Biography
Val Chmerkovskiy — dancer (dwts) with roots in the USSR
Val Chmerkovskiy is a Ukrainian-born professional ballroom dancer born in Odessa who became one of the most popular professional partners on Dancing with the Stars. The younger brother of Maksim Chmerkovskiy, he emigrated with his family to the United States and built his career in competitive dance and television.
Russian Connection
Tracing the roots — Odessa
Born in Odessa in 1986 — the same city as his brother Maksim — Val grew up in the same Odessa Jewish cultural world before emigrating to New York. Like his brother, he returned to Ukraine to deliver humanitarian aid following Russia's 2022 invasion, and has been vocal about the war.
Family Tree
Subject
Val Chmerkovskiy🇺🇸 USA
↑
Self (Born there)
Aleksandr Chmerkovskiy
↑
Origin
Odessa🇷🇺 USSR
Historical context
Soviet Union (USSR) · 1922–1991
Odessa. At the time, this region was one of the fifteen republics of the Soviet Union.
Map: Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA)
Key Achievements
A career defined by ambition
01
Dancing with the Stars professional dancer — multiple seasons (ABC)
02
Won Dancing with the Stars multiple times
03
US competitive ballroom dance champion
04
Returned to Ukraine to deliver humanitarian aid (2022)
05
Brother of Maksim Chmerkovskiy — one of the most famous dance families in American TV
Sources