Maksim Chmerkovskiy Net Worth: How the Dancing with the Stars Champion Built His Fortune

Maksim Chmerkovskiy, the charismatic ballroom dancer, choreographer, and instructor, has captivated audiences worldwide. But beyond his dazzling performances and television appearances, lies a successful career that has amassed a significant net worth. This article dives deep into Maksim Chmerkovskiy’s net worth, exploring his journey, his ventures, and how he built his estimated $8 million fortune.

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Early Life and Dance Beginnings

Maksim Aleksandrovich Chmerkovskiy, affectionately known as Maks, was born on January 17, 1980, in Odesa, Ukrainian SSR, then part of the Soviet Union. His heritage is a blend of cultures, with a Jewish father and a Christian mother. His younger brother, Valentin Chmerkovskiy, also made a name for himself as a professional dancer, and the two have shared the stage and a lifelong bond.

Maks’s journey into the world of dance began at the tender age of four when his parents enrolled him in a school of aesthetic education. This institution wasn’t just about dance; it instilled values of etiquette and manners. It was here that his natural talent for ballroom dance began to blossom. He began competing and excelling in dance competitions, showcasing a talent that set him apart from a young age. Even as a child, Maks was an active participant in sports, like soccer and skiing. A skiing accident at 13 resulted in a serious leg injury, but he recovered fully, demonstrating his resilience and passion for dance, returning to the dance floor within six months.

In 1994, at the age of 14, the Chmerkovskiy family immigrated to Brooklyn, New York, seeking new opportunities. This move marked a turning point, providing Maks with the platform to pursue his dance career on a larger scale. He supported himself by dancing traditional dances in a local Russian restaurant. He also continued to participate in dance competitions, which helped him generate income. At 16, he collaborated with his father to open a dance studio in Ridgewood, New Jersey. This venture proved successful, and in 2001, he achieved a significant milestone by coaching his brother, Valentin, and his partner to victory at the world junior championship.

Conquering ‘Dancing with the Stars’: A Career Defining Role

While instructing and honing his skills, Chmerkovskiy continued his professional dance career. He rose through the ranks in the International Latin category, reaching the 2^nd position in the United States and 7^th in the world. He accumulated wins at prestigious competitions, including La Classique du Quebec, the Philadelphia Dancesport Festival, and the Manhattan Dancesport Professional.

In 2006, Chmerkovskiy seized a prominent opportunity, joining the cast of the hit American television show “Dancing with the Stars” for its second season. Paired with actress Tia Carrere, they achieved sixth place. He returned for several seasons, dancing with singer Willa Ford (seventh place) and Laila Ali (third place). Season 5 saw him partnered with Melanie Brown, and the pair finished as runners-up. He took a break from the show for season six, citing the stress of the competition.

Chmerkovskiy returned for Season 7, partnering with Olympic volleyball gold medalist Misty-May Treanor, but an Achilles tendon injury forced Treanor to withdraw. Season 9 saw him paired with actress Denise Richards (eliminated second), and season 10 with Debi Mazar (eliminated fourth). Season 10 brought him to the semi-finals alongside Erin Andrews, finishing third. Partnered with Brandy in season 11, they received high scores but were surprisingly eliminated in the semi-finals. He then danced with Kirstie Alley for two seasons, experiencing some on-stage mishaps. Season 13 saw him paired with Hope Solo, and the pair came in fourth place. Partnered with Melissa Gilbert in season 14, they finished fifth, facing challenges with injuries. Season 15 was an All-Stars season, where he danced with Kirstie Alley again, and they were eliminated in week 8.

Chmerkovskiy took another break before returning in Season 18, where he partnered with Olympic ice dancer Meryl Davis. This partnership proved victorious, and they won the show in May 2014. He returned in season 23 with Amber Rose, in season 24 with Heather Morris, and in season 25 with Vanessa Lachey. He officially stepped away from “Dancing with the Stars” as a professional in April 2018.

Beyond the Ballroom: Additional Ventures and Achievements

Chmerkovskiy’s talents extend beyond the dance floor. He has worked as a choreographer for shows in Las Vegas and has performed on Broadway, further diversifying his career. He co-created an autobiographical show with his brother, called “Maks & Val Live on Tour: Our Way,” which toured the country in 2016, showcasing their dance prowess and personal stories. He also appeared on the Ukrainian version of “The Bachelor” in 2011, demonstrating his willingness to explore different avenues in entertainment.

Personal Life and Relationships

In 2009, Chmerkovskiy was engaged to fellow “Dancing with the Stars” professional Karina Smirnoff, though the relationship ended. He later dated Peta Murgatroyd, another professional dancer from the show. They broke up in 2013, but they rekindled their relationship in 2014 and became engaged in December 2015. They welcomed their son in January 2017 and married in New York in July 2017, solidifying their family.

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Maksim Chmerkovskiy’s Net Worth: Investments and Earnings

Maksim Chmerkovskiy has amassed an estimated net worth of $8 million through various income streams. His primary source of income is his career as a professional dancer, choreographer, and instructor. His appearances on “Dancing with the Stars” have undoubtedly been a significant contributor to his wealth. Earnings from his dance studio, choreography work in Las Vegas, and Broadway performances have also played an important role.

Additional revenue is generated through his touring show with his brother, “Maks & Val Live on Tour: Our Way,” and other ventures. While specific details of his investments are not publicly available, it’s reasonable to assume that he has wisely invested his earnings. The combination of his successful career, entrepreneurial spirit, and strategic investments have enabled him to build and maintain a substantial net worth, solidifying his status as a successful entertainer and businessman.

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Conclusion

Maksim Chmerkovskiy’s journey from Ukraine to becoming a celebrated dancer and entrepreneur is an inspiring story of talent, hard work, and strategic choices. His net worth is a testament to his versatility, his ability to capitalize on opportunities, and his drive to succeed. He has built a strong financial foundation through his career, diversified ventures, and personal relationships, leaving a lasting impact on the world of dance and entertainment.