**Dancing with the Stars Pros Find Love on the Ballroom Floor**
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The famed dance competition show, *Dancing with the Stars*, has been more than just a platform for celebrities to showcase their dance moves; it has also become a setting for blossoming romances among its professional dancers. As the show kicked off its remarkable 35th season on September 15, the focus on the relationships of its pros has gained renewed interest.
Over its many seasons, *Dancing with the Stars* has seen several couples form, with professional dancers often finding love either with their celebrity partners or among fellow dancers. The show has a unique charm that fosters chemistry and connection, often leading to speculation about romantic entanglements arising from intense dance training and performances.
Jenna Johnson, a pro and one half of one of the more prominent couples from the show, offered insights into how the intimate nature of ballroom dancing creates an environment ripe for romance. “It’s a really intimate experience,” Johnson remarked during a recent interview. “You’re creating beautiful shapes together, and it’s quite a sight. Many people may not grasp the intricacies of ballroom dancing or the depths of its passion.”
One standout couple, Val Chmerkovskiy and Jenna Johnson, first crossed paths in 2014 when Johnson joined the cast as a troupe member. Their relationship blossomed quickly, with the two dating by the following year. After a temporary split, they became engaged in June 2018 and tied the knot in April 2019. The couple welcomed their first child, son Rome, in January 2023. Chmerkovskiy celebrated his wife’s achievements, expressing how much it meant to see her succeed in the competition.
Similarly, Daniella Karagach and Pasha Pashkov, another adored couple from the show, also found love in their shared passion for dance. Both dancers were already married before joining the show as professionals—Pashkov in 2019 and Karagach in 2020. They have an impressive collective dance history, earning multiple national and world titles together. They wed in July 2014 and welcomed their first child, daughter Nikita, earlier this year. Karagach stated, “It’s always a team effort. We support each other, and I’m thrilled to see him thrive.”
Meanwhile, the public confirmation of the romance between long-time pros Emma Slater and Alan Bersten has been the talk of the town. The couple turned speculation into reality during the finale of the show’s live tour in 2025, when they shared a passionate kiss captured on social media. Both have offered glimpses into their relationship through various shared outings and social media posts, a refreshing display of their growing bond.
Britt Stewart also found love amidst the dazzling performances, linking up with actor Daniel Durant after being paired together for season 31. Initially, their chemistry developed during the competition, but it wasn’t until later that they took the step towards romance. They confirmed their relationship publicly on Valentine’s Day in 2023 and became engaged that December, marrying in August 2025.
Mark Ballas, who has been a fixture on the show since its inception, is married to musician BC Jean. The couple met in 2012 and has steadily supported each other through their creative ventures, forming the duo Alexander Jean and releasing several musical projects. Their family expanded recently with the birth of their son in late 2023.
Romance does not solely bloom between pros; notable relationships also emerge among the newer cast, including Rylee Arnold and her boyfriend, Walker Lyons. Arnold made headlines with her Instagram reveal of their relationship, highlighting their unique connection that began through a serendipitous encounter via Lyons’ aunt. Their story exemplifies how *Dancing with the Stars* not only fosters dance partnerships but also unexpected personal relationships.
As *Dancing with the Stars* continues to evolve each season, the personal lives of its dance professionals offer insight into the deeper connections forged in the world of competitive dancing. Relationships built within the ballroom spotlight the emotional journeys of the dancers, illustrating that the bonds created on the dance floor can extend far beyond mere performance.
Throughout its storied history, *Dancing with the Stars* has carved out a distinctive niche, cultivating both artistic expression and personal relationships. The ongoing saga of love stories among its professional dancers demonstrates the power of the show to connect lives in ways that captivate audiences both on and off the floor. As the current season unfolds, viewers will surely keep an eye on potential new romances and enduring partnerships, celebrating love as another dance that takes centre stage.