Karina Smirnoff

Professional ballroom dancer, Dancing with the Stars champion

Biography

Karina Smirnoff (born January 21, 1978) is a Russian-American professional ballroom dancer, choreographer, and television personality. She rose to prominence as one of the main professional dancers on the ABC competition series Dancing with the Stars, where she competed for ten seasons and won the competition in season 17 with Olympic figure skater Evan Lysacek as her partner. Before her television career, Smirnoff was an accomplished competitive ballroom dancer, winning numerous national and international dance championships. She has also appeared on other television shows including the reality series Dancing with the Stars: All-Stars and has pursued acting roles. Beyond the dance floor, Smirnoff has built a career in choreography and dance instruction, establishing herself as a respected figure in the ballroom dance community. Her success on Dancing with the Stars helped popularize ballroom dancing in American mainstream entertainment and introduced millions of viewers to the technical artistry of competitive dance.

The Name Karina

Karina gained significant popularity through her television presence on Dancing with the Stars, contributing to increased interest in the name during the 2000s-2010s among parents who admired her grace and personality.

Quick Facts

Karina

Scandinavian origin

“The Scandinavian and Slavic feminine form of Karin, derived from Katherine meaning 'pure.' Karina adds softness and international flair to the Karin family, with particular popularity in Russia, Eastern Europe, and Scandinavia. The name feels elegant, approachable, and cosmopolitan.”