Valentin Chmerkovskiy is a Ukrainian-born professional dancer, author, and television personality who has achieved immense success in his career. With a remarkable 14-time US National Champion and two-time World Dance Champion title, Val rose to stardom as a fan-favorite professional and eventual two-time winner of the hit series Dancing with the Stars. He has since appeared on numerous television shows, including Netflix's Fuller House and Fox's Flirty Dancing, as well as served as a judge on the inaugural season of Dancing with the Stars: Juniors. Moreover, Val appeared in the 2021 award-winning Amazon Prime film Being the Ricardos.
As a co-founder and owner of Dance With Me studios, Val is dedicated to making dance accessible to all people regardless of skill level. He is a nationally recognized dance educator and advocate for keeping kids active, healthy, and creative through dance. Val is also a philanthropist who supports numerous charities, including the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, the Children's Hospital of LA, and Pencils of Promise. He has also spent time mentoring kids at the KIPP Scholar Academy in South Los Angeles.
In 2018, Val released his first memoir titled "I'll Never Change my Name," which detailed his life, career, and experience as an Eastern European immigrant. Additionally, Val is a classically trained violinist who has performed at Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center.
In response to the 2022 humanitarian crisis in Ukraine, Val, along with his brother and father, launched Baranova 27 in March of that year. The charity organization provides funds and humanitarian aid, including medical, hygiene, baby supplies, and more, to those in need in the country.
Born in Odessa, Ukraine to an engineer mother and marine merchant father, Val immigrated to Brooklyn, NY at the age of 8. He is fluent in Russian and English. Val resides in Los Angeles with his wife, fellow DWTS pro Jenna Johnson-Chmerkovskiy, and their dog Ziggy.
