6 Shocking Secrets Lacey Schwimmer Revealed About Her Time On Dancing With The Stars

Lacey Schwimmer, the dynamic and edgy professional dancer who brought a unique flair to the *Dancing with the Stars* ballroom, remains one of the show’s most memorable pros. The ballroom expert, known for her energetic routines and signature punk-meets-sassy style, competed across six seasons, achieving a notable runner-up finish and partnering with some of the show's most talked-about celebrities. Her journey on the ABC hit series was a rollercoaster of high scores, controversial partnerships, and personal challenges that she has only recently begun to fully disclose.

As of December 2025, Schwimmer is not only thriving in her post-*DWTS* career but is also entering a new phase of her personal life. She continues to shape the future of dance education while opening up about the intense pressures of reality television, offering a fresh, candid perspective on what it was truly like to be a professional dancer on one of the world's biggest shows. From her surprise engagement to her groundbreaking new ventures, here is a deep dive into Lacey Schwimmer's life during and after her impactful tenure on *Dancing with the Stars*.

Lacey Schwimmer: Complete Professional Biography and DWTS History

Lacey Mae Schwimmer is an American professional ballroom dancer, choreographer, and television personality. Her career is marked by incredible versatility, spanning from competitive ballroom to mainstream television success.

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• Full Name: Lacey Mae Schwimmer
• Born: June 28, 1988
• Birthplace: Redlands, California, U.S.
• Age: 37 (as of December 2025)
• Early Career Highlight: Before *DWTS*, she was a finalist on Season 3 of *So You Think You Can Dance* (*SYTYCD*), where she first gained national recognition for her distinctive style, blending ballroom with hip-hop and contemporary elements. She also co-choreographed Christina Aguilera's "Candy Man" music video.
• DWTS Debut: Season 7 (2008)
• Total DWTS Seasons: 6 seasons (Seasons 7, 8, 9, 11, 12, and 13)
• Notable Achievements: 3rd Place with Lance Bass (Season 7); Runner-up with Kyle Massey (Season 11).

Lacey Schwimmer's Complete List of DWTS Celebrity Partners

Lacey Schwimmer was known for her ability to coach a diverse range of celebrity partners, often transforming them into surprisingly strong competitors. Her six partnerships were:

• Season 7: Lance Bass (NSYNC singer) - Finished 3rd Place.
• Season 8: Steve-O (Jackass star) - Finished 9th Place.
• Season 9: Mark Dacascos (Actor/Martial Artist) - Finished 6th Place.
• Season 11: Kyle Massey (Disney Channel star) - Finished Runner-up (2nd Place).
• Season 12: Mike Catherwood (Radio personality) - Finished 11th Place.
• Season 13: Chaz Bono (Author/Activist) - Finished 7th Place.

The Candid Truth: Lacey Schwimmer's Post-DWTS Revelations

Since her final season in 2011, Lacey Schwimmer has stepped away from the main spotlight of the reality competition circuit, focusing on dance education and choreography. However, recent years have seen her open up about the unseen pressures of being a professional dancer on a high-stakes show like *DWTS*.

1. The Pressure to Maintain an 'Unhealthy' Image

In a candid social media post, Schwimmer revealed the significant body image struggles she faced while on television. She admitted to using "drastic measures" to appear healthy for the camera, suggesting the intense scrutiny and physical demands of the show took a toll on her well-being. This revelation highlights the often-unseen mental and physical health challenges faced by professional dancers in the entertainment industry. Her honesty has resonated with fans and fellow dancers, shedding light on the rigorous standards of televised dance competitions.

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2. The Controversial Maksim Chmerkovskiy Moment

Schwimmer also addressed a specific, uncomfortable moment with fellow professional dancer Maksim Chmerkovskiy. She recounted an incident where Chmerkovskiy allegedly made her cry, illustrating the sometimes-tense and competitive environment backstage. While the show presents a picture of camaraderie, Schwimmer’s account provides a glimpse into the high-pressure dynamics and strong personalities that often clashed behind the scenes of the hit series.

3. The Unexpected Runner-Up Finish with Kyle Massey

Lacey's partnership with Disney star Kyle Massey in Season 11 was one of the most beloved pairings in *DWTS* history. Their energetic routines, particularly their high-octane Jive and contemporary pieces, made them fan favorites. They ultimately finished as runners-up, losing only to Jennifer Grey and Derek Hough. Schwimmer has often spoken fondly of their partnership, noting that their shared enthusiasm and genuine friendship made that season a personal highlight, showcasing her talent for dynamic and engaging choreography.

Life After the Ballroom: New Ventures and Personal Milestones

Lacey Schwimmer's career did not slow down after her final exit from *Dancing with the Stars*. Instead, she channeled her passion for dance into entrepreneurial and educational pursuits, solidifying her status as an authority in the ballroom world.

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4. Launching "Lacey's Ballroom Project"

In a groundbreaking move for the dance community, Schwimmer launched "Lacey's Ballroom Project." This initiative is described as the dance industry's first all-ballroom convention. The project aims to provide comprehensive training and master classes in various ballroom disciplines, including the Cha-Cha, Waltz, and Paso Doble, to dancers across the United States. This venture demonstrates her commitment to elevating the technical and artistic standards of competitive and social ballroom dancing, moving beyond the confines of reality television.

5. Co-Directing The Dance Center in California

Beyond her national convention, Lacey Schwimmer is deeply involved in local dance education. She co-directs The Dance Center, a competitive dance studio located in Redlands, California. This role allows her to mentor the next generation of dancers, imparting the skills and discipline she gained from years of competing and performing on major stages like *SYTYCD* and *DWTS*. Her work as a dance educator ensures her legacy extends far past her televised performances.

6. The Long-Awaited Engagement to Frankie Moreno

In a major personal update, Lacey Schwimmer recently announced her engagement to longtime boyfriend, singer Frankie Moreno. The dancer shared that the engagement was "13 years in the making," a testament to their enduring relationship. This exciting news marks a significant personal milestone for Schwimmer, as she proudly declared she was "entering my wifey era." The announcement was met with an outpouring of support from the *DWTS* community and fans alike, confirming that her life outside the ballroom is just as fulfilling as her professional one.

Lacey Schwimmer's Enduring Legacy on DWTS

Lacey Schwimmer's impact on *Dancing with the Stars* goes beyond her final scores or placements. She was a pivotal figure in the show's evolution, known for her distinctive "street Latin" style, which infused traditional ballroom dances with modern, edgy energy. Her partnerships, especially those with Lance Bass and Kyle Massey, are frequently cited in discussions of the show's most entertaining and high-scoring routines.

Her willingness to take on challenging partners, such as Chaz Bono, and create memorable, moving performances cemented her reputation as a versatile and dedicated professional. Although she was not asked back after Season 13, her six seasons left an indelible mark on the show's history, showcasing the power of contemporary choreography and authentic connection between a professional and their celebrity partner. Her current work, from the "Lacey's Ballroom Project" to her engagement to Frankie Moreno, proves that the professional ballroom dancer is only continuing to elevate her career and personal life, inspiring fans with both her talent and her honesty about the industry.