What Nationality Is Val From Dancing With The Stars

So, you’re watching Dancing With the Stars. You see Val Chmerkovskiy spin, dip, and dazzle. And then it hits you: What nationality is this guy? It’s a great question. Let’s dive into the fun, fabulous, and slightly confusing answer.

Ukrainian Roots, Baby!

Val Chmerkovskiy was born in Odessa, Ukraine. That’s right—he’s Ukrainian through and through. His family moved to the United States when he was just a kid. So, his nationality is Ukrainian-American. Think pierogies, folk dances, and a fierce work ethic.

But wait—there’s more. Val’s full name is Valentin Alexandrovich Chmerkovskiy. Try saying that five times fast! It’s a mouthful, but it sounds like a secret agent or a Russian novel. And yes, he’s proud of that heritage.

The Chmerkovskiy Clan: A Dance Dynasty

Val isn’t the only star in the family. His older brother Maksim Chmerkovskiy was also a DWTS pro. Together, they’re like the Brat Pack of Ballroom. Both were born in Ukraine, but Maks is a bit older. They grew up dancing in their parents’ studio in Brooklyn.

Fun fact: Their father, Alexandr Chmerkovskiy, was a gymnast. Their mother, Larisa, was a dancer. So, dance is literally in Val’s DNA. He didn’t just learn the tango—he absorbed it from the womb.

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But Is He Russian? The Big Confusion

Here’s where it gets tricky. Many people assume Val is Russian. Why? Because he speaks Russian fluently. His last name ends in “-skiy.” And he’s performed with Russian-themed routines. But nope—he’s Ukrainian.

However, Val has said he feels culturally connected to both countries. Ukraine and Russia share a lot of history. So, if you call him “Russian” at a party, he’ll politely correct you. But he won’t hold a grudge. He’s too busy winning mirrorball trophies.

Quirky Facts That Make You Go “Huh?”

Let’s get weird. Val once danced with a fake snake on his shoulder. It was for a “jungle” theme night. He also tripped during a live show and turned it into a hip-hop move. Smooth operator!

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His favorite food? Borscht, a Ukrainian beet soup. He says it’s “better than any smoothie.” And he drinks kefir—a tangy fermented milk—before every show. Weird? Yes. Effective? Apparently.

Accent? What Accent?

Val speaks English with a very faint Eastern European accent. But it’s so subtle, most fans don’t notice. When he’s excited, though, it slips out. Listen closely when he says “amazing” or “partner.” It’s adorable.

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He’s also fluent in Russian, Ukrainian, and English. That’s three languages! So, if he ever argues with a judge, he can do it in multiple tongues. Multilingual drama—now that’s entertainment.

Why Does This Matter? (It Doesn’t, But It’s Fun)

Honestly, Val’s nationality doesn’t change his dancing. He could be from Mars and still nail the paso doble. But knowing his background adds flavor to his story. It explains his passion, his musicality, and why he cries during emotional routines. Ukrainians feel deeply, okay?

Plus, it’s a great conversation starter. At a party? Say, “Did you know Val from DWTS is Ukrainian?” Suddenly, you’re the most interesting person in the room. You’re welcome.

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The Verdict: Val Is a Global Citizen

So, to answer your burning question: Val Chmerkovskiy is Ukrainian-American. Born in Odessa, raised in New Jersey, and now a ballroom legend in Los Angeles. He’s a beautiful blend of old-world elegance and American swagger.

Next time you watch him dance, think about his journey. From Soviet Ukraine to Hollywood’s biggest stage. That’s not just a twist—that’s a story worth cheering for. And hey, now you know. Go impress your friends.

P.S. If you see Val, ask him to say “borscht” in Ukrainian. It’ll make his day. Promise.