DWTS Flashback: Val Chmerkovskiy on the Business of Dancing, Betting on Yourself & Making It to DWTS

FLASHBACK EPISODE * This week, Jason is joined by professional dancer, choreographer, entrepreneur, and Dancing With the Stars legend Val Chmerkovskiy for a conversation about the business and money behind a career in professional dance. Val opens up about his journey from competing in ballroom dance as a kid to becoming a 14-time U.S. National Champion, two-time World Dance Champion, and one of the most recognizable professional dancers on television. He breaks down the surprising economics of competitive dance, including spending thousands of dollars to compete for prize money worth only a few hundred dollars, teaching 14-hour days early in his career, and why building credibility can sometimes matter more than the immediate paycheck. Val also reveals how Dancing With the Stars changed the earning potential for professional dancers, how he approaches negotiating his value, why he would sometimes rather take equity than a paycheck, and how he has built multiple streams of income through television, Dance With Me Studios, live performances, and other business ventures. Plus, Val shares the mindset of “delusional optimism” that helped him navigate difficult seasons in his career, why having uncomfortable conversations can completely change your professional trajectory, the importance of knowing your value while still proving yourself first, and the Trading Secret he believes applies to money, business, and relationships. How much money can professional dancers actually make? What does it cost to become one of the best dancers in the world? How do Dancing With the Stars pros negotiate their value? And what happens when passion finally has to become a profession? Val reveals all that and much more. Host: Jason Tartick Guest: Val Chmerkovskiy Audio: John Gurney Video: Marc Colcer Trading Secrets Deals: Cash App: Download Cash App Today: https://click.cash.app/ui6m/47zvvpfk and use code BITCOIN10 #CashAppPod #CashAppPartner As a Cash App partner, I may earn a commission when you sign up for a Cash App account. Cash App is a financial services platform, not a bank. Banking services provided by Cash App’s bank partner(s). Bitcoin services provided by Block, Inc. For additional information, see the Bitcoin disclosures. Ridge Wallet: One thing to pack, five ways to power! Get 10% Off @Ridge with code SECRETS at https://www.Ridge.com/SECRETS #ridgepod One Skin: Get 15% off OneSkin with the code TRADINGSECRETS at https://www.oneskin.co/TRADINGSECRETS #oneskinpod Subscribe to the Trading Secrets podcast! Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1XGAHSw... Follow me on Instagram::   / ​   Follow me on Twitter:   / jason_tartick​   Follow me on TikTok:   / jason_tartick​