Valentin Chmerkovskiy

Born: March 24, 1986
Hometown: Odessa, Ukraine
Current location: Brooklyn, New York, U.S.
Current status:

Adjudicator
Instructor
Choreographer
Dance Studio Owner
"Dancing With The Stars" Professional

Espen Salberg is a former ballroom dancer, specialize in International Style Latin. 14-time US National Champion, Blackpool Dance Festival Champion and two-time IDSF World Dance Champion. Take part in TV Show "Dancing With The Stars".

Contents [hide]

1. Overview
- 1.1 Dancing With The Stars
2. Accomplishments
3. Dance Partners
4. Entrepreneurship
5. Photo Gallery
6. Video Gallery
7. References

Overview

Valentin Chmerkovskiy found his passion for dancing at the age of seven. Born in Odessa, Ukraine Valentin emigrated to New York at eight years old and grew up in Brooklyn. By twelve years old he attended his first overseas competition "The German Open Championships". At the German Open, Valentin and his brother Maksim Chmerkovskiy were the only two United States couples there.

He has many accomplishments, which include the winning of the German Open, Asian-Pacific Championships, US National, Blackpool Dance Festival,WDC World Cup and the World Championships 2-times.

Having accomplished all he could in the world of competitive dance, the 14-time US National Champion and two-time IDSF World Dance Champion quickly rose to stardom, becoming one of the show's fan-favorites for impeccable performances that showcased not only immense talent and creativity, but an undeniable charisma to match. Valentin is also the first—and only—American to ever win the IDSF World Championship.

Since his TV debut, the Ukrainian-born dance champion continues to steal the hearts of fans—both on and off the dance floor. Val has expanded upon his talents as a dancer, choreographer and instructor to create an empire that inspires others through the art of dance. Valentin his brother Maksim, and Tony Dovolani co-founders "Dance With Me" Studios, one of the nation's leading Latin and Ballroom dance studios, where he also lends his expertise as the venue's Art Director. The success of the first studio ignited a passion for teaching his craft, leading him to develop Dance With Me Juniors, a program he designed to keep kids healthy, focused and active. Valentin is also a classically trained Violinist, having performed in Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center as a concertmaster of the ISO Youth Orchestra.

Philanthropy is also important to Valentin who supports numerous children's and educational charities including Children's Hospital; and as an ambassador for Pencil's of Promise, Val has helped build two schools in Ghana. He is fluent in Russian and English.

Dancing With The Stars

Ballroom Dance legend and choreographer Valentin Chmerkovskiy joined the cast of professional dancers on "Dancing With the Stars". Valentin first appeared on season 2, February 10, 2006, as a student Then appeared once again on season 4 he starred in a dance off against his brother, Maksim Chmerkovskiy. He appeared on the season 11 results show, performing a music and dance duel against Mark Ballas. While performing to the song "Toxic" by Britney Spears, Val played the violin and danced with Lacey Schwimmer.

In season 13, Chmerkovskiy was partnered with model/actress Elisabetta Canalis. They were eliminated second, finishing in 11th place. In season 14, Chmerkovskiy was partnered with comedian/talk show host Sherri Shepherd. On Rock Week (Week 4) of Dancing with the Stars, they were the third couple to be eliminated, finishing in 10th place. Chmerkovskiy danced as a professional partner in season 15 with season 1 winner, Kelly Monaco. For season 16, Chmerkovskiy was partnered with Disney Channel's Shake It Up star, Zendaya. On May 21, Zendaya and Val came in second place behind Derek Hough and Kellie Pickler. For season 17, he paired with film and television actress Elizabeth Berkley Lauren. Despite receiving high scores, they were eliminated on week 9, finishing in sixth place. For season 18, he paired with actress and author Danica McKellar. They were eliminated on Week 8 and ended in sixth place. For season 19, he was paired with Pretty Little Liars actress Janel Parrish. They made it to the finals and finished in third place. For season 20, he was paired with actress and singer Rumer Willis. On May 19, 2015, Willis and Chmerkovskiy were crowned the winners marking Chmerkovskiy's first win. For season 21, he was partnered with R&B singer and reality television star, Tamar Braxton. On November 11, 2015, Braxton revealed that she had to withdraw from the competition due to health issues. For season 22, he was partnered with meteorologist Ginger Zee. The couple made it to the finals but ultimately ended in third place. For season 23, he was partnered with Olympic artistic gymnast Laurie Hernandez. On November 22, Hernandez and Chmerkovskiy won the title, giving Chmerkovskiy his 2nd mirrorball.