Val Chmerkovskiy is a professional dancer on Dancing with the Stars known for high-energy Latin and ballroom styles. Across multiple seasons, he has been paired with several celebrities. This overview clarifies who his partners were, which seasons they competed in, and how far they advanced. It focuses on verified pairings, performance outcomes, and documented results rather than speculation. Below is a concise reference to his most notable televised partnerships and their season placements.
Val Chmerkovskiy’s Confirmed Celebrity Partners on DWTS
Season 18 (Spring 2014): Peta Murgatroyd (Guest Partner)
For Season 18, Val returned as a All-Star and was paired with professional Peta Murgatroyd in the “ProDancing” twist. They reached the finals and finished in third place. This season highlighted his technical Latin background and ability to coach fellow pros within the competition format.
Season 19 (Fall 2014): Amy Purdy
Val partnered with Paralympic snowboarder Amy Purdy. The couple performed emotional contemporary and Latin routines. They advanced to the semifinals and were eliminated in fourth place overall, marking one of his earlier notable celebrity collaborations.
Season 22 (Spring 2016): Nastia Liukin
Olympic gymnast Nastia Liukin competed with Val in Season 22. Their high-energy Latin and sharp Ballroom numbers earned them a spot in the semifinals, where they were eliminated in fifth place.
Season 23 (Fall 2016): Paige VanZant
MMA fighter Paige VanZant was Val’s partner in Season 23. Known for athletic, fast-paced choreography, the pair reached the quarterfinals and were eliminated in sixth place.
Season 24 (Spring 2017): Cheryl Burke (Guest Mentor/Not a Competitive Partner)
While not a celebrity competitive partner, Val worked closely with Cheryl Burke as a mentor and choreographer during Season 24. This collaboration refined his coaching presence, though he did not compete in the main lineup that season.
Season 28 (Fall 2022): Iman Perez (Youth Celebrity Partner)
In Season 28, Val was paired with young star Iman Perez. The youthful pairing delivered playful Jive and Cha-cha performances, reaching the semifinals and finishing in fifth place.
Season 29 (Fall 2023): Kaitlyn Bristowe
Val returned in Season 29 alongside Love Island’s Kaitlyn Bristowe. Their contemporary and Foxtrot routines resonated with audiences, advancing to the semifinals and placing sixth overall.
Key Competitive Results at a Glance
| Season | Celebrity Partner | Placement | Notable Style |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18 (2014) | Peta Murgatroyd (ProDancing) | 3rd (finals) | Latin, cha-cha, paso doble |
| 19 (2014) | Amy Purdy | 4th (semifinals) | Contemporary, salsa |
| 22 (2016) | Nastia Liukin | 5th (semifinals) | Latin, quickstep |
| 23 (2016) | Paige VanZant | 6th (quarterfinals) | Jazz, fast Latin |
| 28 (2022) | Iman Perez | 5th (semifinals) | Jive, cha-cha |
| 29 (2023) | Kaitlyn Bristowe | 6th (semifinals) | Contemporary, foxtrot |
Patterns in Val’s Pairings
Val’s partnerships often emphasize athleticism and performance energy. He has worked frequently with returning pros and high-profile Olympic athletes. His choreography tends to highlight sharp footwork, dynamic lifts, and precise timing. Across seasons, he has demonstrated adaptability to a wide range of partner skill levels and performance backgrounds.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Which partner achieved the highest placement with Val?
Peta Murgatroyd in Season 18 finished third in the finals, which remains his highest-ranked competition outcome as a celebrity professional pair on the main DWTS stage.
- Did Val ever win DWTS with a celebrity partner?
No. His best result as a competing pro in the main celebrity rotation is a third-place finish. He has won during All-Star seasons in different formats and as part of team-based results, but not in the traditional celebrity-pro matchup format.
- How does Val’s role differ from other pros?
He is known for a fast, technical Latin focus and often receives choreography that emphasizes speed, synchronization, and showmanship. His background as a multiple-time world Latin dance champion informs much of his movement vocabulary.
- Does Val return every season?
He appears frequently but not every season. Producers invite him based on rotation, theme nights, and the presence of returning pros. His schedule varies year to year.
Context on Professional Partnerships in DWTS
On Dancing with the Stars, pro dancers are assigned to celebrity partners on a seasonal basis. These pairings are determined by producers, choreographers, and sometimes the professionals themselves, with an eye toward chemistry, dance background, and narrative potential for the show. A pro’s track record with multiple partners can reveal consistent stylistic strengths and adaptability, as seen in Val’s resume.
Val’s Legacy and On-Air Presence
Across more than a decade on air, Val Chmerkovskiy has established himself as a top-tier competitor and engaging on-screen personality. His partnerships span athletes, reality stars, and Olympic medalists, reflecting both broad appeal and respect for his craft. Viewers can expect technically polished routines, energetic performances, and continued growth in each season he appears.
Conclusion
Val Chmerkovskiy’s DWTS journey includes a diverse set of celebrity partners, from Paralympians to Olympic gymnasts to reality television stars. His highest finish with a main-line celebrity was third place alongside Peta Murgatroyd. By focusing on verified seasons and documented placements, this overview offers a clear, evergreen reference to understanding his role and impact on the show.