Daniella Karagach Bio: Age, Career, Husband, Family & DWTS
Daniella Karagach is an American professional ballroom dancer and choreographer. She has built a respected career through competitive dance and television.
She gained wider fame through Dancing with the Stars (DWTS). Her powerful performances and creative choreography have made her one of the show’s standout professionals.
In 2021, Daniella reached a major career milestone with basketball star Iman Shumpert. The pair won the Mirrorball Trophy during DWTS season 30.
Since then, she has continued developing her reputation as both a dancer and choreographer. In 2022, she also earned an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Choreography.
As of 2026, Daniella remains part of the DWTS professional lineup. She is partnered with Paralympic gold medalist Ezra Frech for season 35.
Daniella Karagach Quick Facts
- Full name: Daniella Brittany Karagach
- Date of birth: December 26, 1992
- Age: 33 years old in 2026
- Birthplace: Brooklyn, New York City
- Nationality: American
- Profession: Professional dancer and choreographer
- Dance styles: Ballroom, Latin, contemporary, and jazz
- Husband: Pasha Pashkov
- Children: One daughter
- DWTS debut: Season 28 troupe
- DWTS professional: Since 2019
- DWTS championship: Season 30
- 2022 achievement: Emmy nomination
- 2026 DWTS partner: Ezra Frech
When Was Daniella Karagach Born?
Daniella Karagach was born on December 26, 1992, in Brooklyn, New York. She grew up in New York and developed an interest in dance at a very young age.
Her mother encouraged her artistic interests during childhood. As a result, Daniella started ballet lessons when she was only three years old.
At seven, she began studying Latin dance. Then, at eleven, she entered the world of standard ballroom dancesport.
This early training gave her a strong foundation for competitive dancing. It also helped shape the technical style she later brought to television.
Daniella attended Franklin D. Roosevelt High School. She later studied childhood education at the College of Staten Island.
Daniella Karagach’s Early Dance Career
Daniella quickly progressed from childhood lessons to competitive ballroom dancing.
At age eleven, she partnered with Leonid Juashkovsky for standard ballroom training. She later found her longtime competitive partner in Pasha Pashkov.
Daniella and Pasha began dancing together in January 2009. Their partnership quickly became one of the strongest American ballroom partnerships.
The pair competed in several major international competitions. They also represented the United States at international events.
The World DanceSport Federation records their partnership from 2009 through 2011. Their competition history includes World Championships, GrandSlam events, and other international competitions.
Their competitive success gave Daniella valuable experience before her television career began.
Daniella Karagach and Pasha Pashkov
Daniella Karagach and Pasha Pashkov are both professional dancers and choreographers.
Their relationship began after they became dance partners. Over time, their professional partnership developed into a romantic relationship.
The couple married on July 18, 2014. They have continued working together in the dance industry.
Their shared career has included competitions, television appearances, choreography, and dance education.
The pair also appeared together on World of Dance. Their appearance introduced their partnership to another large television audience.
Their careers often overlap, yet each dancer has developed an individual identity. Daniella, in particular, has earned recognition for her choreography on DWTS.
Daniella Karagach on Dancing With the Stars
Daniella joined Dancing with the Stars as a troupe dancer during season 28.
She later became a full professional dancer on the show. Her competitive experience helped her adjust to the demands of television.
DWTS requires professionals to teach celebrities with different levels of dance experience. Therefore, Daniella combines technical knowledge with creativity and patience.
Her choreography often blends ballroom technique with contemporary movement. She also uses storytelling to make performances more memorable.
This approach helped her establish herself among the show’s leading professionals.
Daniella Karagach and Iman Shumpert
One of Daniella’s biggest career achievements came during Dancing with the Stars season 30.
She partnered with former NBA player Iman Shumpert in 2021. The partnership quickly attracted attention because Shumpert had no professional ballroom background.
Daniella helped him develop his technique and confidence. Meanwhile, Shumpert brought athleticism, musicality, and personality to their routines.
The pair eventually reached the finale. They then won the season 30 Mirrorball Trophy.
Their victory became a defining moment in Daniella’s DWTS career. It also established her as a successful professional capable of developing unconventional partnerships.
Daniella Karagach’s Emmy Nomination
Daniella’s work with Iman Shumpert also brought major recognition from the television industry.
In 2022, she received an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Choreography for Variety or Reality Programming.
The nomination recognized two DWTS routines, “I Got 5 On It” and “Dark Fantasy.” Both routines showcased her creative approach to choreography.
The Television Academy officially lists Daniella among the nominees for the 2022 award.
Although she did not win the award, the nomination represented a significant achievement.
Her “I Got 5 On It” routine also attracted considerable attention online. The performance drew inspiration from Jordan Peele’s horror film Us.
Daniella later explained that contemporary dance pushed her beyond her traditional ballroom background. She used elements she knew and transformed them into something new.
Daniella Karagach’s Other DWTS Partnerships
Daniella has worked with several celebrities throughout her DWTS career.
She partnered with singer Nelly during season 29. Their partnership helped showcase her ability to work with entertainers outside traditional ballroom dance.
However, her partnership with Iman Shumpert remains her most famous DWTS run.
Her success also reflects her ability to adapt choreography for different personalities. Each celebrity brings unique strengths, weaknesses, and performance styles.
Therefore, Daniella often designs routines around the individual rather than forcing one dance style.
Daniella Karagach in 2026
Daniella continues her DWTS journey in 2026.
For season 35, she is partnered with Paralympic gold medalist Ezra Frech. ABC confirmed the partnership when it announced the season’s cast in September 2026.
Frech brings an impressive athletic background to the competition. He competes as a Paralympic track and field athlete.
Their partnership adds another interesting chapter to Daniella’s career. She must adapt her choreography to Frech’s athletic abilities and individual movement style.
The season will premiere across two nights on September 15 and 16, 2026. ABC and Disney+ will carry the live premiere, with Hulu offering episodes afterward.
Therefore, fans can expect another creative challenge for Daniella.
Daniella Karagach’s Family Life
Daniella and Pasha have also built a family outside the ballroom.
The couple welcomed their daughter, Nikita Sofia Pashkova, on May 30, 2023. Their daughter became an important new chapter in their lives.
Despite their demanding careers, Daniella and Pasha continue to support each other’s professional goals.
Their shared understanding of professional dance also gives them a unique connection. Both understand the long rehearsals, travel, competitions, and physical demands involved.
Consequently, their marriage and professional partnership remain closely connected.
Daniella Karagach’s Dance Style
Daniella’s dance style combines several forms of movement.
Her foundation comes from Latin and ballroom dancing. However, her DWTS choreography often incorporates contemporary and jazz influences.
She also emphasizes storytelling within her routines. This approach allows celebrities to connect with audiences beyond technical execution.
Her competitive background gives her strong knowledge of posture, timing, musicality, footwork, and partnering.
At the same time, television choreography requires flexibility. Daniella has shown that she can move beyond traditional ballroom structures when a routine requires it.
That versatility has become one of her greatest strengths.
What Makes Daniella Karagach Successful?
Several qualities have contributed to Daniella’s success.
First, she developed dance skills from childhood. This gave her years of training before she entered professional competition.
Second, she built a successful partnership with Pasha Pashkov. Their competitive career exposed her to demanding international standards.
Third, she learned how to teach celebrities. DWTS requires professionals to communicate complicated movements in simple ways.
Finally, she embraces creative choreography. Her Emmy nomination demonstrated that her work can receive recognition beyond the ballroom floor.
Her career shows how competitive experience, creativity, discipline, and adaptability can create lasting success.
Daniella Karagach’s Career Achievements
Daniella has achieved several important milestones throughout her career.
She became a successful competitive ballroom dancer with Pasha. She later transitioned into television and became a DWTS professional.
Her biggest television victory came when she won the season 30 Mirrorball Trophy with Iman Shumpert.
She then received an Emmy nomination for her DWTS choreography in 2022.
Meanwhile, she continues appearing as a professional dancer on DWTS.
In 2026, she entered season 35 with Ezra Frech. This latest partnership continues her evolution as a teacher, performer, and choreographer.
Frequently Asked Questions About Daniella Karagach
How old is Daniella Karagach?
Daniella Karagach is 33 years old in 2026. She was born on December 26, 1992.
Where is Daniella Karagach from?
Daniella was born in Brooklyn, New York City. She grew up in New York and started dancing during childhood.
Who is Daniella Karagach’s husband?
Daniella Karagach is married to professional dancer Pasha Pashkov. They married in July 2014.
Does Daniella Karagach have children?
Yes. Daniella and Pasha have one daughter, Nikita Sofia Pashkova, who was born in May 2023.
When did Daniella Karagach join DWTS?
Daniella joined DWTS as a troupe dancer during season 28. She later became a professional dancer.
Did Daniella Karagach win Dancing with the Stars?
Yes. She won season 30 with Iman Shumpert in 2021.
Was Daniella Karagach nominated for an Emmy?
Yes. The Television Academy nominated her for Outstanding Choreography in 2022.
Who is Daniella Karagach’s partner on DWTS in 2026?
Daniella’s season 35 celebrity partner is Paralympic gold medalist Ezra Frech.
Final Thoughts
Daniella Karagach has transformed a childhood passion into an impressive professional dance career.
Her journey began with ballet before she explored Latin and ballroom dancing. She then developed into an accomplished competitive dancer and choreographer.
Her partnership with Pasha Pashkov also played an important role in her development. Together, they built an international competitive career before entering television.
However, DWTS brought Daniella to an even wider audience. Her season 30 victory with Iman Shumpert remains one of her biggest accomplishments.
Her 2022 Emmy nomination further confirmed her creative abilities.
Now, Daniella continues to expand her DWTS legacy in 2026 alongside Ezra Frech. Her career remains a strong example of discipline, creativity, and adaptability.
As her journey continues, fans can expect Daniella to keep pushing the boundaries of ballroom choreography.
