Professional dancer Val Chmerkovskiy is bringing an important lesson from the ballroom into his family life: success comes through dedication and hard work. The Dancing With the Stars professional recently discussed how he and his wife, Jenna Johnson, are introducing their young son, Rome, to the commitment behind their careers.
Speaking to E! News after the October 13 episode of Dancing With the Stars, Chmerkovskiy explained that their 3-year-old son enjoys music, dancing, and watching his parents perform. Although Rome is still too young to fully understand their professional achievements, the couple wants him to see the effort that goes into their work.
Their approach offers a glimpse into how the dancers balance parenthood with the demands of performing on one of television’s best-known dance competitions.
Val Chmerkovskiy Wants Son Rome to Learn the Value of Hard Work
For Chmerkovskiy, being a parent means more than sharing special moments with his son. He also wants to demonstrate the importance of commitment through his own actions.
In his interview with E! News, the dancer explained that he and Johnson hope Rome will learn from watching them work. He described their approach as a blue-collar attitude toward their artistic careers, emphasizing the effort behind the performances viewers see on television.
The couple has also brought Rome along on tour and to the dance studio, allowing him to experience parts of their professional world.
However, not every environment is suitable for young children. Chmerkovskiy noted that Rome could not attend the October 13 live show because children were not permitted in that setting.
Even so, the dancer believes that showing his son the reality of their work is valuable.
Rather than expecting Rome to understand fame at such a young age, his parents are focusing on demonstrating dedication, creativity, and a love of dance.
Jenna Dewan Says Rome Already Loves Music and Dancing
Rome’s enthusiasm for dance has also caught the attention of actress Jenna Dewan, who is partnered with Chmerkovskiy on season 35 of Dancing With the Stars.
Dewan spoke warmly about the toddler, describing him as a child with a special personality who enjoys dancing. Her comments suggest that Rome is already developing a connection to the artistic environment surrounding his parents.
The behind-the-scenes relationship adds a family dimension to the competition, where professional dancers and celebrity partners spend long hours preparing their routines.
For Chmerkovskiy, having Rome around the studio also creates opportunities to introduce him to music and movement naturally.
At this stage, the focus is not on pushing the child toward a particular career. Instead, his parents appear interested in allowing him to enjoy dance while learning from the example they set.
Jenna Dewan Balances Motherhood With Her Television Career
While Rome has been enjoying the dance environment, Dewan has been managing her own busy schedule as a mother and performer.
The actress shares daughter Everly, 13, with her former partner Channing Tatum and son Callum, 6, with her fiancé, Steve Kazee.
During her conversation with E! News, Dewan explained that motherhood remains her top priority. She also praised her children for their patience and support as she balances Dancing With the Stars with her acting commitments on The Rookie.
Her family was particularly invested in her latest ballroom performance.
During the October 13 episode, Dewan and Chmerkovskiy earned 36 points for their paso doble to Lady Gaga’s “Bad Romance.” The score placed them among the night’s top-performing couples.
Dewan also shared that Callum became emotional after watching their successful routine. His reaction demonstrated how closely her children were following her progress in the competition.
However, the evening brought another emotional moment for the family.
Dewan said Callum was upset when Guillermo Rodriguez was eliminated from the show. The young viewer had become a fan of the television personality, making his departure difficult to watch.
These reactions highlight how the competition can become a shared family experience, even for children who are not directly involved in the performances.
How Family Life Shapes the DWTS Experience
Life behind the scenes of Dancing With the Stars involves much more than the routines that appear on television.
Professional dancers must prepare choreography, rehearse with their celebrity partners, and adapt their performances to weekly themes. At the same time, many cast members manage relationships, parenting responsibilities, and other professional commitments.
For Chmerkovskiy and Johnson, parenthood is an important part of that balancing act. Their experience shows how professional ambitions and family priorities can exist alongside each other, even when the work schedule is demanding.
Their decision to expose Rome to music and dance also reflects a practical approach to parenting: children can learn by observing the adults around them.
Meanwhile, Dewan’s comments demonstrate how family support can help performers navigate the pressure of a televised competition.
As season 35 continues, these personal stories provide another perspective on the people behind the routines. The scores and eliminations may determine the competition’s outcome, but the experiences shared away from the ballroom reveal another side of the show.
For Chmerkovskiy, one of the most meaningful goals is ensuring that his son sees the dedication behind his work. Whether Rome eventually pursues dance or discovers another passion, the example his parents set may become an important part of his upbringing.