Quick Read
- Val Chmerkovskiy has been a key professional dancer on ‘Dancing with the Stars’ for over a decade.
- In season 34 (2025), he and celebrity partner Alix Earle finished as runners-up, earning perfect scores in the finale.
- Chmerkovskiy is a multiple-time Mirrorball Trophy winner, including seasons 20, 23, and 32.
- His influence extends beyond the ballroom as a mentor and advocate for dance.
- DWTS combines judges’ scores and live audience votes to determine weekly eliminations.
Val Chmerkovskiy: From Rising Star to Ballroom Icon
For fans of ballroom dance, the name Val Chmerkovskiy sparks instant recognition. Over the last decade, Chmerkovskiy has etched his name in the annals of ‘Dancing with the Stars’ (DWTS), not just as a professional dancer, but as an architect of the show’s evolving identity. The Ukrainian-American dancer, known for his sharp technique, charisma, and creative risk-taking, has become a pillar of the franchise—one whose influence is felt both in the ballroom and far beyond.
Season 34: Another High-Stakes Finale
Season 34 of DWTS, which aired in 2025, was a microcosm of the show’s enduring appeal and the role professionals like Chmerkovskiy play in its success. The finale was a vibrant spectacle, with celebrities and their pro partners pushed to their creative limits. Chmerkovskiy, paired with influencer Alix Earle, once again proved why he remains a fan favorite and a judge’s delight. The duo consistently topped the leaderboard, earning perfect scores in both the judges’ choice and freestyle rounds (The Hollywood Reporter).
The instant dance challenge—a true test of adaptability—saw Chmerkovskiy and Earle rise to the occasion, delivering a performance that was as spontaneous as it was technically precise. Their consistency and chemistry carried them all the way to the final round, where they finished as runners-up, just behind Robert Irwin and Witney Carson, who took home the coveted Mirrorball Trophy (Good Morning America).
A Career Built on Perseverance and Partnership
Val Chmerkovskiy’s journey on DWTS is marked by an impressive record of wins and memorable partnerships. Since joining the show, he has danced with a diverse roster of celebrities, guiding them through the rigors of weekly competition and helping them discover their own rhythm. His championship runs are the stuff of legend: partnering with Rumer Willis to victory in season 20, and again with Laurie Hernandez in season 23. In season 32, he returned to the top with Xochitl Gomez, cementing his status as one of the show’s most successful professionals (Good Morning America).
But it’s not just about trophies. Chmerkovskiy’s teaching style—equal parts discipline and encouragement—has transformed his celebrity partners, many of whom arrived with little to no dance experience. For Chmerkovskiy, each season is a fresh canvas: “It’s about connecting, finding that story, and making the audience feel something real,” he’s remarked in past interviews. His ability to fuse narrative and movement has made his routines some of the most talked-about in DWTS history.
The Evolution of DWTS and Val’s Place Within It
As DWTS has grown, so too has Chmerkovskiy’s role. The show’s format—pairing celebrities with seasoned professionals—demands not just technical skill but also adaptability and showmanship. With the rise of social media platforms like TikTok, the series has found new ways to engage audiences, and pros like Chmerkovskiy have embraced these changes, connecting with fans in real time and expanding the show’s cultural footprint (The Hollywood Reporter).
The judging and elimination process, a blend of judge’s scores and live viewer votes, keeps the pressure high. Chmerkovskiy’s ability to thrive under this spotlight, week after week, speaks to his professionalism and passion. Season 34’s finale, where he and Earle earned perfect scores across all three rounds, was a testament to this enduring commitment—even if the final trophy eluded them by the narrowest of margins.
A Legacy That Extends Beyond the Ballroom
Val Chmerkovskiy’s influence is not confined to the DWTS stage. Off the dance floor, he’s become a mentor, a choreographer, and an ambassador for ballroom dance, inspiring a new generation to take up the craft. His story is one of dedication—an immigrant’s dream realized through grit and artistry. Alongside his brother Maksim, himself a DWTS champion, Val has helped shape the broader conversation about dance, diversity, and perseverance in American entertainment.
Looking back at the full list of DWTS winners, Chmerkovskiy’s name recurs as a constant. His partnerships are remembered not just for their technical excellence but for the emotional resonance they brought to the show. Whether guiding an Olympic gymnast or a social media star, his approach remains the same: dance as a form of storytelling, accessible to all.
What’s Next for Val Chmerkovskiy?
As the curtain falls on season 34, Chmerkovskiy shows no sign of slowing down. Each year brings new challenges and new opportunities to inspire. For fans and fellow dancers alike, his journey is far from over—it’s simply evolving. The Mirrorball Trophy may have slipped from his grasp this season, but his legacy continues to shine, one step, one story, and one dance at a time.
Val Chmerkovskiy’s enduring impact on ‘Dancing with the Stars’ is measured not just in championships, but in the countless dancers he’s inspired and the millions of viewers he’s moved. As the show adapts to new generations and digital landscapes, Chmerkovskiy remains a vital bridge between tradition and innovation, reminding us that, in dance as in life, it’s the journey—and those who guide us through it—that truly matter.