| Val Chmerkovskiy | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Name: | Valentin (Val) Aleksandrovich Chmerkovskiy |
| Born: | March 24, 1986 |
| Occupation: | Dancer, Choreographer |
| Years active: | 2007-present |
| Known for: | His dancing career |
| Website/URL: | http://www.valchmerkovskiy.com |
Valentin (Val) Aleksandrovich Chmerkovskiy (born March 24, 1986) is a professional dancer, best known for his appearances in the American version of Dancing with the Stars (DWTS). He is the brother of fellow DWTS dancer Maksim Chmerkovskiy.
Life & Career
The son of Aleksandr and Larisa Chmerkovskiy, during his high school years, Val attended The Hudson School. His father is Jewish and his mother is Christian. Val was seven years old when he started dancing and at the age of 12, he went to his first overseas competition, the German Open, as part of one of only two U.S. couples there (his brother being part of the second). At 15, Val won his first IDSF World Championship and became the first and last American to ever do it. Val has been a US champion 14 times over his 15-year dance career. His accomplishments include winning the German Open, Asian-Pacific Championships, US Open, Blackpool and the World Championships 2-times (Junior and Youth). Val is currently the United States Amateur Latin Champion with his partner Daria Chesnokova.
He joined Dancing with the Stars in the 13th season partnering with Elisabetta Canalis. His next two seasons saw him partner with Sherri Shepherd & first season champion Kelly Monaco.