MAKS CHMERKOVSKIY IS BACK ON DANCING WITH THE STARS WITH PARTNER MERYL DAVIS!
Hold up… Hold the phones! Is Maks Chmerkovskiy back in the Dancing with the Starsmix? Yes…Yes, he is! We are all excited to see one of the founding members of theDWM FAM return to the show. In between all the training with Olympic Gold MedalistMeryl Davis, Maks was able to take some time to answer a few questions from his fans.
Check out what he said…
WHAT MADE YOU WANT TO RETURN TO DWTS?
Hmm… It started when I was on Broadway dancing in Forever Tango. When the same friends and family came to the show repeatedly…I asked them, “Why do you keep coming back to see the same show?” The answer was “I don’t know when the next time, if ever, I will get to see you dance.” That resonated with me and it was a heartfelt thing to hear. I decided while I still can, I should come back to dance. Especially if it brings joy to people that I care about. So I’m doing this for you guys!
HOW COME YOU TURNED DOWN THE OFFER TO BECOME A JUDGE NEXT TO LEN, CARRIE, AND BRUNO?
I was offered the position of a judge after I appeared as a guest judge last season. It was lucrative at the time, but this is something I can do later in my career. I can still be performing instead of sitting down or being off the stage. The second I feel I can no longer dance at the level that makes me proud of my product, then I will walk away. I will never linger or hold on to something that I feel isn’t my best. There are younger dancers who will need the opportunity, and one day I’ll pass down the torch to them. I’ll know exactly when to quit.
Plus… getting Meryl as a partner proves that this was the best decision I could’ve made!
OTHER THAN FOREVER TANGO, HAVE YOU BEEN DANCING SINCE YOU LEFT DWTS? IF SO, WHAT HAVE YOU DONE?
I spent the year looking at things outside of dance that I was always interested in but could never do because of my commitment to dance. Besides doing Forever Tango and performing at the American Music Awards, I teach and train with my staff and students at Dance With Me Studios. I don’t think that at this point it’s possible for me to not have dance be a part of my life one way or another. However, it was necessary to take a break from the stage to explore. Shameless plug: check out my new jewelry line “Cantamessa Men!”
HOW DOES IT FEEL TO BE BACK ON DWTS?
It feels great! I thought I was going to be out for a while, but I’m happy to be back. I kept my body in good shape too I’m hitting the ground…uhh… dancing. Ha!
WHAT DOES IT FEEL LIKE TO DANCE WITH OLYMPIC GOLD MEDALIST, MERYL DAVIS?
I’ve had amazing partners in the past, but I think Meryl will be the highlight of my Dancing With The Stars career. There were some that had training, but did not commit, and some who had commitment but no training. She has a combination of both factors. She is everything you look for in a partner that can take home the trophy. Plus she has an amazing personality and is super easy to work with. I am having an amazing time with her. This is going to be fun…
WHAT ARE SOME OF THE DIFFICULTIES, IF ANY, OF TURNING A FIGURE SKATER INTO A BALLROOM DANCER?
I think the hardest part is changing some of the habits that make them best at what they do, but do not translate onto the dance floor. Ballroom footwork and hip action are virtually non-existent because of the elements of figure skating. I think with some practice she’ll make the adjustment. One of the other big challenges is that I am 6’ 2” and she is 5’ 3”, but we’ll make it work. Maybe I’ll throw her in the air figure skating style… stay tuned…
DO YOU FEEL LIKE THE PRESSURE IS HIGHER THAN NORMAL TO WIN THE MIRROR BALL TROPHY NOW THAT YOU HAVE RETURNED TO DWTS?
I don’t think about the Mirror Ball Trophy at all. That’s not why I do this.
HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT SWITCHING PARTNERS DURING THE SHOW?
It’s not in my control and there is nothing I can do, so I will embrace whatever happens and roll with it to the best of my abilities.
WHAT WOULD IT TAKE FOR YOU TO CONSIDER THE SEASON A SUCCESS?
This season is already successful. Meryl is someone I admire and think very highly of. It’s already been fun, interesting, and very exciting. Everything from here on is a bonus.
ANY FINAL WORDS TO THE DANCE WITH ME FAMILY?
I really want them to be happy with our performances, and get pleasure from watching us dance. My friends, family, and fans’ enjoyment from our dancing is the most important factor of me participating on the show. So I really hope that I achieve that!
Oh! And uhhh…I hope they’re going to be wearing the right face on their new shirts!
To vote for Team M&M, Meryl Davis and Maksim Chmerkovskiy —
