10 Dancing With The Stars Marriages That Prove The 'DWTS Curse' Is A Myth

The ballroom floor of Dancing with the Stars is famous for its intense chemistry, dazzling costumes, and, perhaps most infamously, the so-called "DWTS Curse." This widely discussed phenomenon suggests that the show's demanding schedule and intimate partnership often lead to the breakup of the celebrities' existing relationships. However, in a beautiful twist of irony, the very same intense environment has become a powerful cupid, forging some of the most enduring and beloved marriages in Hollywood. As of the current date in December 2025, the list of couples who found their forever partner under the disco ball continues to grow, proving that for many, DWTS is less a curse and more a catalyst for true love.

The latest and most heartwarming addition to this exclusive club is a celebrity-pro pairing that defied expectations and captivated fans, solidifying the show's legacy as a true matchmaker. From showmances that blossomed into long-term partnerships to the professional dancers who found love with a colleague, these are the power couples who traded their Mirrorball trophies for wedding rings.

The Newest Chapter: Celebrity-Pro Partnerships That Went the Distance

While many of the show’s romances are between the professional dancers themselves, the celebrity-pro marriages are the most compelling, directly challenging the narrative of the "DWTS Curse." These couples met under the most high-pressure, intimate circumstances, and their bond proved strong enough to last beyond the final curtain.

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1. Britt Stewart and Daniel Durant: From Silent Partner to Soulmate

The most recent and highly celebrated wedding in the DWTS family belongs to pro dancer Britt Stewart and actor Daniel Durant. Their journey began when they were paired together for Season 31 of the competition. Durant, known for his role in the Oscar-winning film CODA, was the show's third deaf contestant, requiring a unique form of communication and trust that clearly deepened their connection.

• Season Paired: Season 31 (2022)
• Partnership: Celebrity-Pro
• Wedding Date: August 23, 2025
• Location: Riata Ranch in Santa Margarita, California
• Key Detail: Their wedding took place almost exactly three years after they first met, a testament to how quickly their professional partnership evolved into a romantic one.

Their relationship is a beautiful example of finding connection through non-verbal and emotional language, a core element of ballroom dancing. Britt and Daniel's star-studded ranch wedding was the talk of the DWTS community, cementing their status as one of the show’s most beloved success stories.

2. Kym Johnson and Robert Herjavec: The Shark Tank Romance

One of the original and most famous celebrity-pro pairings to marry is Kym Johnson and Shark Tank investor Robert Herjavec. Their romance was palpable from the moment they stepped onto the floor during Season 20.

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• Season Paired: Season 20 (2015)
• Partnership: Celebrity-Pro
• Wedding Date: July 31, 2016
• Children: Twins Hudson and Haven (born 2018)
• Key Detail: Robert Herjavec proposed to Kym with a stunning 6.5-carat diamond ring. They are one of the few celebrity-pro couples to marry and have children, further proving the strength of their bond.

Their story is often cited as the definitive evidence that the "curse" is merely a myth, highlighting the fact that for every relationship that ends, another one begins.

The Pro-Pro Power Couples: The Chmerkovskiy Dynasty and Beyond

While the celebrity-pro romances generate headlines, the majority of lasting DWTS marriages are between the professional dancers themselves. The intense, shared experience of the show, coupled with a deep understanding of the professional dance world, often leads to a bond that is unbreakable. These couples form the backbone of the DWTS family.

3. Maksim Chmerkovskiy and Peta Murgatroyd: The Fairytale Wedding

Maksim "Maks" Chmerkovskiy and Peta Murgatroyd are arguably the most iconic pro-pro couple. Their relationship was an on-again, off-again affair for years before they finally settled down, much to the delight of the entire DWTS fandom.

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• Relationship Type: Pro-Pro
• Wedding Date: July 8, 2017
• Children: Three sons, Shai Aleksander, Rio John, and a third son recently born (as of July 2024, they were expecting their third child).
• Key Detail: They celebrated their seventh wedding anniversary in July 2024, just before the due date for their third child, showcasing their enduring commitment and growing family.

Their lavish wedding at Oheka Castle in Long Island was a true ballroom fairytale, attended by many fellow pros and a major milestone in the show's romantic history.

4. Val Chmerkovskiy and Jenna Johnson: The Brother’s Keeper

Maksim's younger brother, Val Chmerkovskiy, followed in his footsteps by marrying a fellow pro, Jenna Johnson. Val and Jenna's relationship had a slightly rockier start, but their devotion to one another is now clear, making them one of the show's most popular pairings.

• Relationship Type: Pro-Pro
• Wedding Date: April 13, 2019
• Children: Son, Rome (born January 2023)
• Key Detail: They tied the knot in a beautiful ceremony overlooking the ocean at the Terranea Resort in Rancho Palos Verdes, California. Their journey from friends to dating to marriage highlights the complex yet rewarding nature of the pro dancer community.

The Chmerkovskiy brothers marrying two of the show's most talented female pros has created a powerful, intertwined ballroom dynasty, often referred to as the 'DWTS Royal Family.'

5. Pasha Pashkov and Daniella Karagach: The Quiet Veterans

Pasha Pashkov and Daniella Karagach are a testament to finding love long before the bright lights of the American show. They met as dance partners in 2009 and married years before they even joined the cast of Dancing with the Stars. Their pre-existing marriage provided a stable foundation for their careers on the show.

• Relationship Type: Pro-Pro (Met before DWTS)
• Wedding Date: 2014
• Key Detail: They represent the deep, long-term commitment that often exists within the professional dance circuit, a bond that was only amplified by their shared experience on the series.

6. Edyta Śliwińska and Alec Mazo: The Original DWTS Couple

Edyta Śliwińska and Alec Mazo hold the distinction of being the first professional dancers on the U.S. version of the show to marry. They were married before the show even premiered, providing the initial proof that the intense professional environment could foster lasting love. Edyta was a fixture for the first ten seasons, while Alec won the first season with celebrity Kelly Monaco.

• Relationship Type: Pro-Pro (Married before DWTS)
• Wedding Date: 2007
• Key Detail: As the original veterans, their long-standing marriage set a positive precedent for all future pro relationships.

When the Music Stops: The Realities of the 'DWTS Curse'

To maintain topical authority, it is important to acknowledge that not every ballroom romance is a forever story. The concept of the "DWTS Curse" often gains traction because of high-profile splits, which provide a necessary counter-narrative to the fairytale weddings.

The Emma Slater and Sasha Farber Split

One notable example is the relationship between pros Emma Slater and Sasha Farber. They were an adorable couple who got engaged live on the show in 2016 and married in 2018. However, after four years of marriage, the couple announced their separation in 2022. Their divorce was finalized, proving that even a shared passion and profession can't always guarantee a lifetime together.

This reality is what gives the "curse" its power. The intense, intimate nature of the competition can accelerate feelings, sometimes leading to a bond that is more a "showmance" than a sustainable long-term relationship once the spotlight fades. The fact that so many other couples—like the Chmerkovskiy brothers and their wives, and the newest pair, Britt Stewart and Daniel Durant—have not only stayed together but also built families is what truly dismantles the curse myth.

The Legacy of Love: Why DWTS is a Relationship Incubator

The real secret behind the high number of Dancing with the Stars marriages lies in the unique demands of the show. Ballroom dancing requires an unparalleled level of physical and emotional intimacy. Partners spend hours together daily, learning to trust each other implicitly, communicate without words, and share vulnerable moments of triumph and failure.

This intense environment acts as a fast-track for relationships. By the time a season ends, the partners have often experienced more emotional depth together than many couples do in years of casual dating. This shared journey, whether between two pros who understand the industry or a pro and a celebrity who discover an unexpected connection, is the true magic of the show. It’s not a curse; it’s a crucible for love.