Where is Karina Smirnoff Now? Who is Karina Smirnoff?
by Sangamithra | Updated Dec 06, 2023
Where is Karina Smirnoff Now?
Karina Smirnoff, known for winning Dancing with the Stars Season 13, is currently a highly regarded dance coach. After leaving DWTS post-Season 22, she established her dance studio. In April 2020, she welcomed her first child, Theo Gabriel, with boyfriend Justinas Duknauskas.
Karina remains active in the dance scene, providing coaching expertise to aspiring dancers like Leonie Biggs on Dancing Queens. Her significant contributions to ballroom dance and her ongoing coaching endeavors showcase her continued passion for the art form.
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Who is Karina Smirnoff?
Karina Smirnoff is a renowned professional ballroom dancer with Ukrainian origins, born on January 2, 1978, in Kharkiv, Ukrainian SSR, Soviet Union (now Ukraine). Currently aged 45, she has made a significant impact in the world of dance. Smirnoff gained widespread recognition as a professional dancer on the popular TV show "Dancing with the Stars."
Her notable achievement includes winning the thirteenth season with J. R. Martinez, an army veteran and soap opera star. Throughout her illustrious career, Karina Smirnoff has secured numerous accolades, including being a five-time U.S. National Champion, World Trophy Champion, and Asian Open Champion. She has also claimed titles at prestigious events like the UK Open, US Open, Asian Open, and Dutch Open.
Notably, she has achieved the status of a five-time US National Professional Champion. Her remarkable accomplishments extend to being the first woman to reach the British Professional Final with three different partners, and she further distinguished herself by making the final with four different partners between 1999 and 2006.
In addition to her professional achievements, Karina Smirnoff is a mother with one child and is currently partnered with Justinas Duknauskas. Her journey in the world of dance has left an indelible mark, and she continues to be celebrated for her talent and contributions to the art of ballroom dancing.
Full Name
Karina Smirnoff
Birthdate
January 2, 1978
Birthplace
Kharkiv, Ukrainian SSR, Soviet Union (now Ukraine)
Nationality
Ukrainian-American
Parents
Own a liquor store in Staten Island
Siblings
Only child
Pets
American Staffordshire Terrier named Randy
Engagements
Maksim Chmerkovskiy (2009), Brad Penny (2010-2011), Jason Adelman (2015)
Children
Theo Gabriel (born April 2020, with Justinas Duknauskas)
Career Highlights
Winner of DWTS Season 13 with J. R. Martinez
Dancing Career
Multiple championships at US Open, Asian Open, Dutch Open
Other Activities
Featured on Celebrity Family Feud in 2015
Karina Smirnoff's Early Life
Karina Smirnoff, born in Kharkiv, Ukrainian SSR, Soviet Union, on January 2, 1978, is a talented ballroom dancer of mixed Greek and Russian Jewish descent. Starting her dance journey at the age of 11, she quickly embraced ballroom dancing as her passion. In 1993, at the age of 15, Smirnoff immigrated to the United States.
Her educational path led her to various schools, including Nerinx Hall High School in St. Louis and Christopher Columbus High School in The Bronx. Eventually, she graduated from the Bronx High School of Science. Continuing her academic pursuits, Smirnoff earned a double major in economics and information system programming from Fordham University in New York City. This blend of dance talent and academic achievement laid the foundation for her future success in the world of ballroom dancing.
Karina Smirnoff Career
Karina Smirnoff is a renowned ballroom dancer and choreographer. She began her dance journey at 11, competing in ballroom dancing, and later immigrated to the United States in 1993. In her early career, Smirnoff partnered with various dancers, achieving notable success with Slavik Kryklyvyy from 2001 to 2005. She earned top titles and high ratings, showcasing her exceptional talent.
Beyond dancing, she ventured into the entertainment industry, appearing in the film "Shall We Dance?" in 2004 and releasing a fitness DVD titled "Shape Up With Karina Smirnoff." Her fame soared when she joined the cast of ABC's "Dancing with the Stars." She participated in multiple seasons, winning the competition in the thirteenth season with partner J.R. Martinez. Throughout her DWTS journey, she partnered with various celebrities, showcasing her versatility and skill.
Smirnoff's career also includes diverse projects such as managing a dancing event, guest-starring on TV shows like "Hannah Montana," and even featuring in Playboy magazine. Her extensive career, marked by achievements and accolades, solidifies her status as a prominent figure in the world of ballroom dancing and entertainment.
Karina Smirnoff Age
As of now, Karina Smirnoff is 45 years old. Born on January 2, 1978, in Kharkiv, Ukraine, she has made significant contributions to the world of ballroom dancing and entertainment throughout her career.
Smirnoff's talent and versatility have been showcased on platforms like "Dancing with the Stars," where she achieved notable success, including winning the thirteenth season. Her journey, marked by numerous awards and achievements, reflects a successful and enduring career in the field of dance and entertainment.
Karina Smirnoff Personal Life
Karina Smirnoff raised as an only child, hails from a family that owns a liquor store in Staten Island. Her canine companion is an American Staffordshire Terrier named Randy. In 2009, she was engaged to fellow "Dancing with the Stars" professional, Maksim Chmerkovskiy, for nine months. Following this, she dated Major League Baseball pitcher Brad Penny, leading to an engagement in October 2010, which concluded in December 2011.
In January 2015, she became engaged to entrepreneur Jason Adelman, but they amicably called off the engagement in March 2015. During the summer of 2015, Smirnoff showcased her salsa dancing skills on Celebrity Family Feud. Her personal life took a joyous turn in April 2020 when she welcomed her first child, Theo Gabriel, with boyfriend Justinas Duknauskas.
Karina Smirnoff's Net Worth
Karina Smirnoff, the Ukrainian professional ballroom dancer, boasts a net worth of $6 million, largely propelled by her remarkable career. Widely recognized for her appearances on "Dancing with the Stars," she clinched victory in the 13th season alongside partner J. R. Martinez and secured runner-up positions in seasons 3 and 17. Beyond the show, Smirnoff's success extends to multiple championships at prestigious events like the US Open, Asian Open, and Dutch Open.
Her professional journey commenced in the United States, where she, alongside partner Slavik Kryklyvyy, achieved immense success, earning titles such as U.S. National Champion and World Trophy Champion. Her diverse partnerships in ABC's prime-time show further contributed to her widespread acclaim and financial success.
Where is Karina Smirnoff Now - FAQs
Karina Smirnoff is currently a highly regarded dance coach and a proud parent, actively involved in the world of ballroom dance beyond her DWTS days.
Karina Smirnoff is currently partnered with Justinas Duknauskas, with whom she welcomed her first child, Theo Gabriel, in April 2020.
Karina Smirnoff's net worth is estimated at $6 million, earned through her successful career as a ballroom dancer and her multiple championship wins.
Karina Smirnoff participated in 18 seasons of "Dancing with the Stars," winning the 13th season with J.R. Martinez.
Karina Smirnoff is a five-time U.S. National Champion, World Trophy Champion, and Asian Open Champion, with victories at prestigious events like the US Open and Dutch Open.