Episode Summary: The Squeeze - Val Chmerkovskiy: Let Them Dance
Release Date: May 14, 2025
Introduction
In this engaging episode of The Squeeze, host Taylor Lautner and co-host Taylor Lautner delve deep into the life and career of celebrated ballroom dancer Val Chmerkovskiy. Val, known for his impressive performances on Dancing with the Stars, shares his journey from Ukraine to the bustling streets of Brooklyn, his passion for dance, the challenges he's faced, and how dance serves as a cornerstone for his mental well-being.
Early Life and Immigration
Val begins by recounting his childhood in Odessa, Ukraine, a vibrant city often referred to as the "New Orleans of the Soviet Union" due to its rich cultural tapestry encompassing jazz, soul, and a significant Eastern European Jewish community.
Val [07:10]: "Odessa is like a little city on the Black Sea, known for its jazz, a lot of soul. It's a melting pot with a big Jewish and Slavic community."
Val discusses the socio-political upheaval following the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1994, which prompted his family to seek stability in Brooklyn, New York. He reflects on the cultural and emotional challenges of immigrating at a young age.
Val [09:23]: "My parents didn't want me to be around the emerging Russian oligarchy post-Soviet Union, so moving to America was a way to protect our family from that instability."
Dance as a Lifeline
From an early age, Val was immersed in the world of dance. Initially enrolled in a ballroom dance program in Ukraine, Val's talent was evident, leading his teachers to encourage him to pursue dance more seriously. Despite the cultural stigma and occasional bullying associated with being a male ballroom dancer, Val remained steadfast in his passion.
Val [19:41]: "Ballroom dance became my athletic pursuit. I was competing, striving to win, much like in any sport. It was about the three seconds on the clock, the victory."
Val highlights the transition from dance being a mere hobby to a competitive sport, emphasizing the discipline and resilience it instilled in him. This background laid the foundation for his later success on Dancing with the Stars.
Balancing Dance and Personal Life
As Val's dance career flourished, so did his personal life. He shares insights into his marriage with Taylor Lautner and how they navigate the challenges of balancing a high-profile career with family responsibilities. The couple discusses the influence of dance on their relationship, recognizing it as a shared passion that strengthens their bond.
Val [25:23]: "Dance has always been a part of my life, even before I met Taylor. It's a safe haven, a place where I find peace and self-esteem."
Val also touches upon the complexities of parenting, reflecting on how becoming a father has shifted his perspective on sacrifices and the legacy he wishes to leave for his son, Rome.
Val [41:38]: "Becoming a father has made me even more appreciative of my parents' sacrifices. It's a privilege to spend quality time with Rome, something I aspire to provide more of than my own father did for me."
Dancing with the Stars and Beyond
Val provides an insider's view of his experience on Dancing with the Stars and his involvement in the Hulu project Let Them Dance. He differentiates his approach to reality TV, emphasizing authenticity and staying true to his craft rather than conforming to typical reality TV tropes.
Val [53:19]: "Dancing with the Stars is not reality TV to me. I'm just doing what I'm excellent at, and they figured out a format to showcase that."
He recounts memorable moments from the show, including forming genuine friendships with fellow contestants despite the competitive environment. Val discusses the intense scrutiny and the emotional investment required to perform under constant observation.
Val [57:00]: "We still have a group chat since the show. Despite the cameras and competition, genuine friendships were formed, which is something I treasure."
Mental Health and Coping Mechanisms
Throughout the episode, Val emphasizes the importance of mental health and how dance serves as a therapeutic outlet for him. He reflects on the pressures of maintaining a public persona and the need to find balance amidst professional demands.
Val [25:08]: "Experiencing a lot of unnatural ego and then being humbled by society taught me to not take things too seriously. Dance remains my sanctuary."
Val acknowledges the inevitable challenges of bullying and societal pressures but underscores the significance of resilience and self-worth derived from his dance journey.
Community and Legacy
Val concludes by highlighting the role of community in his life, particularly in fostering a thriving ballroom dance culture in Eastern European immigrant neighborhoods like Brighton Beach. He praises influential figures such as Kim Del Grosso, who has dedicated her life to nurturing young dancers, ensuring that the legacy of ballroom dance continues to inspire future generations.
Val [48:08]: "Kim Del Grosso is the heart and soul of our community. She has dedicated her life to raising humans through the vehicle of dance, and her impact is immeasurable."
Conclusion
Val Chmerkovskiy's episode on The Squeeze offers a heartfelt exploration of his journey from a young immigrant to a celebrated dancer and father. Through candid conversations, Val shares how dance has been both a competitive pursuit and a source of emotional solace, shaping his identity and relationships. The episode underscores the universal struggle with mental health, the pursuit of passion, and the enduring strength found in community and family.
Notable Quotes:
- Val [07:10]: "Odessa is like a little city on the Black Sea, known for its jazz, a lot of soul. It's a melting pot with a big Jewish and Slavic community."
- Val [09:23]: "My parents didn't want me to be around the emerging Russian oligarchy post-Soviet Union, so moving to America was a way to protect our family from that instability."
- Val [19:41]: "Ballroom dance became my athletic pursuit. I was competing, striving to win, much like in any sport. It was about the three seconds on the clock, the victory."
- Val [41:38]: "Becoming a father has made me even more appreciative of my parents' sacrifices. It's a privilege to spend quality time with Rome, something I aspire to provide more of than my own father did for me."
- Val [53:19]: "Dancing with the Stars is not reality TV to me. I'm just doing what I'm excellent at, and they figured out a format to showcase that."
- Val [25:08]: "Experiencing a lot of unnatural ego and then being humbled by society taught me to not take things too seriously. Dance remains my sanctuary."
- Val [48:08]: "Kim Del Grosso is the heart and soul of our community. She has dedicated her life to raising humans through the vehicle of dance, and her impact is immeasurable."
Key Topics Covered:
- Immigration Journey: Val's move from Odessa, Ukraine, to Brooklyn, New York, amidst post-Soviet instability.
- Dance Career: From early ballroom dance training to competitive success and participation in Dancing with the Stars.
- Mental Health: The role of dance as a coping mechanism and sanctuary for mental well-being.
- Work-Life Balance: Navigating the demands of a high-profile career while maintaining a fulfilling personal life.
- Parenting: Insights into fatherhood and the impact on personal perspectives and priorities.
- Community Influence: The significance of community leaders in fostering a vibrant ballroom dance culture.
- Reality TV Experience: Val's authentic approach to participation in Let Them Dance and maintaining genuine relationships amidst competition.
This episode serves as a comprehensive look into Val Chmerkovskiy's multifaceted life, blending personal anecdotes with professional insights, all underscored by a commitment to mental health and community support.