Talking About... Maksim Chmerkovskiy

Last week I posted a Talking about for one of our longest supporters and most consistent supporters.. today I thought I should recognize another one.. Marcie has been with us from the first, ready to comment and support on a regular basis.. All she has ever asked (regularly, constantly, she emails me in her sleep *grins*) is that we do something about Maks.. who is at the very least her favorite DwtS cast members.. So Today I thought I would make her dreams come true.. well the closest I can get, I am sure if I had Maks hand delivered to her door I would be her BFF for life and after but I can't do that.. here is the best I can.

So Miss Marcie, this one's for YOU

Maksim Chmerkovskiy

 












 Maksim Chmerkovskiy was born on January 17th, 1980 to Aleksandr and Larisa Chmerkovskiy. Maks has a younger brother named Valentin (Val for short), who is also a dancer.

Maksim's parents brought him to his first dance class at the age of four. It is well known fact to those that know him that if you had asked Maks at 4, "What do you want to be when you grow up?" He would have most likely said an Olympic swimmer or a soccer player. Sports and competition has always run deep in his blood. He always has been a born athlete. He trained to be the best since he can remember. He passion for dance began when he actually reached his teenage years, when dancing became such a huge part of his life.


Unfortunately, during this time, he was in a skiing accident, which resulted in severe right leg injuries and hospitalization for months. He had to undergo many surgeries and constantly be monitored by doctors and physical therapists. Doctors told Maks about his high chance of being handicapped for the remainder of his life. Upon learning this, Maks became adamant with proving them wrong. He began rigorous physical therapy and dedicated months of his time to healing. Before long, Maks was in great shape and dancing again. Maks invited his doctor to his first competition after the accident. Needless to say, his doctor was speechless. Because of the accident, Maksim learned the importance of dedication and desire to succeed. He understands that success is about what you put into the effort.

The next biggest challenge Maksim had to face was immigrating to America and the financial and language barriers that came along with the move. The entire Chmerkovskiy family moved here in order to start a new life and to give Maks and Val more opportunities. He and his brother, Val, have appreciated the efforts his parents made on their behalf. They are a very close knit family, whose strength comes from respecting one another and helping support one another’s success 150%.

Today, Maks, at heart, is still that same kid who is willing to give his to succeed. It defines him as the man he is today. Fortunately, he did focus on dancing. Maks has grown into being a renowned choreographer, successful business owner, and national TV celebrity on Dancing With the Stars. He is founder of Rising Stars Academy, a dance studio that is focused on children and the pursuit of competitive Ballroom Dance. He is also a co-founder of Dance With Me Dance Studios along with his father, Sasha Chmerkovskiy and long term family friend, Jhanna Volynets. He is currently choreographing La Reve in Las Vegas. He is most known for and remains a series regular and is entering his upcoming ninth season of 'Dancing With The Stars'. *http://www.maksimchmerkovskiy.com/bio.php

Dancing with the Stars

Chmerkovskiy first appeared in the 2nd season of the ABC series Dancing with the Stars partnered with actress Tia Carrere. They finished in sixth place. The following season, he and partner singer Willa Ford came in seventh place. Chmerkovskiy returned to Dancing with the Stars in March 2007 for Season 4, this time partnered with boxer Laila Ali, the daughter of Muhammad Ali. They made it to the finals and finished in third place. In Season 5 of Dancing with the Stars, he was partnered with Mel B and had his best finish to date; the couple received second place. Chmerkovskiy did not participate in Season 6, although he and former partner Mel B made an appearance for the 100th episode.



He returned for the show's 7th season, this time paired with two-time Olympic volleyball gold medalist, Misty May-Treanor. Chmerkovskiy and May-Treanor were forced to withdraw from the competition in Week 3 on October 6, 2008. During a practice for their jive, May-Treanor ruptured her Achilles tendon and required surgery. Her withdrawal gave them a finish in tenth place.

On February 9, 2009, on Good Morning America it was announced that he would be paired with Denise Richards for the eighth season of Dancing with the Stars. They were eliminated second in the competition, on March 24, 2009, giving the pair a finish of 12th place. In the ninth season, he was paired with actress Debi Mazar, during which they were eliminated 4th. In season 10, Chmerkovskiy, returning for his 8th season, was partnered with Erin Andrews.[9] They ended up coming in 3rd place during the two hour finale on May 25, 2010.

For season 11, Chmerkovskiy partnered with singer and actress, Brandy. They made it to the semi-finals but were eliminated on November 16, 2010, giving them a 4th place finish.[10] For Season 12, he was paired with actress, Kirstie Alley who accidentally almost killed him. On week 3, his leg gave out causing her to fall heavily on him, earning 21 out of 30. The next week, Alley's shoe fell off during their routine. Judge Carrie Ann Inaba called Alley The Queen of the Unexpected Mishap; they earned 22 out of a possible score of 30. They made it to the finals and finished in second place.

For season 13, he was partnered with Hope Solo and they finished in 4th place.

For season 14, he is partnered with actress Melissa Gilbert. In week 4, while performing the paso doble, Gilbert hit her head on the dance floor and suffered a mild concusion. She was rushed to the hospital and was unable to be at the results show the following night due to recovering. The couple was called safe. Chmerkovskiy also suffered a injury. He pulled a muscle in his shoulder. However, he told host Tom Bergeron on the results show that he was ok.
Season     Partner     Place

2     Tia Carrere     6th
3     Willa Ford     7th
4     Laila Ali     3rd
5     Mel B     Runner Up
7     Misty May-Treanor     10th
8     Denise Richards     12th
9     Debi Mazar     12th
10     Erin Andrews     3rd
11     Brandy     4th
12     Kirstie Alley     Runner up
13     Hope Solo     4th
14     Melissa Gilbert     TBA

*http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maksim_Chmerkovskiy

Maks can be found at  http://www.maksimchmerkovskiy.com/

Have a happy Thursday all I am off  to RT Convention Day TWO