The Unforgettable Journeys of ‘Dancing With the Stars’ Pros: Discover Where They Thrive Today!

Dancing With the Stars has showcased extraordinary professional dancers since its premiere in 2005, regardless of whether they were crowned mirrorball champions. The likes of Derek Hough, Cheryl Burke, and Maksim Chmerkovskiy have dazzled the ballroom with their talent.

While some of the show's stars have achieved significant success in their careers, others have chosen to focus on creating fulfilling personal lives. Nevertheless, a few remain dedicated to their roles as professional dancers, returning year after year to join their castmates, who have become like family, and compete for the coveted title once more.

Julianne Hough is undeniably one of the show's most prominent figures. She triumphed as a professional dancer in season 4 and later conquered season 5 with partners Apolo Anton Ohno and Hélio Castroneves, respectively. After season 8, she decided to pursue new aspirations, but her connection with the show remained strong. Julianne returned as a judge for seasons 19 through 24, excluding season 22. When asked about the possibility of coming back to Dancing With the Stars, she humbly acknowledged the significant role the show played in shaping her career. She expressed gratitude for the opportunities it provided, reflecting on her journey from being a dancer to becoming a judge, and relishing in the ongoing success of the show.

In October 2019, Peta Murgatroyd shared exclusively with Us that some of the show's stars sought her advice on pregnancy and returning to work. She believes that women in today's society are still interested in pursuing their careers and not just being stay-at-home moms. She predicted that there would be a significant increase in the number of babies being born among the cast. Many of them were at the point of deciding whether to start a family now or wait for another six months.

Lindsay Arnold and Witney Carson took a break from season 29 in 2020 due to their pregnancies. In February 2021, the Catch 21 star expressed her eagerness to make a comeback to the ballroom.

Carson exclusively shared with Us that returning to the show is her ultimate goal and the current plan. However, she added that if anything changes, she will adapt accordingly.

Ahead of the premiere of season 30 in September 2021, both Arnold and Carson were announced as returning pros.

Scroll down to find out where every Dancing With the Stars pro is now.

Every 'Dancing With the Stars' Pro Through the Years: Where Are They Now?

Whether they have won the coveted Mirrorball trophy or not, Dancing With the Stars has showcased a number of exceptional professional dancers since it first aired on ABC in 2005. The likes of Derek Hough, Cheryl Burke, and Maksim Chmerkovskiy have brought immense talent and brilliance to the ballroom.

Some of the stars from the show have gone on to achieve great success in their careers, while others have chosen to focus on their personal lives. However, there are still some who continue to be part of the show year after year, reuniting with their castmates who have become like family and competing once again for the coveted title.

One notable star to emerge from the show is Julianne Hough. She first appeared as a professional dancer in season 4 and went on to win season 5 with partners Apolo Anton Ohno and Hélio Castroneves. After season 8, she decided to pursue other endeavors, but later returned as a judge for seasons 19 through 24, with the exception of season 22.

Julianne expressed in August 2019 that she would never dismiss the possibility of returning to Dancing With the Stars, acknowledging the show's significant impact on her career. At the age of 18, she had the opportunity to participate as both a dancer and a judge, and she expressed gratitude for the opportunities it provided.

In the meantime, some of the show's stars found support in each other when it came to planning for parenthood. Peta Murgatroyd revealed in October 2019 that many of her colleagues sought advice from her due to her successful handling of scheduling her pregnancy and returning to work. She emphasized that modern women aspire to balance their careers with motherhood, desiring both professional success and the ability to be actively involved outside the home.

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The New Zealand native anticipated a significant increase in newborns among the cast during that time. She predicted that many of them would be planning to have babies in the near future, either deciding to do it immediately or waiting for another six months.

In 2020, Lindsay Arnold and Witney Carson opted to skip season 29 due to their pregnancies. Lindsay Arnold, the star of Catch 21, shared her aspiration to make a comeback on the dance floor in February 2021.

"That's our objective," Carson told Us exclusively. "It's the focus of my current efforts and part of our current plans. If there are any alterations, we'll adapt accordingly, but that's our immediate goal."

Prior to the September 2021 premiere of season 30, it was confirmed that both Arnold and Carson would be returning as professional dancers.

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Alec Mazo

The MBA holder, who emerged victorious in season 1, attained his degree from Stanford University subsequent to his departure in season 9. He now holds the position of CEO at the esteemed Genesis Dance Sport studio and also spearheads his own production company. Mazo is happily married to Edyta Śliwińska, a former professional dancer, and together they are blessed with two children.

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Charlotte Jørgensen

Jørgensen appeared on season 1. She is a board member for Dance 4 Health and teaches at Q Ballroom in Massachusetts.

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Ashly DelGrosso

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Jonathan Roberts

Roberts exited after season 9. He was married to fellow pro Anna Trebunskaya from 2003 to 2013.

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Edyta Śliwińska

Śliwińska left after season 22. She married Alec Mazo in September 2007 and went on to welcome son Michael in January 2014 and daughter Leia in June 2017.

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Louis Van Amstel

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Cheryl Burke

Burke married Matthew Lawrence in May 2019. It was confirmed by Us in February 2022 that she has filed for divorce after almost three years of marriage. Court documents revealed that they had separated in early January.

In her professional life, Burke took over from Abby Lee Miller on Dance Moms in 2017. She cohosts the "Pretty Messed Up" podcast with her season 29 partner, AJ McLean. Ahead of the season 31 finale, she announced her retirement as a DWTS pro in November 2022.

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Anna Trebunskaya

After season 21, she decided to depart from the show. Currently, Trebunskaya is the co-owner of a dance studio in California, which she runs alongside her mother. From 2003 to 2013, she was married to Jonathan Roberts. Presently, she is engaged to Nevin Millan, and together they have a daughter named Amalya and a son named Kaspyan.

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Maksim Chmerkovskiy

The winner of season 18 of the show decided to leave after season 25. He tied the knot with Peta Murgatroyd, also a professional dancer on the show, in July 2017. Their first child, son Shai, was born in January 2017. Maksim, along with his brother Val Chmerkovskiy, who is also a professional dancer on the show, are the proud owners of the Dance With Me company. In January 2023, Murgatroyd revealed that she is pregnant and they are expecting their second child together.

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Nick Kosovich

After season 3, Kosovich left and pursued a career as an event organizer and consultant for various dance organizations around the world. Alongside his wife, Lena Kosovich, he manages a costume manufacturing business called LeNique.

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Karina Smirnoff

Smirnoff — who exited after season 22 — has her own dance studio. Us confirmed in April 2020 that she gave birth to her first child.

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Kym Johnson

Departing from the show in season 24, the individual from Australia couldn't resist the charms of their season 20 counterpart, Robert Herjavec. Their matrimonial union took place in July 2016, followed by the arrival of their two bundles of joy, Hudson and Haven, in April 2018. Additionally, they took on the role of hosting the renowned "Dancing With the Stars Official Podcast."

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Elena Grinenko

Grinenko left after season 4. She wed Rib Hillis in August 2012. She co-owns Dance Stars Festival with Karina Smirnoff, hosts Dance Talk TV and teaches online dance classes.

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Julianne Hough

Following her departure in season 8, Julianne's career skyrocketed. She showcased her talents in films such as Safe Haven, Footloose, Rock of Ages, and Grease Live!. Additionally, she took on the roles of a judge on America's Got Talent and Dancing With the Stars. Julianne embarked on a tour alongside her brother Derek, released a self-titled album, and even introduced a fitness program called Kingry. In July 2017, the two-time champion tied the knot with Brooks Laich, but unfortunately, they announced their separation in May 2020. Julianne filed for divorce later in November 2020.

In March 2023, news broke that the former pro would be returning to the ballroom for season 32 as Alfonso Ribeiro's cohost. 

Fortuna appeared on season 4. He went on to pursue theatre and acting.

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Derek Hough

With a stunning record of six victories, Derek bid farewell to the series after the 23rd season. Following his departure, he embarked on a journey as a judge on the talent show World of Dance, embarked on a tour alongside his sister Julianne, showcased his talents in the sensational 2016 production of Hairspray Live!, and made appearances on the hit show Nashville. Returning to the prestigious Dancing With the Stars as a judge from the 29th season onwards, Derek's career continued to flourish. In the pleasant month of June 2022, an enchanting surprise awaited his fans as he joyously announced his engagement to the former DWTS troupe dancer Hayley Erbert.

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Mark Ballas

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After taking a hiatus from DWTS following season 25, the two-time champion, Ballas, ventured into the world of music as part of the musical duo Alexander Jean alongside his wife BC Jean, whom he tied the knot with in November 2016. Alongside his music endeavors, Ballas also showcased his talent on Broadway in popular productions such as Kinky Boots and Jersey Boys. However, he made a triumphant return to the DWTS ballroom in season 31 in 2022, where he emerged victorious and claimed the coveted mirrorball trophy alongside his partner, the TikTok sensation, Charli D’Amelio.

Following his official retirement announcement from DWTS in March 2023, Ballas and Jean delightedly revealed three months later that they have a little one on the way, eagerly awaiting the arrival of their first baby.

Fabian Sanchez

Sanchez appeared on season 6. He owns a Fred Astaire Dance Studio and lives in Alabama.

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Lacey Schwimmer

Schwimmer exited after season 13. She is the cocreator of TheBallroomProject dance convention and an instructor at NRG danceProject.

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Corky Ballas

Corky departed the show after season 11. He still teaches dance.

Inna Brayer

Brayer appeared on season 7. After the show, she graduated from Hunter College and opened two dance schools in New York.

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Chelsie Hightower

Hightower exited after season 15. She is the creator of Dance Elevated and teaches at Revive Dance Convention. She also cofounded Inside Out, a dancewear company.

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Dmitry Chaplin

Chaplin left after season 12. He acts, continues to dance and is married. He also appeared on the Ukrainian version of Dancing With the Stars.

Anna Demidova

Demidova appeared on season 9. She is an actress, model and host.

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Damian Whitewood

Whitewood appeared on season 10. He is a grooming specialist in addition to continuing his work as a dancer.

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Tristan MacManus

MacManus departed following the completion of the seventeenth season. Currently, he serves as a judge on the Australian iteration of Dancing With the Stars, where he is also a proud parent to his two children, daughter Echo and son Oisín, whom he shares with his wife Tahyna Tozzi.

Val Chmerkovskiy

Val is the owner of a dance company and travels around performing with his brother Maksim. He tied the knot with his fellow professional dancer Jenna Johnson in April 2019. The couple joyously shared the news in June 2022 that they were eagerly awaiting the arrival of their first child. Their son graced the world with his presence in January 2023.

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Peta Murgatroyd

Having tied the knot with fellow professional dancer Maksim Chmerkovskiy in July 2017, the talented individual has triumphed on the dance floor not once, but twice. Following their blissful union, they welcomed their beloved son Shai into the world in January 2017. Additionally, this remarkable individual is renowned for her role as the co-creator of the widely acclaimed Peta Jane tanning mist. However, it was distressingly revealed in September 2021 that she would not be participating in the upcoming 30th season of DWTS. Overcoming considerable heartbreak, Murgatroyd bravely disclosed in January 2023 that she is currently expecting her second child, after enduring several devastating miscarriages.

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Sharna Burgess

Following her controversial victory in season 27, Burgess took a break from the show but later made a comeback as a competitor. Currently, she serves as a judge on Australia's Dancing With the Stars and has contemplated taking on the role of the lead in the Australian edition of The Bachelorette. Since November 2020, she has been in a relationship with Brian Austin Green. Their journey on DWTS season 30 coincided with the arrival of their son, Zane, in June 2022.

Lindsay Arnold

Arnold tied the knot with her high school sweetheart, Sam Cusick, in June 2015. In May 2020, she delightedly shared the news of their impending parenthood. Subsequently, their precious daughter, Sage, made her entrance into the world in November 2020. Additionally, the charismatic television personality collaborates with her sisters on a popular YouTube channel. While taking a break during her pregnancy, she resumed her place in the ballroom the following year for season 30.

Arnold announced in October 2022 that she is expecting baby No. 2. She gave birth to another little girl in May 2023.

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Gleb Savchenko

Savchenko is a multi-talented individual with various ventures under his belt. Apart from being the proud owner of ProDanceLA, a renowned dance studio, he also runs his own underwear line. In addition to his entrepreneurial pursuits, Savchenko manages to find time for modeling. Together with his estranged wife, Elena Samodanova, the couple shares the joy of parenthood with their daughters, Olivia and Zlata. However, after 14 years of marriage, the duo publicly announced their split in November 2020.

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Emma Slater

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Sasha Farber

Farber and Emma Slater tied the knot in March 2018, and together they frequently worked together on online dance courses. However, their collaboration came to an end in August 2022, when Us confirmed their separation. A mere six months later, Slater initiated divorce proceedings, citing "irreconcilable differences" as the cause of their breakup.

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Tyne Stecklein

Stecklein appeared on season 17. She is an actress, teacher and mother of sons Brecken and Ocean with husband Corey Anderson.

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Witney Carson

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Henry Byalikov

Byalikov appeared on season 18. He went on to perform in several stage musicals and on numerous TV shows. He is engaged to Kelsey Kramer.

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Artem Chigventsev

Chigvintsev was not invited back to the show for season 28; however, he made a comeback in season 29. He featured on Total Bellas alongside his fiancée Nikki Bella, and in July 2020, they joyfully welcomed their first child, a son.

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Allison Holker

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Keo Motsepe

In February 2021, Motsepe ended his three-month relationship with season 29 contestant Chrishell Stause. Despite not returning for season 30, he revealed exclusively to Us that he was engaged in "exciting opportunities" and also taught online dance courses.

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Jenna Johnson

: Dancing with the Stars Season 26 champion ties the knot with professional dancer Val Chmerkovskiy in April 2019. After confirming her pregnancy in June 2022, she joyfully welcomed their first child, a baby boy, in January 2023.

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Brandon Armstrong

Armstrong was a mentor on Dancing With the Stars: Juniors. Armstrong married Brylee Ivers in July 2022.

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Pasha Pashkov

Pashkov married Daniella Karagach in July 2014. The duo welcomed their first child, daughter Nikita, in May 2023. 

 

Leading the charge in diversifying the professional dance realm, the inaugural Black female pro on the show doubles as the head of Share the Movement. This organization stands dedicated to bolstering the presence of young BIPOC dancers by extending invaluable assistance. Adding an additional layer of intrigue, she and her partner for season 31, actor Daniel Durant, chose to unveil their love affair to the world in February 2023.

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Daniella Karagach

Karagach has been married to Pashkov since July 2014. The couple welcomed their first child, daughter Nikita, in May 2023. 

 

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Koko Iwasaki

The So You Think You Can Dance alum joined the pro lineup during season 31, where she was partnered with Jersey Shore’s Vinny Guadagnino.