The Real Reason Val, Maks Chmerkovskiy Were Hesitant to Join 'DWTS'
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Apparently, Maksim Chmerkovskiy and Valentin Chmerkovskiy initially didn’t want join Dancing With The Stars. Turning down the show’s offer during season one, the brothers admitted that teaching the dancing basics to celebrities wasn’t something they were willing to do.
Val, Maks Chmerkovskiy Used to be Hesitant in Joining DWTS
Before Maksim Chmerkovskiy and Valentin Chmerkovskiy became two of the most-anticipated pros in DWTS, they admittedly weren’t convinced of what would be its contribution to their professional growth. In the recent episode of the Trading Secrets podcast, Val opened up why they refused to join the show during its first season.
“They asked him season 1 and he turned it down,” he said. “Because, you know, we are proud, committed athletes and artists to our craft, and for us to sell out and babysit celebrities on a reality TV show in Hollywood was just not something that was interesting to us at all.”
Yet, after watching the premier season, the two felt like the show was worth giving a shot to. According to him, DWTS somehow became “novelty television” during that time. Consequently, Val encouraged the still-not-so-persuaded Maks to join the series.
“Give it a shot and if it’s not for you, you can always come back and continue to do what you’re doing,” he said.
Val went on and stated that DWTS “kinda changed” Maks’ life. However, he stated that seeing those changes didn’t really prompt him to join until later.
Both Brothers Sealed Mirrorball Trophies During Their Time
For those who may not know, Val first graced the DWTS ballroom back in 2011, dancing with Elisabetta Canalis. Unfortunately, they were eliminated almost immediately un week two. He made it through the third week of the show during season 14 with Sherri Shepherd. Subsequently, in season 15, he secured third place with Kelly Monaco, back when they competed in All-Stars.
In season 16, he reached the Finale with Zendaya, ending with a silver placement. Val won his first ever Mirrorball trophy during season 20 with celebrity Rumer Willis. In season 23, he snatched another one again with celebrity Laurie Hernandez.
Maks himself won a Mirrorball trophy, owning the championship during DWTS 2014 with figure skater Meryl Davis. After competing for additional seasons, he decided to let go of his role in the show in 2018. According to the former DWTS pro, a person’s “chemistry changes when you have a child.”
In addition, he revealed that there is so much politics in joining the show, all done to garner votes and win. Now, Maks and Val are gearing up for his upcoming residency show in Napa, titled Savor After Hours.
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