The sun-drenched aisles of a Los Angeles farmers market served as the backdrop for a new chapter in the romantic life of Gleb Savchenko this past January. On January 18, the 42-year-old Dancing With the Stars professional was spotted in a series of affectionate displays with a mystery woman, signaling that he has officially moved on from the tumultuous end of his previous relationship. Dressed for a casual Saturday in a dark hoodie, light gray shorts, and a green "dad hat," Savchenko appeared relaxed and unburdened as he shared several kisses with his brunette companion. The woman, mirroring his athletic aesthetic, opted for a white sports bra layered under a black top, paired with black performance leggings.
This public outing comes nearly a year after Savchenko’s high-profile split from his former celebrity dance partner, Brooks Nader. The 28-year-old model and the Russian dancer initially sparked intense speculation during their run on Season 33 of the long-running ABC competition. What began as undeniable chemistry on the ballroom floor quickly evolved into a whirlwind off-screen romance that captivated fans, though the flame eventually flickered out in April. The dissolution of their relationship was anything but quiet, culminating in a modern-day heartbreak classic: the breakup via text message.
In an October 2024 TikTok livestream, Nader pulled back the curtain on the final moments of their relationship, reading the message Savchenko sent her before retreating to the desert. According to Nader, the text read: “Picked up my stuff. I’m going to Joshua Tree tomorrow for a few nights. We should have a conversation but I think I’m done. I care about you. I think you’re an amazing person. You always have a special place in my heart. I love you.” While the pair briefly attempted to rekindle their connection the following month, the reunion was short-lived and eventually devolved into public finger-pointing. Savchenko later claimed he was blindsided by the news of their final split through press reports, all while navigating accusations of infidelity.
Savchenko, who prioritizes his role as a father to daughters Olivia, 15, and Zlata, 8—whom he shares with ex-wife Elena Samodanova—was quick to defend his character against the "cheater" label. Speaking with raw honesty in April, he asserted his identity as a "family guy" and a "relationship guy," vehemently denying the "f–kboy" persona often projected onto handsome reality stars. He noted at the time that he wasn’t even active on dating apps, preferring the organic development of a connection—a preference that seems to have borne fruit given his recent afternoon in Los Angeles.
The saga of Gleb and Brooks is merely the latest entry in the extensive archives of Dancing With the Stars romances. The show has long been a petri dish for passion, where the physical intimacy of the Rumba and the grueling hours of rehearsal often blur the lines between professional partnership and personal attraction. For some, the "showmance" is a fleeting byproduct of the competition’s intensity; for others, the ballroom serves as the foundation for a lifetime together.
Among the show’s most enduring success stories are Val Chmerkovskiy and Jenna Johnson. Their journey began in 2015, well before Johnson was promoted to a professional partner role. After an engagement in Venice in 2018 and a star-studded wedding in 2019, the couple transitioned from dance partners to parents. In January 2023, they welcomed their son, Rome Valentin. Val has often spoken about how fatherhood has fundamentally altered his perspective, elevating his joy and grounding his life in a way the mirrorball trophy never could.
Similarly, Maksim Chmerkovskiy and Peta Murgatroyd have built a veritable dynasty within the DWTS universe. Dating since 2012, the couple’s path included a grand onstage proposal in 2015 and a lavish 2017 wedding. Today, they are the proud parents of three sons: Shai, Rio, and Milan, the latter born in July 2024. Their relationship stands as a testament to the fact that the bonds formed in the rehearsal studio can withstand the pressures of fame and the passage of time.
However, the ballroom also hosts its share of heartbreak. The story of Emma Slater and Sasha Farber is one of deep affection that eventually shifted form. The two professionals were a staple of the show’s romantic lore, getting engaged live on air in 2016 and marrying in 2018. When they announced their separation in 2022, fans were devastated, yet the former couple has maintained an exemplary level of grace. They continue to work together and support one another, proving that a failed marriage doesn’t have to mean a failed friendship. Slater has since been linked to fellow pro Alan Bersten, with the two sharing a confirmational kiss during the final night of the series’ 2025 tour.
The show also occasionally produces "real deal" romances between celebrities and pros that defy the odds. Robert Herjavec, the tech mogul and Shark Tank star, found more than a dance coach in Kym Johnson during Season 20. Their chemistry was instantaneous, leading to a 2016 wedding and the birth of twins, Hudson and Haven, in 2018. Their story remains the gold standard for celebrity-pro relationships, characterized by a lack of drama and a clear, enduring commitment.
In contrast, some relationships are defined by their complexity. Nikki Bella and Artem Chigvintsev’s romance seemed like a fairy tale when they reconnected after her split from John Cena. They welcomed a son, Matteo, and married in a celebrated ceremony. However, the relationship took a dark turn in late 2024 following Chigvintsev’s arrest on suspicion of domestic battery. Though the District Attorney ultimately declined to file charges, the damage to the marriage was irreparable. The pair settled their divorce in November 2024, dropping mutual restraining orders in an effort to co-parent their son effectively.
Then there are the flirtations that occupy the "did they or didn’t they" space of the internet. Gabby Windey and Vinny Guadagnino kept fans guessing during Season 31 with a series of suggestive social media exchanges. While Windey admitted to a shared sense of humor and a mutual fondness, the geographical distance and the intensity of the competition prevented it from becoming a formal relationship. Windey eventually found her "real deal" elsewhere, marrying comedian Robby Hoffman in early 2025.
Other couples, like Chrishell Stause and Keo Motsepe, enjoyed a brief but sincere romance that simply couldn’t go the distance. The Selling Sunset star and the pro dancer dated for two months in late 2020 before deciding they weren’t the right fit. Stause has since found happiness with her partner, G Flip, illustrating the winding paths these stars often take to find true compatibility.
As the DWTS family continues to grow and evolve, the line between the stage and real life remains thin. Whether it’s the long-term stability of Daniella Karagach and Pasha Pashkov—who welcomed their daughter Nikita in 2023—or the fresh, unconfirmed sparks between Sasha Farber and Jenn Tran, the ballroom remains a place where hearts are as much at stake as the scores from the judges’ table.
For Gleb Savchenko, the transition from the "NSFW" confessions and dramatic breakup texts of his past to a quiet stroll through a farmers market suggests a desire for a more grounded chapter. While the identity of his new companion remains a mystery to the public, the message is clear: the dance continues. In the world of Dancing With the Stars, every season brings a new routine, a new partner, and, quite often, a new chance at love. As Savchenko navigates this latest development, he does so with the experience of a man who has lived through the highs of ballroom glory and the lows of public heartbreak, seemingly ready to find a rhythm that lasts long after the music stops.
