Max Chermansky: The Dancing Star Who Conquered America

Max Chermansky is a name that many people associate with dazzling performances, graceful moves, and captivating charisma. He is a champion Latin ballroom dancer, reality television host, choreographer, and instructor. He has won millions of fans and accolades for his appearances on the popular show Dancing with the Stars, as well as his Broadway productions and other projects. But who is Max Chermansky, and how did he achieve such success and fame? Here is a brief overview of his life and career.

Early Life and Education

Max Chermansky was born on January 17, 1980, in Odessa, a city in the Ukrainian SSR of the Soviet Union. His full name is Maksim Aleksandrovich Chmerkovskiy, and he has a younger brother, Valentin, who is also a professional dancer. His father is Jewish, and his mother is Christian, and he has described himself as Jewish. He began dancing at age 4, when his parents enrolled him in a school of aesthetic education, where he learned manners and ballroom dance. He also participated in tennis, soccer, and swimming as a child.

At age 13, he broke his right leg in a skiing accident and had a titanium rod put in to stabilize his leg. Doctors foresaw long-term difficulties and little possibility of a dancing career; however, he recovered and was dancing again six months later. In 1994, his family immigrated to Brooklyn, New York, where they faced financial and language barriers. On his second day in the United States, Chmerkovskiy had a new pair of roller blades stolen. Moving to the United States also gave Chmerkovskiy the opportunity to rededicate himself to dance. At 15, he began working at a local Russian restaurant, dancing as entertainment. He also decided to compete in dance tournaments to earn more money and recognition.

Competitive Dancing and Teaching

As a dancer, Chmerkovskiy competed at the professional level in the International Latin category. With partner Elena Grinenko, whom Chmerkovskiy competed with from 2002 to 2005, Chmerkovskiy achieved the rank of 2nd in the United States and 7th in the world among professional international Latin couples. He also won several titles, such as the Yankee Classic Professional Latin Champion, the Manhattan Dancesport Professional Latin Champion, and the Nevada Star Ball Champion.

Chmerkovskiy also became a successful dance instructor and opened his own studio, Rising Stars Dance Academy, in New Jersey. He later co-founded Dance With Me, a chain of dance studios, with his brother and former partner Tony Dovolani. He has taught many celebrities and aspiring dancers, such as Vanessa Lachey, Heather Morris, Amber Rose, and Zendaya.

Dancing with the Stars and Beyond

Chmerkovskiy’s breakthrough came in 2006, when he joined the cast of Dancing with the Stars, a reality television show that pairs celebrities with professional dancers. He made his debut in season two, partnering with actress Tia Carrere. He quickly became a fan favorite for his skill, charisma, and chemistry with his partners. He also gained a reputation for being outspoken, passionate, and sometimes controversial. He often clashed with the judges, especially Len Goodman and Carrie Ann Inaba, over their critiques and scores. He also had heated arguments with some of his partners, such as Hope Solo and Kirstie Alley.

In his 17 seasons as a competing pro on the show, Chmerkovskiy made it to the final round five times, with two runner-up and two third-place finishes. On May 20, 2014, Chmerkovskiy, paired with Olympic ice dancer Meryl Davis, won his first Dancing with the Stars title. He announced his retirement from the show shortly after, but returned as a guest judge in season 19 and as a pro in season 23. He also appeared as a judge on the spin-off series Dancing with the Stars: Juniors in 2018.

Chmerkovskiy has also starred in the Broadway productions of dance shows Burn the Floor and Forever Tango. He has also ventured into acting, appearing in films such as Byrd and the Bees and Lost & Found in Armenia, and TV shows such as General Hospital and Fuller House. He has also hosted and produced several dance-related events and projects, such as SWAY: A Dance Trilogy, Maks & Val Live On Tour, and Dance All Night Tour.

Personal Life and Philanthropy

Chmerkovskiy has been married to fellow dancer and Dancing with the Stars pro Peta Murgatroyd since 2017. They have two children, a son named Shai and a daughter whose name has not been revealed yet. They welcomed their second child in June 2021, after struggling with infertility and miscarriages for years. Chmerkovskiy and Murgatroyd often share their family life and love story on social media and in interviews.

Chmerkovskiy is also a philanthropist and an advocate for social justice. He has supported various causes and organizations, such as UNICEF, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Aid for AIDS, and the American Red Cross. He has also spoken out against racism, anti-Semitism, and discrimination, having experienced them firsthand during his career. He has also encouraged his fans and followers to vote, donate, and educate themselves on important issues.

Conclusion

Max Chermansky is a dancing star who has conquered America with his talent, charisma, and passion. He has achieved success and fame in various fields, such as competitive dancing, teaching, reality television, Broadway, and acting. He has also overcome many challenges and hardships, such as immigration, injury, and infertility. He has also used his platform to support various causes and to inspire others. He is a role model and an icon for many people who love and admire him.

ncG1vNJzZmibkaeypr7GnpirZpiau7CyjZympmeemsS0e9KtpquxX6KuuXnCoZyrpZGjwKzFjK2fnmWUlruktc2gZKyskad6uLTOZpqopqGqsrOxw2aYpp2inrCiew%3D%3D