Growing Up in the Ballroom
Ever wonder what the off-camera life of a Dancing With the Stars pro actually looks like? Val Chmerkovskiy is keeping it 100 regarding how he balances the glitz of the ballroom with real-life parenting. The pro dancer shared that he and wife Jenna Johnson are actively teaching their 3-year-old son, Rome, the value of a "blue-collar approach" to their craft.
Since kids aren't allowed on the actual set during showtime, Val brings Rome along to rehearsals. It's giving main character energy for little Rome, who has already developed a cute bond with his dad's partner, Jenna Dewan. Dewan, who is currently tied for first on the leaderboard with Val, called Rome a "wise old soul" and confirmed she’s witnessed his legendary dance parties behind the scenes.
The DWTS Life
It’s not all just fun and games in the studio, though. The grind is real. Between four-hour rehearsals daily, meetings with producers, and constant choreography updates, these stars have zero chill. The costume department alone is a massive enterprise, turning around custom looks in about five days, with final fittings often happening just hours before the live show.
Real talk: the payoff for all that sweat is pretty complex. While pay varies, pros are guaranteed a certain amount per week, with bonuses if they make it to the finale. But it’s not exactly a million-dollar payday—they’re just dancing for that iconic Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy.
Why it matters
Beyond the glitz, this serves as a reminder that even in the world of high-stakes reality TV, the work ethic required to stay on top is no joke. Whether you're a pro dancer or just watching from your couch, the hustle is universal.
