Maksim Chmerkovskiy's Love Life: From DWTS Engagements To Enduring Marriage

Melody Johns 18 Jun 2025

**Maksim Chmerkovskiy, often simply known as Maks, has long been a captivating figure in the world of dance, particularly through his prominent role on "Dancing with the Stars." Beyond his undeniable talent on the ballroom floor, fans have always been intrigued by his personal life, especially his journey through various significant Maksim Chmerkovskiy relationships. From high-profile engagements to a deeply rooted marriage, Maks's romantic evolution offers a fascinating glimpse into the life of a public figure navigating love under the spotlight.** His story is one of growth, learning, and ultimately, finding profound happiness with his wife, Peta Murgatroyd, a fellow professional dancer. This article delves into the intricate tapestry of Maksim Chmerkovskiy's romantic history, exploring the pivotal moments and key relationships that have shaped him. We will trace his path from early engagements and celebrity dating to the enduring partnership he now shares with Peta, highlighting the lessons learned and the profound impact these connections have had on his life. Join us as we explore the heart of one of "Dancing with the Stars'" most beloved professionals. ## Table of Contents * [Maksim Chmerkovskiy: A Glimpse into the Life of a Dance Icon](#maksim-chmerkovskiy-a-glimpse-into-the-life-of-a-dance-icon) * [Personal Data & Biodata](#personal-data-biodata) * [The Early Chapters: Maksim Chmerkovskiy's Pre-Peta Romances](#the-early-chapters-maksim-chmerkovskiys-pre-peta-romances) * [The Engagement with Karina Smirnoff](#the-engagement-with-karina-smirnoff) * [High-Profile Dating: Hope Solo, Kate Upton, and More](#high-profile-dating-hope-solo-kate-upton-and-more) * [A "Mistake" and Lessons Learned: Maksim's Celebrity Dance Partners](#a-mistake-and-lessons-learned-maksims-celebrity-dance-partners) * [The Unconventional Start: Maksim Chmerkovskiy and Peta Murgatroyd's Love Story](#the-unconventional-start-maksim-chmerkovskiy-and-peta-murgatroyds-love-story) * [From "Arrogant" First Impressions to Enduring Love](#from-arrogant-first-impressions-to-enduring-love) * [Building a Family: Parenthood and Its Impact on Maksim Chmerkovskiy's Relationship](#building-a-family-parenthood-and-its-impact-on-maksim-chmerkovskiys-relationship) * [Life Beyond the Ballroom: Maksim Chmerkovskiy's Marriage Today](#life-beyond-the-ballroom-maksim-chmerkovskiys-marriage-today) * [Reliving the Sweetest Moments: A Journey of Love and Growth](#reliving-the-sweetest-moments-a-journey-of-love-and-growth) * [The Enduring Legacy of Maksim Chmerkovskiy's Relationships](#the-enduring-legacy-of-maksim-chmerkovskiys-relationships) *** ## Maksim Chmerkovskiy: A Glimpse into the Life of a Dance Icon Maksim "Maks" Chmerkovskiy is a name synonymous with professional ballroom dancing. Born in Odesa, Ukrainian SSR, Soviet Union, Maks immigrated to the United States with his family in the mid-1990s, bringing with him a passion for dance that would eventually make him a household name. He quickly rose through the ranks of the competitive dance world, eventually becoming one of the most recognizable and beloved professional dancers on the hit ABC show "Dancing with the Stars." Known for his intense demeanor, passionate performances, and undeniable charisma, Maks has captivated audiences for years. Beyond the glitz and glamour of the ballroom, Maks has always been a private individual, yet his journey through various Maksim Chmerkovskiy relationships has often been a topic of public interest. His path to finding lasting love was not without its twists and turns, reflecting the complexities of life in the public eye. ### Personal Data & Biodata | Attribute | Details [Maksim Chmerkovskiy](#maksim-chmerkovskiy-a-glimmer-into-the-life-of-a-dance-icon) [Personal Data & Biodata](#personal-data-biodata) [The Early Chapters: Maksim Chmerkovskiy's Pre-Peta Romances](#the-early-chapters-maksim-chmerkovskiys-pre-peta-romances) [The Engagement with Karina Smirnoff](#the-engagement-with-karina-smirnoff) [High-Profile Dating: Hope Solo, Kate Upton, and More](#high-profile-dating-hope-solo-kate-upton-and-more) [A "Mistake" and Lessons Learned: Maksim's Celebrity Dance Partners](#a-mistake-and-lessons-learned-maksims-celebrity-dance-partners) [The Unconventional Start: Maksim Chmerkovskiy and Peta Murgatroyd's Love Story](#the-unconventional-start-maksim-chmerkovskiy-and-peta-murgatroyds-love-story) [From "Arrogant" First Impressions to Enduring Love](#from-arrogant-first-impressions-to-enduring-love) [Building a Family: Parenthood and Its Impact on Maksim Chmerkovskiy's Relationship](#building-a-family-parenthood-and-its-impact-on-maksim-chmerkovskiys-relationship) [Life Beyond the Ballroom: Maksim Chmerkovskiy's Marriage Today](#life-beyond-the-ballroom-maksim-chmerkovskiys-marriage-today) [Reliving the Sweetest Moments: A Journey of Love and Growth](#reliving-the-sweetest-moments-a-journey-of-love-and-growth) [The Enduring Legacy of Maksim Chmerkovskiy's Relationships](#the-enduring-legacy-of-maksim-chmerkovskiys-relationships) ## The Early Chapters: Maksim Chmerkovskiy's Pre-Peta Romances Before settling down with Peta Murgatroyd, Maksim Chmerkovskiy had a series of notable relationships that garnered significant media attention. These early chapters in his romantic life offered a glimpse into his personality and what he sought in a partner, often intertwining with his professional world on "Dancing with the Stars." His journey through these connections, some fleeting and others deeply serious, ultimately paved the way for his lasting happiness. ### The Engagement with Karina Smirnoff One of the most significant Maksim Chmerkovskiy relationships in his earlier years was with fellow "Dancing with the Stars" pro, Karina Smirnoff. Their romance blossomed on the set of the show, a common occurrence given the intense and intimate nature of professional dance partnerships. The two professional dancers became engaged in Las Vegas on New Year's Eve in 2009, following just six months of dating. This engagement came shortly after Karina's split from another "DWTS" alum, Mario Lopez, highlighting the often interconnected world of the show's cast. Their engagement lasted for nine months, a period filled with public appearances and the hopes of fans for a "DWTS" power couple. However, despite their shared passion for dance and undeniable chemistry on the floor, their relationship ultimately didn't last. The pressures of their careers, combined with the intense scrutiny of being a public couple, likely played a role in their eventual split. This experience, while ending in heartbreak, undoubtedly provided Maks with valuable lessons about balancing personal life with professional demands. ### High-Profile Dating: Hope Solo, Kate Upton, and More Beyond his engagement to Karina, Maksim Chmerkovskiy was linked to several other high-profile women, showcasing his appeal both within and outside the entertainment industry. These relationships, while often shorter-lived, kept the public guessing about the enigmatic dancer's romantic prospects. One such connection was with Olympic soccer star Hope Solo in 2011. Their relationship, though brief, attracted media attention due to Solo's own celebrity status and her previous participation on "Dancing with the Stars." Similarly, Maks was linked to supermodel Kate Upton in 2013. These relationships, often characterized by their intensity and public visibility, provided Maks with further experiences in navigating the unique challenges of dating as a celebrity. While details about these specific Maksim Chmerkovskiy relationships remain somewhat private, they were part of his broader journey of self-discovery and understanding what he truly desired in a long-term partner. He was also reportedly linked to Elena, though less is known about that particular connection. Each of these experiences, regardless of their duration, contributed to the tapestry of his romantic life before he found his true match. ## A "Mistake" and Lessons Learned: Maksim's Celebrity Dance Partners Maksim Chmerkovskiy's candidness about his past relationships has always been refreshing. On his "Sibling Revelry" podcast, Chmerkovskiy opened up about his romantic history, specifically touching upon his experiences with celebrity dance partners. While he has had numerous memorable partnerships on "Dancing with the Stars," he stated that he only had "one relationship" with a celeb partner, and it was a "mistake." This revelation sent ripples through the "DWTS" fan community, prompting discussions on platforms like Reddit, where fans largely reacted positively to his honesty, with one user noting, "I feel like he's just being real, I agree Maks can be." This particular comment, without naming names, highlights a crucial aspect of Maksim's growth: learning from past experiences. The unique environment of "Dancing with the Stars," where professional and celebrity partners spend countless hours in close proximity, often fosters intense bonds. For Maks, recognizing a past relationship as a "mistake" likely refers to the blurring of professional and personal lines, or perhaps a relationship that wasn't genuinely compatible outside the show's bubble. It speaks to his evolving understanding of boundaries and what constitutes a healthy, sustainable partnership, especially when under the public eye. This introspection was a vital step on his path to finding a truly compatible and lasting relationship. ## The Unconventional Start: Maksim Chmerkovskiy and Peta Murgatroyd's Love Story The love story of Maksim Chmerkovskiy and Peta Murgatroyd is a testament to how the most profound connections can sometimes begin in the most unexpected ways. Their journey together did not start conventionally, as they saw other people when they first met each other. Both were professional dancers on "Dancing with the Stars," but their initial interactions were far from a fairytale romance. ### From "Arrogant" First Impressions to Enduring Love Peta Murgatroyd herself admitted to *People* in 2015, "I thought he was arrogant." This candid first impression underscores the initial dynamic between the two dancers. Maks, known for his strong personality and commanding presence, might have come across as intimidating or self-assured to Peta. Despite working in the same professional circles, their relationship didn't immediately spark into romance. They navigated their individual lives, pursuing other relationships, even while their paths continued to cross within the "Dancing with the Stars" family. However, as fate would have it, their connection deepened over time. The shared experiences, mutual respect for each other's talent, and perhaps a softening of Maks's perceived arrogance, allowed a different kind of relationship to blossom. Chmerkovskiy, who later resided in Edgewater, New Jersey, began dating Peta Murgatroyd. It was a gradual evolution from colleagues to friends, and then to something much more profound. A pivotal moment in their relationship came when Maks realized Peta was "the one." He famously shared the story of seeing his previously empty closet filled with Murgatroyd’s belongings, which he described as "jarring." Yet, this seemingly simple observation led to a profound realization. He explained that he ended a previous relationship because he knew Peta was the woman he was meant to be with. This moment of clarity, recognizing the depth of his feelings and the rightness of their connection, marked a turning point in their Maksim Chmerkovskiy relationships