The success of Dancing With the Stars depends on how well the celebrities connect with their professional dance partners – the more genuine that connection, the better the show.
It’s tough to beat the excitement of a genuine romance, so when Daniella Karagach dances with her husband, Pasha Pashkov, it’s always a particularly heartwarming moment.
Oh my gosh, he’s just… everything! I told Joe Vulpis on his podcast back in October 2024 that he’s my absolute biggest fan, and honestly, I’m completely obsessed with him too. It’s amazing coming home to someone who is such a rock, just overflowing with love and support. It’s the best feeling in the world!
Though Pasha, 39, hasn’t won the Mirrorball Trophy on Dancing with the Stars – he and Danielle Fishel reached week eight of season 34 – he’s supporting two-time champion Daniella Karagach as she prepares for her third final on November 25th with Dylan Efron.
Despite being rivals, the professional couple have always handled competition well. They’ve been married for 11 years and are parents to their 2-year-old daughter, Nikita Sofia.
In fact, Daniella didn’t bother to put on her it’s-fine face when Pasha got eliminated.
Okay, so, Pasha is my husband, and honestly, Danielle feels like real family at this point. When they sent him and Danielle home on November 4th, it just broke my heart. It’s never good to see anyone leave, but watching my husband and someone who’s been giving it their all… it just sucked so much.
But when the show went on for her and Dylan, Pasha remained his wife’s biggest cheerleader.
Daniella explained that he was going to help her choreograph her next dance immediately after the show. They regularly support each other creatively, and she loves coming home to brainstorm ideas with him.
Nikita loved the dance routine her parents created! Pasha and their young child copied a move – an air walk lift – that Daniella and Dylan performed in their Argentine tango on TikTok back on November 11th.
It’s also great to have a partner who gets that connecting with other contestants on Dancing with the Stars—and even showing some chemistry—is essential for doing well in the competition.
Daniella explained to the Independent in September that feeling secure is essential in any relationship. She emphasized the need for complete trust in your partner—whether they’re a spouse or someone else—and seeing the relationship as a shared commitment and effort.
She believes that insecurity can cause problems, but if you’re confident, you’ll be alright.
Daniella added that she and Pash both feel good about themselves and have strong self-esteem.
During the season, our focus is entirely on surviving to the next game – there’s just no time for anything else.
In 2024, Daniella told the New York Post that the couple seemed completely absorbed in just getting through each day together, to the point where they didn’t seem to notice or care much about what the other was doing.
They love being together, especially when they’re on tour with Nikita, but they also understand the importance of giving each other space when necessary.
Oh my gosh, Pasha said the sweetest thing back in 2017! He told Dance Sport Info that even though he and his partner basically live as one – they live together, teach together, dance together, are together constantly – they somehow manage to give each other space! Can you believe it? He says they never feel crowded or suffocated, and when people compliment their partnership, he wishes everyone could feel what they have. It just…works, you know? It’s magical! I’m seriously obsessed with how perfectly they balance everything.
You could say they’ve been in sync since day one.
Daniella remembers starting to dance with Pasha on December 7, 2008. She was 15 at the time, and he was 22. Their coaches had introduced them to each other, leading to their partnership.
She’s from Brooklyn and turned sixteen on December 26th. She started dating someone on January 1st. She remembers her mom jokingly worrying beforehand, asking what would happen if she developed feelings for him. She’d dismissed the idea, thinking he was too old for anything to happen.
Four years after they first met, Pasha proposed on New Year’s Day in 2013. They got married on July 18, 2014, with their loved ones celebrating with them in New Jersey.
The pair kept traveling and performing together, briefly pausing to compete on World of Dance in 2018. This led to opportunities in reality TV, with Pasha joining Dancing with the Stars (DWTS) in 2019 and Daniella following in 2020.
They had a wonderful time celebrating their tenth wedding anniversary last year with a day at Six Flags alongside Nikita, Pasha, and Daniella, but they were even more excited about an upcoming milestone that held special meaning for them.
Daniella shared with The Knot that ever since she and her partner began dating, the number 11 has been special to them, appearing everywhere as a sign they were on the right track. Because of this, they decided to renew their vows in Cabo San Lucas in July after 11 years of marriage – a milestone they’d always envisioned celebrating, even though it’s not a traditional practice.
I married my best friend, and he’s truly my rock. We support each other through everything – he’s my biggest fan, and I’m his. We built a life and a family together from the ground up, and our daughter, Nikita, is everything to us. Each day, my love for my husband just grows stronger.
It’s a sentiment that deserves nothing but 10s.
Before the champion of Dancing with the Stars season 34 is crowned, let’s take a look back at all the couples who found love on the show over the years.
The season 33 partners dated for about seven months between 2024 and spring 2025.
Showmance or Real Deal: Real deal.
During the final performance of the 2025 “Dancing with the Stars” tour in April, two professional dancers shared a kiss onstage while performing their closing duet, seemingly confirming months of speculation about a romantic relationship.
Are they a couple for show or is it genuine? Their coworker, Ezra Sosa, seemed to confirm it’s the real thing, enthusiastically responding “FINALLY” to a fan video of them kissing.
Okay, so I’ve been totally following this, and it all started when she was on season 31 of that dancing show! She and he just had this amazing chemistry, and they were all over social media, teasing everyone with flirty posts. Whenever anyone asked them if they were dating, they’d just smile and be all mysterious, which, honestly, just made me scream ‘YES!’ I’ve been shipping them ever since, and I’m convinced they were totally into each other!
Gabby shared with TopMob News in December 2022 that she quickly became friends with her fellow contestants on Dancing with the Stars. She said they connected because they have similar senses of humor. While competing, she was very focused on winning and didn’t have much time for anything else. Despite living in different states, they’re enjoying their friendship and are looking forward to seeing what the future holds.
Despite initial speculation, Gabby and her Bachelor co-star never became a couple. She later began dating comedian and writer Robby Hoffman in August 2023, and they got married in January 2025.
After finishing fifth on season 31 of the dance competition, the pair publicly confirmed they were dating on Valentine’s Day 2023. The actor, known for their role in CODA, shared a selfie with the choreographer, writing, “My Valentine.” They also wished their followers a “Happy Valentine’s Day!”
Britt and Daniel got engaged in December 2023 and were married in August 2025, with several professionals from Dancing with the Stars in attendance.
Showmance or Real Deal: Real deal.
During season 21, Emma and Hayes Grier connected during Switch Up week, with Hayes telling Emma she was very attractive. After Emma was eliminated from the show, she revealed that she and Hayes hadn’t actually gone on a date yet, but hinted that might change.
Alek seemed to have a genuine crush on Emma, often getting flustered and refusing to talk about his feelings. However, Emma quickly moved on after her time with Skarlatos in 2015, suggesting any connection with Alek wasn’t very serious.
The professional dancer and former contestant on The Bachelorette sparked a romance while competing on season 33 of Dancing with the Stars in 2024. But their connection faded quickly, ending around June 2025 when Jenn went back to Miami to complete her master’s degree.
Showmance or Real Deal: Unconfirmed.
These two began dating on and off in 2011. They got engaged on the show in October 2016 and married in March 2018. Unfortunately, TopMob News reported in August 2022 that Slater and Farber were divorcing after four years of marriage.
Were they a ‘showmance’ or genuinely in love? Regardless, they remained close friends and continued to work together respectfully even after breaking up.
It’s actually a really positive situation,” Emma shared with TopMob News. “We’re a strong support system for each other, and I genuinely want Sasha to succeed. We truly have each other’s backs.”
Val and Jenna began dating in 2015, and their relationship continued as Jenna’s dance career took off. They got engaged in June 2018 and married in April 2019. In July 2022, they shared the exciting news that they were expecting a baby. They welcomed their son, Rome Valentin, in January 2023.
“Life is great,” Val shared with TopMob News in May 2023. He explained that becoming a father has “absolutely increased my happiness, both for life in general and for my family.” He also added that he’s constantly learning new things as a dad.
Showmance or Real Deal? Real deal, y’all!
In December 2020, TopMob News reported that the star of Selling Sunset was dating a professional dancer from Dancing With the Stars. They had both been contestants on season 29 of the show, but competed as individuals.
After dating for two months, TopMob News reported that the couple had broken up. A source close to one of them said they enjoyed their time together, but ultimately decided it was best to go their separate ways. The split was amicable and there was no drama – they simply weren’t a good match at that time.
Chrishell has since found love with partner G Flip.
Showmance or Real Deal: We’re calling Chrishell and Keo’s romance the real deal.
Throughout their seventh-place finish on the show in 2017, Nikki Bella and Artem Chigvintsev remained just friends. However, after Nikki ended her relationship with John Cena in 2018, they reconnected. Nikki publicly confirmed they were dating in May 2019, and they became engaged later that same year.
The WWE Hall of Famer discovered she was pregnant shortly after getting engaged in Paris, and in 2020, they welcomed their son, Matteo Artemovich Chigvintsev.
Unfortunately, Nikki and Artem have ended their relationship. Nikki filed for divorce in September 2024, just two weeks after Artem was arrested on suspicion of domestic violence. However, the District Attorney’s office decided not to press charges after carefully reviewing the investigation and all available evidence.
Nikki and Artem finalized their divorce in November 2024. As part of the agreement, they both dismissed the restraining orders they had filed against each other, hoping to peacefully co-parent their son and move forward.
Showmance or Real Deal? Real deal.
Throughout season 27, model Alexis and professional dancer Alan showed a strong connection, and Ren revealed she had a crush on him. People close to them told TopMob News that they seemed to genuinely enjoy spending time together and were exploring a possible relationship.
Were they a real couple or just putting on a show? Sadly, it seems like the latter. Reports surfaced in December 2018 that they had broken up, with the distance and their busy careers cited as the reasons.
Professional dancers Maks and his partner got engaged on December 5, 2015, after being together since 2012. He proposed to her while they were performing at the SWAY: A Dance Trilogy event in Miami. They had their first son, Shai, and then got married in a beautiful ceremony in July 2017. More recently, they welcomed their second child, Rio, in June 2023, and their third son, Milan, in July 2024.
Showmance or Real Deal: A match made in DWTS heaven!
Sabrina and Mark began dating during the fifth season of the show, but they split up shortly after unexpectedly leaving. Despite the breakup, they stayed on good terms, and Sabrina, known from The Cheetah Girls, even came back to support Mark when he competed the next season.
Showmance or Real Deal: Real deal.
Interestingly, they’d actually gone on dates before he joined the show. Though they initially denied being romantically involved during season eighteen, they still seemed to enjoy flirting and showcasing their connection while performing.
Showmance or Real Deal: Total showmance.
Shortly after news broke that businessman and Shark Tank star Kevin O’Leary was splitting from his wife of 14 years, Diane Plese, TopMob News reported that he was dating his Dancing with the Stars partner, Kym Johnson, and that the two were very happy together.
Robert and Kym initially didn’t reveal much about their relationship, but they soon became more open. They got engaged in February 2016, married just a few months later in June, and then welcomed twins in April 2018.
Showmance or Real Deal: Very, very, very real.
Karina and Mario became a couple during the third season of the show and dated for two years before breaking up in 2008. A spokesperson for Smirnoff stated the relationship had run its course, following reports that Lopez had been unfaithful.
Showmance or Real Deal: Real deal.
I was so thrilled when those two professional dancers announced their engagement back in 2009! It happened so quickly, just after she’d ended things with Mario Lopez – only six months of dating! Sadly, it wasn’t meant to be, and they broke up later that same year. But what I always admired was how well they handled it; they stayed friends and even continued to take vacations together, which is really mature.
Showmance or Real Deal: Real deal.
Married since 2014, the pros announced the arrival of their daughter Nikita in May 2023.
Daniella announced the joyful news on Instagram Stories with a sweet photo and video of Pasha and Nikita. She captioned the video “daddy’s girl” and the photo “My Geminis.”
Showmance or Real Deal: Real deal, baby!
Derek and Shannon became a couple after displaying great chemistry on season six of their show, but they broke up nearly a year later in 2009. They announced the split with a surprisingly friendly joint message on Twitter. Derek tweeted that they had decided to end their relationship, and Shannon followed up by saying they still cared for each other deeply and would remain friends.
Derek is now married to his dance partner Hayley Erbert.
Showmance or Real Deal: Real deal.
Despite rumors of a romantic connection during season 18, a source at TopMob News stated that the winning couple were simply friends.
Showmance or Real Deal: This time, ’twas a showmance.
Although they weren’t officially a couple, he definitely pursued a romantic connection with his dance partner during season 10, showering her with expensive gifts like a diamond necklace and ring, which she later returned. Cheryl later described it to Wendy Williams as a brief, playful romance – “just a little flirtation,” she said.
Showmance or Real Deal: Showmance!
Throughout season 10 of Dancing with the Stars, fans speculated about a romantic connection between two particular partners, and they didn’t do much to discourage the rumors! They even playfully pretended to kiss during one of their final performances. Years later, when Erin became a co-host on the show, their lighthearted back-and-forth continued.
Erin is now married to former NHL centre Jarret Stoll. They welcomed son Mack in July 2023.
Showmance or Real Deal: We’re calling those Erin and Maks rumors a showmance.
Despite widespread rumors of a romance during season 17, the Pretty Little Liars actor consistently stated he wasn’t dating Peta.
Showmance or Real Deal: Showmance!
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2025-11-25 16:20