Maksim Chmerkovskiy
Maksim Aleksandrovich Chmerkovskiy (born January 17, 1980) is a Ukrainian-American Latin ballroom dance champion, choreographer, and television personality.[1][2]
Born in Odesa, Ukraine, Chmerkovskiy began training in dance at age four and emigrated to the United States with his family as a child, where he continued competitive dancing and achieved multiple professional titles, including the 2005 Yankee Classic Professional Latin Championship.[3][4]
He gained prominence as a professional partner on the ABC series Dancing with the Stars, appearing in 14 seasons from 2006 to 2020, reaching the finals five times, and winning the Mirrorball Trophy in season 18 with Olympic ice dancer Meryl Davis in 2014 after 13 prior attempts without a victory.[5][4]
Beyond television, Chmerkovskiy has worked as a Broadway performer and instructor, establishing studios through the Dance With Me network to promote ballroom dancing.[1][2]
Early Life and Background
Birth and Ukrainian Roots
Maksim Aleksandrovich Chmerkovskiy was born on January 17, 1980, in Odessa, Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic, then part of the Soviet Union, to parents Aleksandr Chmerkovskiy, of Ashkenazi Jewish descent, and Larisa Chmerkovskiy.[6][7] Odessa, a historic Black Sea port city with a diverse population including significant Jewish, Russian, and Ukrainian communities, served as his birthplace amid the late Soviet era's centralized economy and ideological constraints.[6] Chmerkovskiy's early childhood unfolded during the Soviet Union's final years and the immediate post-dissolution period, marked by Ukraine's declaration of independence in 1991 when he was 11 years old. The transition from Soviet control brought acute economic turmoil, including hyperinflation exceeding 10,000% in 1993, a halving of GDP by the mid-1990s, and shortages of basic goods, which strained household resources and prompted many families, including his own, to seek greater stability abroad.[8][9] These conditions in Odessa, a key trading hub hit hard by disrupted Soviet supply chains and industrial decline, cultivated an environment of resourcefulness and familial self-reliance, as state support systems eroded without immediate replacements.[10] Family dynamics emphasized resilience amid such hardships, with Chmerkovskiy growing up alongside his younger brother Valentin in a setting where parental guidance focused on adaptation to uncertainty rather than material abundance. This pre-teen period in Ukraine exposed him to the cultural blend of Odessa's urban life, including influences from its Jewish heritage and port-city vibrancy, before broader life changes intervened.[6][11]Family Influences and Introduction to Dance
Chmerkovskiy's introduction to dance was heavily influenced by his family, particularly his mother, Larisa Chmerkovskaya, who instilled a tradition of appreciating the art form that extended to her sons.[12] His parents enrolled him in a specialized school in Odesa focused on aesthetic education, including dance instruction aimed at developing etiquette and poise in children.[13] At age four, he began formal training, initially alongside his younger brother Valentin, under parental encouragement that emphasized discipline and cultural refinement amid the constraints of Soviet-era Ukraine.[2] His early regimen encompassed the ten-dance format, comprising both International Standard ballroom styles (waltz, tango, foxtrot, quickstep) and Latin dances (cha-cha, samba, rumba, paso doble, jive).[2] During this period, Chmerkovskiy demonstrated a pronounced natural aptitude for Latin rhythms, which demanded greater expressiveness and athleticism compared to the more structured Standard forms, prompting his family and instructors to recognize his emerging talent early.[2] This familial push, rooted in recognition of his physical coordination and passion, fostered rigorous practice that built foundational technique despite resource limitations in local studios.[12] Participating in youth competitions across Ukraine from a young age honed his skills, instilling the perseverance required in an environment where access to professional coaching and facilities was often scarce due to economic and political conditions.[14] These formative experiences, driven by parental oversight and innate ability, laid the groundwork for his disciplined approach, prioritizing precision and emotional intensity in performance over mere recreation.[2]Immigration to the United States
In 1994, at the age of 14, Maksim Chmerkovskiy emigrated with his family from Odessa, Ukraine, to Brooklyn, New York, motivated by his father Aleksandr's pursuit of stable entrepreneurial opportunities amid post-Soviet economic uncertainty. Aleksandr had built a profitable retail business in Ukraine following the USSR's collapse but anticipated risks of arbitrary seizure, viewing the United States as a venue for more reliable business expansion and family advancement.[15][16] The family initially settled in Brooklyn's Sheepshead Bay neighborhood on Avenue Z and West Street, confronting acute financial strains and linguistic isolation, as Maksim and his younger brother Valentin arrived with minimal English proficiency. They endured bullying over their accents and accents-related mockery at school, yet their parents countered by enrolling the boys in a local Yeshiva for structured education and cultural acclimation, instilling resilience through emphasis on discipline over immediate comforts.[16][17][18][19] Chmerkovskiy addressed these hurdles by plunging into Brooklyn's competitive dance milieu, sustaining his pre-existing ballroom foundation from Ukraine to forge rapid progress and peer networks amid the area's established studios and events. This proactive immersion in training regimens not only mitigated adjustment shocks but accelerated technical refinement, transforming inherited skills into assets for U.S.-based development without reliance on formal welfare narratives.[2][20]Competitive Dancing Career
Key Titles and Championships
Chmerkovskiy initially competed in ten-dance events, encompassing both standard and Latin disciplines, before specializing in international Latin as an amateur and later turning professional.[2] This shift allowed him to focus on Latin rhythms, where he achieved competitive rankings including second place among U.S. professional international Latin dancers and seventh worldwide.[2][21] Key professional Latin achievements include first-place finishes at the 2003 Ohio Star Ball Latin Championship and the 2003 La Classique du Québec, partnering with Elena Grinenko.[22][23] He also won the 2005 Yankee Classic Professional Latin Championship.[22] At the 2005 Blackpool Dance Festival, a premier international event, Chmerkovskiy and Grinenko reached the professional Latin semi-finals.[22]| Year | Event | Achievement |
|---|---|---|
| 2003 | Ohio Star Ball | Latin Champion[22] |
| 2003 | La Classique du Québec | Champion (with Elena Grinenko)[23] |
| 2005 | Yankee Classic | Professional Latin Champion[22] |
| 2005 | Blackpool Dance Festival | Professional Latin Semi-Finalist[22] |
Establishment of Dance Studios
In 1996, at the age of 16, Chmerkovskiy co-founded Rising Stars Dance Academy with his father in Saddle Brook, New Jersey, operating it from the second floor of a commercial space as a youth-focused studio dedicated to competitive ballroom training.[2] Building on this foundation, Chmerkovskiy co-established Dance With Me Studios in 2005, initially launching operations in the greater New York City area alongside his brothers Valentin and Aleksandr Chmerkovskiy.[24] The venture targeted both aspiring competitive dancers and recreational participants, offering structured programs in Latin and ballroom styles with an emphasis on technique, performance, and youth development to cultivate skills from beginner to professional levels.[25][2] The studios expanded rapidly, incorporating locations such as Stamford, Connecticut, and Glen Rock, New Jersey, while maintaining a curriculum that integrated Chmerkovskiy's competitive expertise into accessible group classes, private lessons, and team preparation for national events.[26] By the mid-2010s, Dance With Me had grown to multiple sites nationwide, prioritizing professional instruction over casual fitness trends to sustain a pipeline of tournament-ready dancers.[27]Dancing with the Stars Involvement
Seasons as Professional Partner
Chmerkovskiy competed as a professional partner in 17 seasons of Dancing with the Stars spanning 2006 to 2018, pairing with celebrities from acting, sports, music, and media backgrounds.[28] His choreography often emphasized partners' athleticism or performance experience while addressing limitations like injuries or inexperience, with partner chemistry influencing rehearsal dynamics and judge scores.[29] Public tensions occasionally arose, as in clashes with judges or partners, affecting perceived performance quality.[28]Initial Seasons (2–6)
In season 2 (2006), Chmerkovskiy partnered with actress Tia Carrere, placing 6th; he applied rigorous training due to financial pressures on his family, adapting routines to her acting poise but noting her initial stiffness.[28] Season 3 (2006) saw him with singer Willa Ford, finishing 7th amid strong on-stage chemistry that fueled dating rumors, though they developed a lasting friendship without romance.[28] For season 4 (2007), boxer Muhammad Ali's daughter Laila Ali, an athlete, reached 3rd place; their shared family-oriented values facilitated fluid choreography leveraging her boxing footwork.[28] Season 5 (2007) paired Chmerkovskiy with Spice Girls member Melanie Brown (Mel B), achieving 2nd place through a high-energy partnership he described as fun and competitive, with her dance background enabling complex lifts and synchronization that boosted scores.[28] [29] In season 6 (2008), Olympic volleyball champion Misty May-Treanor withdrew after 10th place due to an Achilles injury sustained in rehearsals, prompting simplified routines to accommodate her athletic precision before the exit.[28]Building Seasons (7–13)
Chmerkovskiy sat out season 7 but returned for season 8 (2009) with actress Denise Richards, exiting in 12th place; her dedication allowed for progressively intricate paso dobles despite early eliminations.[28] Season 9 (2009) featured actress Debi Mazar in 12th place, where she provided emotional support during his personal breakup, adapting choreography to her quirky style amid quick elimination.[28] In season 10 (2010), sportscaster Erin Andrews reached 3rd; their playful chemistry aided her confidence during a concurrent stalker trial, with routines emphasizing storytelling to mask technical hesitations.[28] Season 11 (2010) with singer Brandy Norwood ended in 4th after a rehearsal altercation involving a swat, which sparked controversy but was later reconciled, influencing stricter judge scrutiny on emotional delivery.[28] For season 12 (2011), a reunion with Kirstie Alley yielded 2nd place, built on prior rapport that enabled bold freestyle adaptations to her comedic timing.[28] Season 13 (2011) paired him with soccer goalkeeper Hope Solo, finishing 4th amid strained chemistry Chmerkovskiy later deemed the worst of his career; public spats and her competitive edge led to tense rehearsals and lower scores on emotional dances like rumba.[28] [29] [30]Championship and Return Seasons (14–18, 23–26)
Season 14 (2012) with actress Melissa Gilbert placed 5th, hampered by her concussion from a head collision during practice and subsequent injuries, requiring modified lifts and pacing in choreography.[28] [31] The season 15 (2012) all-stars reunion with Kirstie Alley ended in 7th, with drifting personal dynamics post-season 12 affecting rehearsal focus despite familiar adaptations.[28] After a break, season 18 (2014) partnered Olympic ice dancer Meryl Davis for the championship win, their exceptional synergy—rooted in her rhythmic expertise—yielding perfect scores and innovative freestyle fusing ballet and Latin elements.[28] [29] Returns began in season 23 (2016) with model Amber Rose, exiting 9th early; their brief run fostered a friendship, with simplified routines suiting her novice status.[28] Season 24 (2017) saw Chmerkovskiy with Glee actress Heather Morris in 8th place, cut short by her rib injury and partner switch backlash, limiting choreography to safer contemporary styles.[28] In season 25 (2017), TV host Vanessa Lachey faced chemistry issues leading to his week 3 absence, though they reconciled for continued routines emphasizing her personality over technical precision.[28] [32] He did not compete in season 26.[33]Initial Seasons (2–6)
Chmerkovskiy debuted on Dancing with the Stars in its second season, which premiered on January 5, 2006, partnering with actress and former model Tia Carrere.[28] The pair performed dances including the foxtrot and cha-cha-cha, advancing to the sixth week before elimination on February 3, 2006, finishing in sixth place overall.[34] Their elimination followed a week where they earned scores averaging around 23 out of 30 from the judges.[34] In season 3, which aired from September 12 to November 15, 2006, Chmerkovskiy was paired with singer and actress Willa Ford.[28] They competed through five weeks, featuring routines such as the foxtrot and paso doble, but were the fifth couple eliminated, placing seventh.[35] Their average judge scores reached 24.4, reflecting steady improvement but insufficient viewer votes to advance further.[36] Chmerkovskiy's performance elevated in season 4, premiering March 19, 2007, with partner Laila Ali, a professional boxer and daughter of Muhammad Ali.[28] The duo reached the finals, executing advanced routines like the jive and quickstep, and secured third place despite strong technical scores and athletic synergy.[35] Their finals placement marked Chmerkovskiy's first podium finish, highlighting his growing reputation for partnering athletes.[34] Season 5, from September 25 to November 20, 2007, saw Chmerkovskiy team with Spice Girls member Melanie Brown (Mel B).[28] They advanced to the finals with high-energy performances, including the rumba and freestyle, earning runner-up position behind winners Apolo Ohno and Julianne Hough.[35] Brown's prior dance experience contributed to their competitive edge, though they fell short of the mirrorball trophy.[36] Chmerkovskiy opted out of season 6, which ran from September 24 to November 20, 2008, citing a desire for rest after consecutive seasons.[28] He made a guest appearance during week 8 for the show's 100th episode, performing with former partner Mel B, but did not compete.[35] This break preceded his return in season 7.[28]Building Seasons (7–13)
In season 7 of Dancing with the Stars, which aired in fall 2008, Chmerkovskiy partnered with Olympic beach volleyball champion Misty May-Treanor.[28] Their run ended early when May-Treanor ruptured her Achilles tendon during rehearsals, forcing a withdrawal after three weeks and resulting in a 10th-place finish.[35] Chmerkovskiy later described the partnership positively, noting his excitement at working with the athlete despite the abrupt end.[28] Season 8, broadcast in spring 2009, paired Chmerkovskiy with actress Denise Richards.[35] The couple was eliminated second, placing 12th overall after performing dances including a cha-cha and a foxtrot that received middling scores from judges.[28] Chmerkovskiy praised Richards' kindness and work ethic, highlighting their compatible dynamic amid the short run.[28] For season 9 in fall 2009, Chmerkovskiy danced with actress Debi Mazar.[35] They advanced to the fourth elimination, securing 12th place, with performances featuring a salsa and quickstep that showcased Mazar's energy but drew criticism for technical inconsistencies.[35] Chmerkovskiy's season 10 partnership in spring 2010 with sportscaster Erin Andrews marked a breakthrough, reaching the finals and finishing third.[36] Their chemistry fueled strong routines, including a memorable freestyle, and Andrews' prior media experience contributed to effective promotional efforts.[28] Rumors of off-show romance circulated but were denied by both.[37] In season 11, fall 2010, singer-actress Brandy Norwood joined Chmerkovskiy, advancing to the semifinals before elimination in fourth place.[35] Their high-energy performances, such as a jive earning 28 points, demonstrated Brandy's natural rhythm, though judge Len Goodman noted occasional stiffness. The pairing avoided major conflicts, focusing on technical growth. Season 12 in spring 2011 featured Chmerkovskiy reuniting with actress Kirstie Alley for an all-star format element, culminating in a runner-up finish.[35] Alley's comedic flair and determination led to standout moments like a paso doble, with the duo overcoming age-related challenges to score competitively in the finale against winners Chelsea Kane and Mark Ballas.[28] Closing these seasons, season 13 in fall 2011 paired Chmerkovskiy with U.S. soccer goalkeeper Hope Solo, who placed fourth after semifinal elimination.[35] Solo's athletic background aided lifts, but tensions arose, with Chmerkovskiy later criticizing her attitude as uncooperative in interviews.[38] Their rumba and other routines averaged solid scores, yet interpersonal friction reportedly hindered potential.[29]| Season | Air Dates | Partner | Placement | Notable Events |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | Sep–Nov 2008 | Misty May-Treanor | 10th (withdrew) | Injury-forced exit after Achilles rupture.[35] |
| 8 | Mar–May 2009 | Denise Richards | 12th | Early elimination; praised partnership harmony.[28] |
| 9 | Sep–Nov 2009 | Debi Mazar | 12th | Fourth out; focus on energetic but inconsistent technique.[35] |
| 10 | Mar–May 2010 | Erin Andrews | 3rd | Finals appearance; strong freestyle and chemistry.[36] |
| 11 | Sep–Nov 2010 | Brandy Norwood | 4th | Semifinals; highlighted natural rhythm in jive.[35] |
| 12 | Mar–May 2011 | Kirstie Alley | 2nd | Runner-up; overcame physical challenges with humor.[35] |
| 13 | Sep–Nov 2011 | Hope Solo | 4th | Semifinals; athletic lifts marred by reported attitude issues.[38] |
Championship and Return Seasons (14–18, 23–26)
In season 14, which premiered on March 19, 2012, Chmerkovskiy partnered with actress Melissa Gilbert.[28] The pair advanced to the ninth week before elimination, finishing fifth overall.[28] Season 15, an all-stars edition airing from September 24 to November 27, 2012, saw Chmerkovskiy reunite with actress Kirstie Alley, his partner from season 10.[28] They were eliminated in the sixth week, placing seventh.[39] Chmerkovskiy competed in season 16 with talk show host Sherri Shepherd, starting March 18, 2013. Their tango in week four landed them in the bottom three, leading to elimination and a tenth-place finish. Shepherd later described the exit as unfair, citing strong performances relative to judges' scores.[40] Chmerkovskiy provided off-season support to Shepherd during personal challenges, including dance lessons.[41] He did not participate in season 17 but returned for season 18, premiering March 17, 2014, paired with Olympic ice dancer Meryl Davis. The duo earned multiple perfect scores, including 30s for foxtrot-cha-cha fusion and freestyle in the May 19 finale.[42] They won the mirrorball trophy on May 20, 2014, marking Chmerkovskiy's first victory after 17 seasons.[43][4] Chmerkovskiy departed after season 18 but returned for season 23 on September 12, 2016, partnering with model Amber Rose. They exited in week five, placing ninth.[44] In season 24, beginning March 20, 2017, he danced with actress and former backup dancer Heather Morris. Despite a perfect 40 for their rumba in week six, viewer votes led to elimination on April 25, 2017, finishing eighth in one of the show's most debated exits.[45] Chmerkovskiy expressed frustration, attributing it to Morris's prior professional experience reducing fan investment.[46] Season 25, from September 18 to November 21, 2017, paired him with television personality Vanessa Lachey. A reported chemistry issue caused Chmerkovskiy to miss a rehearsal, but he apologized and continued. They were eliminated in a double elimination in week seven. He did not compete in season 26.Results and Mirrorball Win
Chmerkovskiy participated in 17 seasons of Dancing with the Stars as a professional dancer between 2006 and 2020, achieving five final appearances with placements of 1st, 2nd (twice), and 3rd (twice). His sole Mirrorball win occurred in season 18 on May 20, 2014, partnering with Olympic ice dancer Meryl Davis, who defeated runner-ups Candace Cameron Bure with Valentin Chmerkovskiy and Amy Purdy with Derek Hough.[43][42] The following table summarizes his seasons, partners, and final placements:| Season | Partner | Final Placement |
|---|---|---|
| 2 (2006) | Tia Carrere | 5th |
| 3 (2006) | Willa Ford | 6th |
| 4 (2007) | Laila Ali | 3rd |
| 5 (2007–2008) | Mel B | 2nd |
| 6 (2008) | Marissa Jaret Winokur | 5th |
| 7 (2008) | Misty May-Treanor | 5th |
| 8 (2009) | Denise Richards | 12th |
| 9 (2009) | Melissa Joan Hart | 9th |
| 10 (2010) | Erin Andrews | 6th |
| 11 (2010) | Joanna Krupa | 4th |
| 12 (2011) | Kirstie Alley | 6th |
| 13 (2011) | Hope Solo | 7th |
| 15 (2012–2013) | Kirstie Alley | 7th |
| 16 (2013) | Zendaya | 2nd |
| 18 (2014) | Meryl Davis | 1st |
| 23 (2016–2017) | Erika Jayne | 9th |
| 25 (2017) | Vanessa Lachey | 5th |