Pius Princewill
According to his personal website, Artem Chigvintsev was born in Russia and learned to love dancing from his mother. The 37-year-old landed in Los Angeles in 2004, where he appeared on So You Think You Can Dance Season 1 and made it to the top 8. He took on various choreography roles — appearing in The O.C., the film I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry, as well as the 80th Oscars ceremony.
Chigvintsev previously danced with and dated professional ballroom dancer, Giselle Peacock. In 2004, the couple married, but split a year later. He also dated DWTS judge Carrie Ann Inanba in 2006 before he joined the series, according to People.
In 2010, Chigvintsev appeared on British series Strictly Come Dancing, where he won his first season with actress Kara Tointon and was on the show for three more seasons. He appeared on Season 18 of Dancing With the Stars, which premiered in 2014, as a member of the Dance Troupe, according to People, and the next year was promoted to a pro dancer. It was on DWTS Season 25 in 2017 that Chigvintsev was partnered with Nikki Bella and they finished in 7th place. Bella was engaged to John Cena at the time, but they split up in 2018.
Chigvintsev was actually cut from DWTS before Season 28, according to People, in what he called a “massive shock.” But thankfully, he has a new future with Bella and their baby!
Written by: Nicki
