tied to the broader Chmerkovskiy family presence in dance competition.
Sasha Chmerkovskiy: Background and Early Career
Sasha Chmerkovskiy is Val’s older brother and also a professional ballroom and Latin dancer. The brothers trained at the same studios in the United States, building a foundation in both International and American styles. Sasha initially gained recognition through national and international youth championships before transitioning to the U.S. professional circuit. While Val became a television fixture, Sasha competed extensively in professional competitions worldwide and made limited appearances as a professional dancer on Dancing with the Stars in earlier seasons.
Family Origins and Training
The Chmerkovskiy family originates from Ukraine, relocating to the United States when the brothers were young. They grew up in a dance-focused household where their parents supported rigorous training schedules. Both Val and Sasha studied under several prominent coaches in the U.S. ballroom community, developing complementary but distinct competitive and performance profiles. This shared upbringing explains their stylistic similarities and long-term partnership in coaching and judging outside of the television format.
Dance Careers Compared
Val and Sasha have built careers that intersect in coaching, competition, and television, but their profiles on Dancing with the Stars differ. Val has a long-running role as a featured professional and senior judge on the U.S. show, while Sasha’s televised presence has been more intermittent. Both are accomplished in Latin and Ballroom disciplines, yet Val’s consistent choreography and judging duties have made him a central figure in recent seasons.
Notable Achievements and Roles
- Val Chmerkovskiy: Pro dancer, choreographer, and judge on Dancing with the Stars since season 18; multiple U.S. National titles.
- Sasha Chmerkovskiy: Professional competitor in international championships; limited professional appearances on Dancing with the Stars.
- Both: Co-owners of multiple dance studios across major U.S. cities; active in coaching elite competitors.
Siblings in Professional Dance
The Chmerkovskiy brothers represent one of the few sibling pairs with sustained careers in professional Latin and ballroom dancing. Their trajectory—from Ukrainian roots to U.S. studios to national titles—illustrates the role of family influence and shared training in shaping professional dancers. On Dancing with the Stars, Val’s responsibilities have expanded over time, while Sasha has focused on competition and selective television appearances.
Competition and Collaboration
In professional competitions, Sasha and Val have often appeared as rivals, particularly in Latin disciplines where both hold high-level credentials. On television, Val’s choreography and judging involve collaboration with a wide range of partners, whereas Sasha’s competition schedule aligns more closely with international events. Both contribute to the broader dance community through studio ownership and mentorship, reinforcing their influence beyond the show.
Summary
Val’s brother on Dancing with the Stars is Sasha Chmerkovskiy, a fellow professional dancer with a parallel career in competition and coaching. The brothers share Ukrainian origins, a background in elite ballroom training, and ownership of successful dance studios across the United States. While Val maintains a prominent televised role, Sasha remains primarily focused on international competition and selective media appearances.
FAQ
Reader questions
Is Val Chmerkovskiy related to Sasha Chmerkovskiy?
Yes, Val and Sasha Chmerkovskiy are brothers. They were born in Ukraine and moved to the United States, where they trained together and pursued professional dance careers.
Does Sasha Chmerkovskiy appear on Dancing with the Stars regularly?
Sasha has made intermittent appearances as a professional dancer on earlier seasons but does not have a recurring role on the current U.S. show. Val is a consistent presence as a pro dancer and judge.
Do the Chmerkovskiy brothers own dance studios together?
Yes, both are co-owners of multiple dance facilities across major U.S. markets, where they coach competitors and maintain active training programs.
Who is the more decorated competitor between Val and Sasha?
Val holds more televised recognition through long-term roles on Dancing with the Stars as a pro dancer, choreographer, and judge. Both have strong competitive credentials in national and international Latin and ballroom events.
What styles do Val and Sasha specialize in?
Both specialize in International Latin, Standard, and Smooth ballroom styles. Their shared training background ensures stylistic consistency, though each has developed distinct competitive repertoires.