As fans of “Dancing With the Stars” (DWTS), we often find ourselves captivated by the dazzling performances and intense competition on screen. However, behind the glitz and glamour, many of the show’s professional dancers have rich personal lives filled with love and commitment. This guide takes you through the romantic journeys of DWTS pros and their spouses, showcasing how some have found love within the dance community while others have chosen partners outside of the spotlight.
Lindsay Arnold, a beloved DWTS pro, tied the knot with her high school sweetheart, Sam Cusick, in June 2015 in their home state of Utah. Reflecting on their relationship, Lindsay expressed how special it is to have a partner who understands her “real” life. “I think the best is just chilling, hanging out, and talking,” she shared in an exclusive interview. The couple welcomed their first child, daughter Sage, in 2020, and announced the arrival of their second daughter, June, in May 2023. Despite the occasional playful banter on social media, Lindsay assures fans that their love remains strong.
In contrast, Maksim Chmerkovskiy and Peta Murgatroyd forged their love story on the dance floor. After initially dating in 2012 and briefly separating, they found their way back to each other and got engaged in December 2015. The couple married in July 2017, just six months after welcoming their son, Shai Aleksander. They have since expanded their family with two more sons born in June 2023 and July 2024.
Derek Hough, another DWTS veteran, met dancer Hayley Erbert during his Move Live Tour in 2014. Their romance blossomed, leading to a wedding in August 2023. Just months into their marriage, Hayley faced a health scare that required emergency brain surgery. Derek stood by her side throughout her recovery, showcasing the strength of their bond. Hayley returned to the stage in April 2024, calling her healing journey “nothing short of extraordinary.”
Koko Iwasaki, who joined the DWTS pro lineup in 2022, got engaged to fellow dancer Kiki Nyemchek in November 2022. The couple, who met while competing on “So You Think You Can Dance,” celebrated their love with a beautiful wedding ceremony in July 2024.
Another notable couple is Nikki Garcia and Artem Chigvintsev, who began dating after being paired together on season 25 of DWTS. They announced their engagement in January 2020 and welcomed their son, Matteo, later that year. However, their relationship faced challenges, culminating in a divorce filing in September 2024, shortly after Artem’s arrest for alleged domestic battery, which was later dismissed.
Brandon Armstrong and Brylee Ivers also share a sweet love story. The couple wed in July 2022 after a whirlwind romance, with Brylee expressing her joy on social media about marrying the love of her life.
Jenna Johnson and Val Chmerkovskiy have been the epitome of a dance power couple. After getting engaged in June 2018, they married in April 2019 and welcomed their first child, a son, in January 2023. The couple has openly discussed their desire to expand their family in the future.
Witney Carson, who married Carson McAllister on New Year’s Day 2016, has also found happiness in her personal life. The couple welcomed their first son, Kevin, in January 2021, followed by another son, Jet, in May 2023.
Sasha Farber and Emma Slater’s journey has been more tumultuous. After dating on and off for years, they married in March 2018. However, they eventually split in August 2022, with Emma filing for divorce citing “irreconcilable differences.”
Cheryl Burke’s relationship with Matthew Lawrence has had its ups and downs as well. After rekindling their romance in 2017, they married in May 2019 but later separated in February 2022, with Cheryl filing for divorce.
Kym Johnson and Robert Herjavec’s love story began on DWTS, leading to a marriage in July 2016. The couple welcomed fraternal twins, Haven and Hudson, in April 2018.
Mark Ballas and BC Jean’s relationship has also been one of resilience. They married in November 2016 and announced they were expecting their first child in June 2023, following a previous miscarriage.
Allison Holker and Stephen ‘tWitch’ Boss were a fan-favorite couple who celebrated their love with a wedding in December 2013. They shared two children before Stephen’s tragic passing in December 2022, leaving behind a legacy of love and creativity.
Lastly, Louis Van Amstel and Joshua Lancaster have built a beautiful family together, adopting two sons since their marriage in January 2017.
Daniella Karagach and Pasha Pashkov’s love story began in 2009, culminating in their wedding in July 2014 and the birth of their daughter, Nikita, in May 2023.
These stories illustrate the diverse paths of love taken by DWTS professionals, reminding fans that behind the performances, there are heartfelt relationships that flourish both on and off the dance floor. Whether they found love in the ballroom or beyond, these dancers continue to inspire us with their passion for both dance and life.