Val Chmerkovskiy: Dancing with the Stars Pro Talks Retirement and Future Ambitions

Val Chmerkovskiy has been a professional dancer on Dancing with the Stars (DWTS) for an impressive 20 seasons. Throughout his journey, he has claimed the coveted Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy three times alongside his dance partners Rumer Willis, Laurie Hernandez, and Xochitl Gomez.

Despite his long tenure on the show and whispers from fans questioning when he might retire, Val remains deeply passionate about dancing and shows no signs of stepping away just yet.

Thoughts on Retirement

Val once considered leaving DWTS after Season 30. On the December 3 episode of the Lightweights Podcast, he joked about pushing his body to the limit: “I want to beat this body up as much as I can. I want to squeeze every ounce of what I can, [’cause] I love to dance. So, yeah, I mean, I think I have a couple of seasons left.”

Though he seemed ready to say goodbye a few years back, Val’s enthusiasm for dance and performing remains strong. His dedication to the show, which has significantly shaped his life, continues to fuel his commitment to returning each season.

A Family Affair

Val’s connection to DWTS runs deep, not just as a professional dancer but also through family ties. He and his brother, Maksim “Maks” Chmerkovskiy, both performed on the show for years. Val also met his wife, fellow dancer Jenna Johnson, through DWTS, and the couple welcomed their son, Rome Valentin Chmerkovskiy, in January 2023.

Val began his journey as a chorus member in Season 2 before being promoted to a professional dancer in Season 13. After more than a decade on the show, he once hinted that Season 30 might be his last. In a 2021 interview with ET, he expressed gratitude for his time on DWTS, saying, “Is this my last season? Probably … I have no regrets about my tenure on the show [or] about the season.”

Looking to the Future

After securing a win in Season 32 with Xochitl Gomez, some fans speculated that Val might go out on a high note. However, he clarified his intentions during a December 2023 interview with Us Weekly: “Listen, if they had me back, I’d love to be back. It’s going to be a tough season to follow.”

Though his retirement plans remain uncertain, Val has expressed interest in serving as a judge on DWTS when the time comes. Joining the judges’ panel alongside Carrie Ann Inaba, Derek Hough, and Bruno Tonioli might just be his next chapter.

For now, though, Val Chmerkovskiy’s passion for dancing keeps him on the dance floor, and he has no immediate plans to hang up his shoes. Fans can expect to see more of his dynamic performances in the seasons to come.