Host Neil Haley welcomes professional dancer and "So You Think You Can Dance" judge Maks Chmerkovskiy to discuss his transition from performer to judge. Maks opens up about the unexpected discomfort of sitting still after decades of constant movement, explaining how the mental challenge of judging differs dramatically from performing. He emphasizes that the position of a judge isn't something you learn but rather something you earn through years of experience. With 10,000 hours of performing, coaching, and navigating the entertainment industry, Maks brings a wealth of real-world examples to his critiques, making him a consummate professional who has truly earned his seat at the table.
The conversation takes a touching turn as Maks reflects on the late Len Goodman's influence on his judging style. Despite not being the closest of friends, Maks found himself unexpectedly emotional after Goodman's passing, realizing the deep mutual respect they shared. Now modeling his approach after Goodman's legendary tenure on "Dancing with the Stars," Maks is committed to bringing "So You Think You Can Dance" back to its former glory while giving it a fresh direction. His goal is clear: the show serves as the ultimate audition for the entertainment industry, selecting not just the best technical dancers but performers who are ready to walk straight into professional work. Maks's passion shines through as he discusses his foundation in dance education, having taught since age 14 and opened his first studio at 17, including mentoring his brother Valentin Chmerkovskiy, a three-time "Dancing with the Stars" champion and world champion, from childhood through his twenties.
