How old is Val Chmerkovskiy? The professional dancer and television personality was born on March 24, 1986, making him 40 years old as of October 18, 2026. Best known for his impressive performances on Dancing with the Stars, Val has built a successful career through competitive ballroom dancing, television appearances, and live stage productions.
His journey from a young immigrant growing up in the United States to one of the most recognizable professional dancers on American television is an inspiring story of dedication and ambition. Beyond his age, fans are interested in his family, marriage, professional achievements, and the experiences that have shaped his life.
How Old Is Val Chmerkovskiy in 2026?
Val Chmerkovskiy is 40 years old in 2026. He celebrates his birthday on March 24 every year, and his zodiac sign is Aries. His age reflects decades of experience in the demanding world of professional ballroom dancing.
Although many viewers first discovered him through television, Val began developing his dancing abilities during childhood. Years of training, competition, and performance helped him establish the technical skills and stage presence that later made him a popular figure on Dancing with the Stars.
Reaching the age of 40 has not diminished his reputation as an energetic performer. Instead, his experience has allowed him to approach dancing with a deeper understanding of choreography, musical interpretation, and the importance of building confidence in dance partners.
For fans searching for his age, the answer is straightforward: Val was born in 1986 and turned 40 on March 24, 2026.
Who Is Val Chmerkovskiy?
Val Chmerkovskiy is a Ukrainian-born American professional dancer, choreographer, and television personality. His full name is Valentin Aleksandrovich Chmerkovskiy, although he is widely known professionally as Val.
He gained widespread recognition through his work on Dancing with the Stars, the American television competition that pairs celebrities with professional dancers. The show challenges participants to learn different dance styles and perform before judges and a television audience.
Val became known for his strong technique, creative choreography, and ability to help celebrity partners improve throughout a season. His performances combine technical precision with entertainment, making him a memorable part of the program.
However, his career extends beyond television. He has participated in professional dance competitions, performed in touring productions, and explored opportunities in entertainment and business. His versatility has helped him remain relevant in an industry where performers must continually develop new skills.
Early Life and Family Background
Val Chmerkovskiy was born in Odesa, which was part of the Soviet Union at the time and is now in Ukraine. His parents are Aleksandr and Larisa Chmerkovskiy. When he was a child, his family moved to the United States, where he grew up and began pursuing his interests in dance.
Growing up in a family that valued artistic expression helped shape his ambitions. His older brother, Maksim Chmerkovskiy, also became a successful professional dancer and television personality. Maksim’s achievements provided a close connection to the professional dance world, although Val developed his own identity and style.
The brothers share a passion for performance and have appeared together in various entertainment projects. Their relationship has attracted attention from fans who enjoy seeing their different personalities and approaches to dancing.
Val’s early experiences helped him understand that success in competitive dance requires more than natural talent. Training, discipline, persistence, and the ability to learn from mistakes are essential parts of becoming a professional performer.
Val Chmerkovskiy’s Dancing Career
Val’s professional journey began long before his television fame. As a young dancer, he trained in ballroom styles and competed in events that required considerable preparation and technical discipline.
Competitive ballroom dancing involves precise footwork, posture, timing, coordination, and communication between partners. Dancers must also adapt their movements to different musical styles while maintaining control and expression.
Val developed these abilities through years of practice. His competitive background gave him a strong foundation for the challenges he would eventually face on television.
His Rise on Dancing with the Stars
Val joined Dancing with the Stars as a professional dancer in 2011. His arrival introduced audiences to a performer who combined athletic ability with a confident and engaging personality.
The show requires professional dancers to teach choreography to celebrities who often have little or no previous ballroom experience. Within a limited period, they must help their partners learn routines, improve their technique, and perform under pressure.
Val demonstrated an ability to adjust his teaching approach to different personalities and skill levels. Some partners needed encouragement, while others benefited from detailed technical guidance. His ability to adapt became an important part of his work.
Over the years, he partnered with a variety of celebrities, helping them develop their dancing abilities while creating routines suited to their strengths. His performances earned him a loyal following among viewers.
Championship Success
One of Val’s most significant achievements on Dancing with the Stars came when he won the competition with actress and model Rumer Willis during season 20 in 2015. The victory demonstrated the effectiveness of their partnership and the progress Willis made throughout the season.
He later won again with Olympic gymnast Laurie Hernandez in season 23 in 2016. Their partnership combined athleticism, expressive choreography, and a strong understanding of performance.
These victories established Val as one of the show’s successful professional competitors. They also highlighted an important aspect of his career: a professional dancer’s success depends not only on personal ability but also on how effectively that dancer helps a partner grow.
His achievements remain an important part of his professional legacy and contribute to the continuing interest in his life and career.
Val Chmerkovskiy’s Wife and Family Life
Val Chmerkovskiy is married to Jenna Johnson, a professional dancer who has also competed on Dancing with the Stars. Their relationship developed through their shared involvement in the dance community, where they spent years working in the same professional environment.
The couple married in April 2019 in a ceremony attended by family, friends, and fellow performers. Their relationship has attracted interest because both understand the demands of a career built around rehearsals, live performances, and television production.
Their shared profession provides a foundation for their relationship. They understand the long hours, physical demands, and emotional investment involved in preparing for major performances.
In January 2023, Val and Jenna welcomed their son, expanding their family and beginning a new chapter in their lives. Parenthood has become another important part of their public story, alongside their professional achievements.
Although they occasionally share moments from their personal lives with fans, they also maintain boundaries around their family. Their ability to balance public careers with private responsibilities is an ongoing part of their journey.
How Val Chmerkovskiy Maintains His Energy
At 40, Val remains associated with a physically demanding profession. Ballroom dancing requires stamina, flexibility, balance, coordination, and strength. Professional dancers often spend hours rehearsing movements repeatedly to achieve the precision expected on stage.
Maintaining these abilities requires consistent practice and attention to physical conditioning. Dancers also need to understand recovery, injury prevention, and the importance of adjusting their workload when necessary.
Val’s years of professional experience have likely helped him develop a more informed approach to training and performance preparation. However, individual routines can change depending on rehearsal schedules, touring commitments, and other professional responsibilities.
Experience also plays a major role in how dancers perform. Technical knowledge and musical understanding can help a performer make more deliberate artistic decisions, even as the physical demands of dancing remain substantial.
For Val, age is only one part of the story. His continued involvement in dance demonstrates how long-term training and professional experience can support an evolving career.
What Makes Val Chmerkovskiy Popular?
Val’s popularity comes from a combination of dancing ability, television experience, and personality. Audiences appreciate the transformation that takes place when a celebrity learns to dance, and professional partners play a major role in that process.
His choreography often emphasizes the strengths of his partners while helping them work through their weaknesses. This balance can make performances more engaging and allow viewers to appreciate the progress made over a season.
His family connections have also contributed to his public profile, particularly his relationship with brother Maksim and wife Jenna. Their shared involvement in professional dance creates opportunities for collaboration and gives fans a closer look at the people behind the performances.
Another reason for his appeal is his long-standing connection with Dancing with the Stars. Returning viewers have watched him develop as a dancer, teacher, competitor, and public figure.
Rather than being defined by a single achievement, Val’s career reflects years of work across several areas of entertainment. That combination has helped him build a lasting presence in the dance world.
Val Chmerkovskiy’s Life Beyond Television
Although Dancing with the Stars remains central to his public identity, Val has pursued opportunities beyond the show. Professional dancers can expand their careers through live tours, choreography, teaching, and entertainment ventures.
Live stage productions offer a different experience from television competitions. They require performers to sustain energy throughout a show, connect with audiences in person, and deliver consistent performances across multiple dates.
Val has participated in touring dance productions alongside other established performers. These projects allow him to showcase ballroom technique while exploring theatrical presentation and different styles of choreography.
His broader career illustrates how professional dancers can turn specialized skills into multiple opportunities. Television can provide recognition, while touring and other projects allow performers to reach audiences in different settings.
As he moves through his forties, his experience provides a foundation for continued work as a performer, mentor, and creative professional.
Frequently Asked Questions
How old is Val Chmerkovskiy?
Val Chmerkovskiy is 40 years old as of October 18, 2026. He was born on March 24, 1986, in Odesa, Ukraine, which was then part of the Soviet Union.
When is Val Chmerkovskiy’s birthday?
His birthday is March 24. He celebrates his birthday each year in the spring.
Who is Val Chmerkovskiy’s wife?
Val is married to Jenna Johnson, a professional dancer known for her work on Dancing with the Stars. They married in April 2019.
How many times has Val Chmerkovskiy won Dancing with the Stars?
Val has won the competition twice as a professional partner. He won with Rumer Willis in 2015 and Laurie Hernandez in 2016.
Does Val Chmerkovskiy have children?
Yes. Val and his wife, Jenna Johnson, welcomed their son in January 2023.
Where was Val Chmerkovskiy born?
Val was born in Odesa, Ukraine. His family later moved to the United States, where he developed his professional dancing career.
Conclusion
So, how old is Val Chmerkovskiy? He is 40 years old in 2026, having been born on March 24, 1986. His age represents years of dedication to professional dancing, television entertainment, and artistic development.
From his early training to his championship victories on Dancing with the Stars, Val has built a career that combines technical expertise with a natural talent for performance. His marriage to Jenna Johnson and their growing family have added another dimension to his life beyond the dance floor.
Val’s story is about more than a birth date. It is about the discipline required to develop a skill, the confidence needed to perform under pressure, and the ability to keep growing throughout a long career. With his experience and continuing connection to the world of dance, he remains a familiar and respected figure among fans of ballroom entertainment.
