Valentin Chmerkovskiy on Dance, Liberation and the Stories the Body Remembers

Read time 5 minutes

Step into the world of Valentin Chmerkovskiy: dancer, philanthropist, and eternal optimist. Join us as he opens up about his remarkable journey.

In the annals of dance history, there are stories that transcend the mere rhythm of steps. They echo with the resilience of the human spirit, the triumph over adversity, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. Valentin Chmerkovskiy’s saga is one such tale – a narrative that unfolds from the humble streets of Ukraine to the glittering ballrooms of America.

In his poignant memoir “I’ll Never Change My Name,” penned with raw honesty in March 2018, Valentin bared his soul, recounting the arduous journey of immigration that marked his childhood. With little but determination to their name, his family embarked on a voyage to America, seeking opportunity amidst uncertainty. It was a leap of faith that would shape Valentin’s destiny in ways he could scarcely imagine.

Since those early days of struggle and adaptation, Valentin has emerged as a luminary in the world of dance, a testament to his unwavering dedication and unparalleled talent. With each graceful movement, he has etched his name in the annals of dance history, becoming a 14-time US National Champion and a two-time World Dance Champion. His mastery of the art form transcends mere technique; it embodies the essence of passion and perseverance.

Yet, Valentin’s contributions extend far beyond the spotlight of the stage. As a philanthropist and co-founder of Dance With Me, he has championed a noble cause – to nurture a community where movement knows no bounds. With a mission to keep people active, healthy, and creative, irrespective of age, ability, or economic circumstance, Dance With Me stands as a beacon of inclusivity and empowerment.

In an exclusive interview with MONTROSE, Valentin offered a glimpse into the inner workings of his mind – the musings of a man driven by purpose and fueled by ambition.

When queried about his childhood role model, Valentin’s response was unequivocal: his father, whose indomitable spirit served as a guiding light through life’s tumultuous waters. Reflecting on his aspirations, Valentin confessed to an ongoing journey of self-discovery, where the pursuit of excellence knows no bounds. His quest for greatness transcends the confines of accolades, rooted instead in the relentless pursuit of self-improvement.

Amidst dreams of fatherhood and artistic innovation, Valentin shared his desire to hone new skills, expressing a penchant for the culinary arts and a longing to reconnect with the melodies of the violin – a testament to his insatiable thirst for knowledge and growth.

For Valentin, life’s greatest lessons are found in the everyday, a testament to the profound wisdom borne of humility and openness to the world’s infinite possibilities. As the lens of William H. Cudd captures his essence, Valentin Chmerkovskiy stands as a testament to the transformative power of dance – a beacon of hope and inspiration for generations to come. Styled by Guvanch Agajumayev and groomed by the deft hands of Gabrielle Steves and Hiro Furukawa, his presence is a testament to the fusion of artistry and elegance.

“Life’s journey is not just about the steps we take, but the heart and soul we infuse into every dance. – Valentin Chmerkovskiy”

In the grand tapestry of life, Valentin Chmerkovskiy’s story serves as a reminder that greatness is not merely achieved through talent alone but through the unwavering courage to chase one’s dreams against all odds. And as the world eagerly awaits the next chapter of his journey, one thing remains certain – the dance of Valentin Chmerkovskiy will continue to inspire and captivate hearts around the globe.

MONTROSE

Who first showed you how to move through the world?

VALENTIN

My father, without question. He has been the light guiding me from the beginning. No one else has ever come close.

MONTROSE

What did you imagine becoming as a child?

VALENTIN

I think I’m still discovering that. Life continues to reveal itself, and I’ve learned to move with whatever comes.

MONTROSE

Which words of praise or advice have remained with you?

VALENTIN

The praise was someone telling me that I’m slightly above decent as a husband, son, brother and friend—which I’ll take.

The advice is something I continue telling myself: if I want to become the best, I have to be willing to outwork the best.

MONTROSE

Where do you hope the next five years carry you?

VALENTIN

I hope to become a father and to give my family more than the essentials. Artistically, I want to keep moving beyond what feels familiar and create work that challenges expectations.

And I hope to remain healthy enough to be present for all of it.

MONTROSE

What would you still like to learn?

VALENTIN

I’ve always wanted to learn how to cook properly. I also played the violin when I was younger, and I would love to return to it—to rediscover that part of myself.

MONTROSE

What has life taught you most clearly?

VALENTIN

That every day carries another lesson. Remaining open has been essential because life never stops revealing something new. You have to keep listening as you move through it.

As the final notes of our conversation with Valentin Chmerkovskiy fade away, it’s evident that his story resonates far beyond the confines of the page. His journey from humble beginnings to international acclaim serves as a reminder that greatness is not defined by circumstances but by the relentless pursuit of one’s passions.

With each step forward, Valentin embodies the essence of resilience, creativity, and compassion, leaving an imprint on hearts and minds alike. As we reflect on his words and aspirations, we’re reminded of the power of perseverance and the boundless potential within each of us. In a world often clouded by uncertainty, Valentin’s unwavering optimism and determination shine as beacons of hope, lighting the way for others to follow. As we eagerly anticipate the next chapter in his journey, we’re grateful for the opportunity to witness the extraordinary story of Valentin Chmerkovskiy unfold before our eyes.

Text by
Adrian Hendrix

Photography by
William H. Cudd

Fashion by
Guvanch Agajumayev

Posted
June 19, 2022

Text by
Adrian Hendrix

Photography by
William H. Cudd

Fashion by
Guvanch Agajumayev

August 9, 2018

By & Large Design Philosophy Photography Valentin Chmerkovskiy

Feature

Inside the world of Luke James as the artist traces desire, vulnerability and connection through his album

Read time 5 minutes

Text by
Kylar Ashton

Photography by
Ben Abarbanel.

Fashion by
Guvanch Agajumayev

Posted
June 19, 2022

Before to feel love/d entered the world, Luke James invited us into the quiet space where voice, memory and desire become music.

“This album is a culmination of experiences,” Luke says. “It is music that I’ve lived with for a while. I like to think of it as a bridge into my new endeavors as an independent artist.”

Following two years devoted to acting, to feel love/d marked Luke’s return to music on his own terms. Its first three singles—“go girl,” featuring BJ The Chicago Kid and Ro James, “all of your love” and “blow”—carried that return across major R&B playlists on Spotify and Amazon Music.

Luke’s history moves between the intimate and the iconic. He has written for Justin Bieber, Snoh Aalegra and Chris Brown, performed alongside Prince and opened for Beyoncé during The Mrs. Carter Show World Tour. His song “I Want You” earned his first Grammy nomination for Best R&B Performance, followed by a second nomination for “Options,” featuring Rick Ross, in the category of Best R&B Song.

With to feel love/d, that history becomes a threshold—the closing of one chapter and the first sound of whatever comes next.

Beyond music, Luke’s presence moves easily across the screen. In Lena Waithe’s The Chi, he entered a story shaped by life on Chicago’s South Side, where a single event sends tremors through a community and draws unexpected lives together.

His screen work also includes Universal Pictures’ Little, alongside Issa Rae, Regina Hall and Marsai Martin, and a leading role in Lee Daniels’s musical drama Star. Elsewhere, he has appeared in HBO’s Insecure, Unsolved: The Murders of Tupac and the Notorious B.I.G. and The Bobby Brown Story, portraying R&B singer Johnny Gill.

Montrose meets Luke at the intersection of music and performance, where he reflects on adrenaline, the philosophy guiding his life and the world taking shape beyond to feel love/d.

MONTROSE

Who is Luke James in five words?

LUKE

Loving. Honorable. Nasty. Happy. Sad. Okay, let’s see—what else is there?

MONTROSE

What is the first thing you do in the morning?

LUKE

I begin with a check—a self-diagnostic. I feel my body, my mind and my spirit. Then I express gratitude for waking up to another day. Thank you, God.

MONTROSE

What philosophy guides your life?

LUKE

“Don’t worry, be happy.” Not to sound cliché, but my mother always told me not to worry. I think I’m now at a place where I want to be. So yes—don’t worry, be happy. Everything is going to work out.

MONTROSE

What do people often misunderstand about you?

LUKE

I think people see me as an extrovert. Maybe I play the part well sometimes, but I’m naturally more introverted.

My career helps draw me out of that because I want to experience life in all its forms, and sometimes my instincts don’t allow me that pleasure. The work takes me outside of myself. It introduces me to people and new ideas. It keeps my mind open.

“With ‘to feel love/d,’ I aim to create a sonic journey where emotions flow freely, melodies captivate, and every listener finds solace in the music.” – Luke James

MONTROSE

What gives you the greatest adrenaline rush?

LUKE

The stage. It is a rush unlike anything else. I can come offstage having cut myself and not even realize it until the next day. In that moment, the adrenaline takes over.

MONTROSE

Where does your mind go when you are alone?

LUKE

A lot of places—some of them personal. I think about work, but not necessarily in the way everyone else might. I find pleasure in what I do, so when I speak about work, I am really speaking about my passions. They happen to make me money, which turns them into work—something I must continue doing to make a living.

But I enjoy it. So, to answer your question, I think about creativity. I think about God, love and the world. I try my best to think about things that make me happy.

MONTROSE

What quality do you most admire in yourself?

LUKE

My willpower. I am constantly reminded of how strong it is. If there is something I truly want, I work my ass off to get it.

It sometimes feels as though everything around me begins to shift, allowing me to reach whatever I am searching for. I am not pretending to be a guru—I am still figuring it out too.

MONTROSE

What might others find strange about you?

LUKE

I don’t know. Someone else might have to answer that. I don’t consider anything I do particularly strange. I’m interesting. Laughs.

MONTROSE

What three qualities do you value most in another person?

LUKE

Empathy, intellect and spirituality—something within that realm. There are so many qualities to value. Fucking three just isn’t enough.

MONTROSE

What struggle have you learned to move through?

LUKE

Seeing myself for who I am. Acknowledging it, honoring it and strengthening it. Learning to be happy with the process of becoming a better version of myself—and falling in love with that process.

It is constant. I believe it is a struggle almost everyone experiences.

MONTROSE

If you could leave your younger self one message, what would it be?

LUKE

Wake up early. Create, create, create. Stay open and be a sponge. Don’t worry.

Leave negative people and situations alone. Let them go. You may love them, but you can love them from a distance. Enjoy yourself. Be present in the moment, and listen to your own voice. Stay centered.

Many trying things will come your way. Be still and keep moving forward. Everything will be all right.

Yep, that’s it. I hope that made sense.

Photography by Ben Abarbanel. Styling by Guvanch Agajumayev. Grooming by Travis Lester. Casting by André Adkins.