He’s the bad boy who grew up. If you’ve watched a single season of Valentin Chmerkovskiy on Dancing with the Stars, you know the trajectory. He started as the "little brother" to the legendary Maksim Chmerkovskiy, carrying that signature Odessa-born intensity and a chip on his shoulder that could level a building. But then, something shifted. He didn’t just become a pro; he became the blueprint.
When people search for Valentin Dancing with the Stars, they aren’t just looking for a list of his wins. They’re trying to figure out how a ballroom dancer stayed relevant for over a decade in an industry that eats its young. It’s about the chemistry. It’s about the choreography that feels more like a short film than a dance routine. Honestly, Val is probably the last of the "superstar pros" who can pull viewers in regardless of who his celebrity partner is.
The Evolution of Val Chmerkovskiy: More Than Just Maks’ Brother
Let’s be real. In the early days, Val was the "younger, slightly less terrifying" version of Maksim. He officially joined the pro roster in Season 13 after years of making cameo appearances in results shows. His first partner? Elisabetta Canalis. They went home second. It wasn't exactly a roaring start. But the "Valentin Dancing with the Stars" era truly began when he started tapping into what makes him unique: a blend of high-level technical precision and a surprisingly soft heart.
He’s a two-time World Latin Dance Champion. That’s not a participation trophy. When you watch him lead a partner like Rumer Willis or Laurie Hernandez, you’re seeing world-class mechanics. But the magic—the stuff that gets people voting—is his ability to weave a narrative. He’s a storyteller. He knows how to make a celebrity who has never stepped foot on a parquet floor look like a seasoned performer.
It’s actually kinda wild how he manages to balance that ego. You need an ego to be that good. But over the years, we’ve seen him lean into the mentorship role. He isn't just teaching steps; he’s building confidence. That’s why his partnerships often feel so much more intimate than others on the show.
The Wins That Defined the Valentin Dancing with the Stars Legacy
Val has two Mirrorball Trophies. Only two? It feels like more because he’s almost always in the finale. His first win with Rumer Willis in Season 20 was a masterclass in branding. They were "Team Valenrue." It wasn't just about the dancing; it was about the dark, edgy aesthetic they brought to the ballroom. That season changed how the audience viewed him. He wasn't just a technician anymore. He was a visionary.
Then came Laurie Hernandez in Season 23. That was a different beast entirely. You had a gold-medal Olympian with incredible power but zero ballroom experience. Val had to soften her. He had to take that "gymnastics" out of her movements and replace it with "fluidity." Their "City of Stars" Viennese Waltz is still one of the most-watched clips in the show's history.
Why the Season 32 Win with Xochitl Gomez Mattered
People thought Val might be slowing down. He’d talked openly about retirement. He’d mentioned that his body was feeling the miles. And then, Xochitl Gomez happened.
Watching Valentin Chmerkovskiy on Dancing with the Stars Season 32 was like watching a veteran quarterback win the Super Bowl one last time—except he didn't retire. He and Xochitl had a 20-year age gap, but their energy was identical. He looked rejuvenated. The choreography was fresh, drawing on his hip-hop influences and his classical training.
- Precision: He never let Xochitl get away with "good enough."
- Musicality: Val plays the violin. He hears things in the music that other pros miss.
- Humility: He allowed Xochitl to be the star while he provided the frame.
The Chmerkovskiy Method: What Most People Get Wrong
There is a misconception that Val is "difficult." It’s a carry-over from the "Bad Boys of Ballroom" branding the show pushed in the 2010s. If you talk to his former partners, the word they use is "disciplined." He’s a perfectionist. If the heel lead isn't there, we're doing it again. And again. And fifty more times.
His teaching style is intense, sure. But it’s also deeply psychological. He figures out what makes his partner tick. With Normani, it was about tapping into her superstar potential. With Victoria Arlen, it was about the sheer miracle of her being able to walk, let alone dance. He adapts. That is his greatest strength.
He also isn't afraid to look silly. Think back to some of the Disney Night routines. You’ll see this world-class athlete dressed in some of the most ridiculous costumes imaginable, totally committed to the bit. You have to respect that.
Life Off the Dance Floor: The Jenna Johnson Factor
You can’t talk about Valentin Dancing with the Stars without mentioning Jenna Johnson. Their relationship is the ultimate DWTS fairy tale, but it’s also a massive part of his professional identity now. They are the "First Couple" of the ballroom.
They compete against each other, which is fascinating to watch. There have been seasons where they are both in the finale, eyeing the same trophy. That kind of dynamic could ruin a marriage, but for them, it seems to fuel their creativity. They push each other. When you see Val’s choreography lately, you can see Jenna’s influence—more contemporary, more daring.
The birth of their son, Rome, in 2023 changed the game again. Val’s social media shifted. The "tough guy" image finally evaporated, replaced by a dad who happens to be a dancing legend. This personal growth has made him even more likable on the show. He’s more patient. He’s more present.
Is He Leaving? The Retirement Rumors Explained
Every year, the fans panic. Val posts something cryptic on Instagram, or he mentions in an interview that he wants to "explore other things," and the "Valentin Dancing with the Stars" era feels like it's ending.
He’s a businessman. He has the Dance with Me studios. He has his jewelry line. He has a book (I'll Never Change My Name). He doesn't need the show anymore. But he stays. Why? Because the ballroom is his home. He’s admitted that the adrenaline of a live show is something you can’t replicate in a studio or a boardroom.
However, we have to be realistic. He’s in his late 30s. The physical toll of lifting celebrities for three months straight is immense. While he hasn't officially retired, it's clear he’s being more selective with his time. He wants partners who have potential, not just for the win, but for the "journey"—even if that word is a total reality TV cliché.
How to Watch Val Like an Expert
If you want to truly appreciate what Val does, stop looking at the celebrity. Look at his feet. Look at the way he positions his body to make his partner look taller or more stable.
- The Frame: Notice how his arms never drop, no matter how tired he is.
- The Transitions: Pay attention to how he gets a partner from a lift back into a dance step. It’s usually seamless.
- The Emotional Arc: Val usually designs his seasons so his partner "peaks" at exactly the right time. He doesn't show all the cards in Week 1.
What's Next for Val?
As we look toward future seasons, Val’s role is likely to shift from "competitor" to "elder statesman." He’s already mentoring younger pros. He’s a voice of authority in the ballroom. Whether he’s competing for his third Mirrorball or eventually moving to the judges' table (a move many fans are clamoring for), his impact on the show is permanent.
Actionable Takeaways for DWTS Fans
To truly engage with the show and Val’s work, consider these steps:
- Rewatch the Classics: Go back to YouTube and watch his Season 20 Freestyle with Rumer Willis. It’s a masterclass in mood and atmosphere.
- Follow the Choreography: Look for his "signature" moves—often a fast-paced series of New Yorkers or a specific way he handles a spin.
- Support the Studios: If you’re ever in a city with a Dance with Me studio, take a class. It’s the best way to understand the technical foundation Val brings to the screen.
- Stay Updated on Socials: Val is surprisingly candid on his Instagram stories about the "real" side of the show, including the injuries and the long rehearsal hours that the cameras don't always catch.
The Valentin Dancing with the Stars legacy isn't just about the trophies on his shelf. It’s about the fact that he took a "cheesy" reality show and treated it like the highest form of art. He showed us that you can be tough and tender, a teacher and a student, and that sometimes, the "bad boy" is actually the one with the most to give.
Practical Next Steps
If you want to keep up with Val's latest projects, check out the official Dance With Me website for touring schedules and workshop dates. You can also find his memoir, I'll Never Change My Name, which provides a much deeper look into his migration from Ukraine to the US and the grit it took to build his career. For the most recent performance clips, the Dancing with the Stars official YouTube channel remains the best archive for his televised choreography.