Maks Chmerkovsky

Chmerkovskiy started the Rising Stars Dance Academy, which is the premier youth ballroom dance school in the United States. He is currently a board member for the non-profit organization DanceTeamUSA, which works hard to promote DanceSport amongst the youth of America. Chmerkovskiy also has a production company "Maksim Chmerkovskiy Productions" which organizes performances all over the world. Some of his professional accomplishments include 2005 Yankee Classic Professional Latin Champion, 2004 Manhattan Dancesport Professional Latin Champion and 2003 Ohio Star Ball Latin Champion. The cocky Chmerkovskiy joined "Dancing with the Stars" (ABC, 2005-) during season 2, with he and his partner, actress Tia Carrere, finishing in 6th place. In season 3, Chmerkovskiy partnered with singer Willa Ford into 7th place. He finally made it to the finals in season 4 with Boxing Champion Laila Ali; they finished in 3rd place. But he took it even further when partnered with "Scary Spice" Mel B, the both of whom danced their way to runner-up (many thought they should have won) during season five of the popular series.