Fan-favorite pro dancer Val Chmerkovskiy recalls his humbling experience on 'Dancing with the Stars' when he first joined the show during season 13 more than a decade ago.
- December 29, 2024
AceShowbiz - Val Chmerkovskiy, a renowned professional dancer on ABC's "Dancing With the Stars", has recently reflected on his early journey on the show. Joining the show as a professional in Season 13, Chmerkovskiy entered the competition with high expectations of dominating the dance floor.
Speaking on the "Lightweights Podcast" with Joe Vulpis, he recalled his mindset at the time, "My first season, I came in, I'm like, 'These guys are all rich and fat. I'm gonna come in here with my technique and stamina and athleticism, and like, I'm just gonna run over everybody.' "
However, reality quickly set in when he was eliminated second in his debut season. "I got eliminated second, should have probably got eliminated first. I was humbled really quickly," he admitted.
It didn't take long for Chmerkovskiy to realize that succeeding on "Dancing With the Stars" required more than competitive dancing prowess. "You have to be a great teacher, you got to be a great choreographer, you got to be a great performer. And performer is split into – as a dancer and as an on-camera personality," he explained.
Despite a rocky start, including finishing 11th in his first season and 10th in the second, Chmerkovskiy's persistence began to pay off. By Season 15, partnering with soap opera star Kelly Monaco, he identified this as a turning point in his career.
They finished third that season, allowing him to hone the comprehensive skill set required to excel on the show. Season 16 saw him partner with actress Zendaya Coleman to secure the runner-up spot, further cementing his place as a formidable competitor.
Chmerkovskiy's breakthrough came in Season 20 when he won his first Mirrorball Trophy with actress Rumer Willis. This victory was a clear indication that he had mastered the blend of teaching, choreography, and performance. This would not be his last win. He later triumphed in Season 23 with Olympic gymnast Laurie Hernandez and recently in Season 32 with actress Xochitl Gomez.
The professional dancer also experienced emotional highs when he presented the Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy to his wife, Jenna Johnson, and her partner Joey Graziadei in Season 33.
Looking forward, Val Chmerkovskiy remains a strong contender on "Dancing With the Stars" and hopes to add more trophies to his collection. His story is an inspiration to many, showcasing that initial setbacks can lead to monumental successes if met with determination and an open mind to learn and grow.
