The School of Greatness 590 Valentin Chmerkovskiy: The Art of Dance, Success and Pursuing Your Dreams
Jan 17, 2018
Valentin Chmerkovskiy, a two-time world Latin dance champion and star of Dancing with the Stars, shares his journey from an immigrant to a celebrated dancer. He emphasizes the importance of generosity for happiness and reflects on cultural perceptions of masculinity in dance. Valentin discusses how dance fosters personal growth, authenticity, and community engagement. He also delves into his experiences with failure and success, highlighting the transformative power of gratitude and the profound lessons he's learned through resilience and vulnerability.
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First U.S. Junior World Champion
- Valentin Chmerkovskiy won the Junior World Latin championship as the first U.S. couple, a moment of validation after immigrating.
- He described standing on the podium hearing the U.S. anthem as a rite of passage and proud representation for his family.
Dance As Athletic Discipline
- Ballroom dance is more respected as masculine in Eastern Europe partly because it demands athletic discipline and partnership.
- Valentin framed dance as a sport requiring stamina, training, and athleticism, not just art.
How Dance Began For Him
- Valentin started in ballroom because his brother joined an after-school etiquette and dance class in Ukraine.
- He later performed in Russian restaurants at age 12 and used earnings to buy video games and clothes, marking early independence.
