Peta Murgatroyd is one of the most recognizable names in modern ballroom. She is a two-time Mirrorball champion, a mom of three, an entrepreneur, and, as of 2026, a Florida resident. Fans first met her on Dancing With the Stars, but her story starts much earlier, in a strict ballet studio on the other side of the world. Here is a full look at her career, her family with Maksim Chmerkovskiy, and the move that surprised so many viewers.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Peta Jane Murgatroyd |
| Nickname/Stage Name | Peta, Peta Murgs |
| Date of Birth | July 14, 1986 |
| Place of Birth | Auckland, New Zealand |
| Age | 40 (as of 2026) |
| Nationality | New Zealand-born, raised in Australia |
| Zodiac Sign | Cancer |
| Profession/Occupation | Professional dancer, choreographer, entrepreneur, podcast host |
| Years Active | 2004 to present |
| Genre/Field | Ballroom, Latin, ballet, contemporary |
| Spouse/Partner | Maksim Chmerkovskiy (married 2017) |
| Dating/Relationship Status | Married |
| Children | 3 sons: Shai, Rio and Milan |
| Height | Approx. 5 ft 6 in (168 cm) |
| Hair Color | Blonde |
| Current Residence | Boca Raton, Florida |
| Notable Works | Dancing With the Stars, Burn the Floor, Peta Jane Beauty, The Penthouse With Peta |
| Awards/Honors | Two Mirrorball Trophies (Season 14 and Season 22) |
| Social Media | Instagram and TikTok: @petamurgs |
Early Life and Ballet Roots in Australia
Peta was born in Auckland, New Zealand, but her family moved to Australia when she was just 18 months old. She was raised in Western Australia, which is why she often describes herself as more Australian than Kiwi. That upbringing shaped the disciplined, no-excuses dancer fans later saw on TV.
She started dancing at age 4. By childhood, she was enrolled in a serious ballet school run under a Russian character teacher, where two-hour ballet sessions were normal. It was a strict childhood by most standards. Training was pushed to her absolute limit, and mistakes were corrected on the spot.
Balancing that training regime with academic classes was not easy. Through high school, she juggled schoolwork during the day and rehearsals in the evening. Her parents believed in her from the start, and their support made the long hours possible. Many dancers from that kind of system say the same thing: the family sacrifice is as big as the student’s.
In her teens, Peta moved from ballet into Latin and ballroom. Her ballet base gave her clean lines and strong posture, which helped her climb quickly through national competitions and later international competitions. She also trained in contemporary styles, a mix that still shows in her choreography today.
From Burn the Floor to Broadway
Peta’s professional break came in 2004, when she joined Burn the Floor, the high-energy ballroom touring show. She toured globally with the company for years, performing night after night across continents. Touring at that pace teaches stamina fast, and it became her real-world dance school.
The physical demands were intense. Nonstop rehearsals, quick costume changes and constant travel meant injuries were part of the job. Still, she grew into a leading role. When Burn the Floor landed on Broadway in August 2009, Peta was the lead female dancer.
That Broadway run is a key moment in her story. It put her in front of American audiences and casting teams, and it connected her to the US ballroom world. Many of the dancers from that cast later moved into television, and Peta was one of them.
Dancing With the Stars Career and Mirrorball Wins
Peta joined Dancing With the Stars in 2011 as part of the Season 12 dance troupe. She was promoted to pro the very next season. Her first partner, basketball player Metta World Peace, was eliminated first, which was a tough start. She bounced back quickly.
In 2012, she won her first Mirrorball with NFL legend Donald Driver on Season 14. In 2016, she won her second Mirrorball with model and actor Nyle DiMarco on Season 22. DiMarco, who is Deaf, learned routines through rhythm and visual cues, and their win is still one of the most talked-about in DWTS history.
| Season | Year | Partner | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 13 | 2011 | Metta World Peace | First eliminated |
| 14 | 2012 | Donald Driver | Winner |
| 22 | 2016 | Nyle DiMarco | Winner |
| 24 | 2017 | Nick Viall | Eliminated mid-season |
| 29 | 2020 | Vernon Davis | Eliminated mid-season |
| 32 | 2023 | Harry Jowsey | Eliminated mid-season |
What made Peta a fan favorite was not only the wins. She came back to the DWTS stage just three months after giving birth to her first son, and she was open about the pressure of working as a new mother. Her teaching style with contestants was warm but firm, the same balance she learned in her ballet years.
Her last season as a competing pro was Season 32. She skipped later seasons to focus on her growing family, and after the 2026 move to Florida, a return to the ballroom looks unlikely for now. She still watches the show and cheers on fellow DWTS pros, including her brother-in-law, Val Chmerkovskiy.
Peta Murgatroyd and Maksim Chmerkovskiy: The Love Story
Peta and Maks first crossed paths through dance around 2009, during the Broadway era. Their relationship had its ups and downs in the early years, including a break, before they became a steady couple. By the mid-2010s, they were one of the most followed couples among DWTS pros.
They got engaged in late 2015 and welcomed their first child, Shai, in January 2017. A few months later, in 2017, they married in a large celebration attended by many dance friends. Maks, a Ukrainian-born dancer, had already won his own Mirrorball with Olympic ice dancer Meryl Davis in 2014.
As a couple, they work as a team in almost everything. They tour together, film YouTube content together, and run fitness projects together. Watching their joint videos, it is clear they divide roles well: Maks brings the humor and big energy, while Peta often keeps the plan on track.
Peta Murgatroyd Children: Shai, Rio and Milan
Peta Murgatroyd’s children are a big part of her public life today. She and Maks are parents to three sons. The road to their family was not easy. After Shai was born, Peta suffered three miscarriages and later turned to IVF, which she spoke about openly to support other women going through the same thing.
| Son | Full Name | Born | Age (2026) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shai | Shai Aleksander Chmerkovskiy | January 2017 | 9 |
| Rio | Rio John Chmerkovskiy | June 2023 | 3 |
| Milan | Milan Maksim Chmerkovskiy | July 12, 2024 | 2 |
Milan’s arrival was a surprise. Peta found out she was pregnant again just four months after giving birth to Rio. The couple announced Milan’s birth with a joke that the delivery took about 47 seconds and only one push. That kind of honest, funny sharing is a big reason parents relate to her.
Since then, Peta has said she is most likely done having kids. With two toddlers who want to be held all the time and a busy older son, she has described feeling outnumbered in a happy way. In 2026, Rio and Milan started preschool together in Florida, a milestone she shared with fans on Instagram.
Maksim Chmerkovskiy Peta Murgatroyd Move to Florida
The biggest family news of 2026 was the Maksim Chmerkovskiy and Peta Murgatroyd move from Los Angeles to Boca Raton, Florida. They announced it on June 29, 2026, with a joint Instagram video showing a sign that read they had moved to Florida, as they danced with their kids.
The emotional side came through clearly. Peta shared a tearful Instagram post and a YouTube video showing the family driving away from their longtime LA home, with moving boxes packed into the car. She was seen wiping away tears while leaving California after 16 years. At the time, she was 39 and Maks was 46.
Why They Chose Boca Raton
On August 21, Peta explained the decision in her Instagram Stories. She said the family fell in love with Boca because it seemed to offer the best of everything. She especially liked the convenience of having daily needs close by, which matters a lot with three young sons.
The slower pace of life and family-focused environment were major reasons. Boca Raton also gives them beach access and an easy drive to Miami. Her early posts showed the boys playing outside a lot, though she has joked about adjusting to the Florida heat.
What Happened to Their LA Home
The couple did not cut ties with Los Angeles completely. Instead of selling, they placed their LA home on the rental market. That is a smart move many families make when relocating: it keeps a foothold in the city where both of their careers were built.
Leaving friends, Maks’s brother Val, and the DWTS community behind was the hardest part. Peta has admitted the goodbyes hit harder than expected. Still, both say the move was right for their kids, and their new home tours show a family that has settled in well.
Peta Murgatroyd Accident and Injury Moments
When people search for a Peta Murgatroyd accident, they usually mean the September 2024 car crash. Peta’s car was rear-ended in a multi-car collision in Los Angeles. Maks shared the aftermath on his Instagram Stories. She was shaken and said she had some whiplash, but everyone involved was okay.
The crash happened the same week the couple was launching The Maks & Peta Show on their YouTube channel. That timing is why the story spread so widely. It was also around then that she confirmed she would not return for DWTS Season 33, since Milan was born just weeks earlier.
Dance injuries have also been part of her career. A few notable moments:
- 2016: During an early rehearsal, Peta accidentally hit partner Nyle DiMarco in the face, and he needed stitches.
- 2020: On Season 29 with Vernon Davis, she felt her neck lock up during a live show. She later learned three ribs had popped out of place.
- 2026: Her oldest son, Shai, was hurt in a skiing accident during the family’s annual Utah trip. Peta shared the ER visit and admitted how scared she was.
None of these left lasting damage, and that says a lot about her training background. Peta has often said dancers must warm up, stay hydrated and treat the body like an athlete’s. Anyone who has done ballroom knows how quickly a small strain can stop a routine.
Peta Jane Beauty: The Tanning Brand
Peta Jane Beauty is her self-tanning brand, launched in 2015. It grew out of a real problem. On DWTS, pros tanned weekly for the show, and Peta was tired of products that left streaks, an orange tone, cracking, or a bad smell. She wanted a glow that looked natural under stage lights and in real life.
She spent a long time testing formulas before launch. The brand later added skincare-friendly ingredients, and in 2026 it started selling at Target, a big step for an independent tanning line. For a dancer-founded brand, that retail move is a real business milestone.
Peta often shares self-tan prep tips with her followers, and her advice is practical:
- Exfoliate the day before, not right before tanning.
- Moisturize dry areas like knees, elbows and ankles.
- Apply with a mitt in circular motions to avoid streaks.
- Fix mistakes early with a damp cloth or a light scrub.
From experience, step one is where most people go wrong. Exfoliating too close to application leaves skin irritated and the tan uneven, which is exactly the patchy look her brand was built to avoid.
Fitness, Wellness and Online Dance Classes
Peta’s fitness approach has changed since her touring days. Long rehearsals and tour schedules once kept her lean almost by default. After three pregnancies, she shifted toward weight lifting, including heavy squats, to build muscle and stay strong. She has spoken about wanting women to see strength training as healthy, not bulky.
Wellness is a big part of her routine too. She talks about red light therapy, hydrating skincare, K-beauty favorites, supplements and, more recently, peptides. She also uses Therabody SmartGoggles for eye strain and relaxation after long days. Her energy hacks are built around being a busy mom of three.
She and Maks also share their training with fans through Dance & Co online classes. The platform includes routines from DWTS pros like Sharna Burgess and Jenna Johnson. Popular classes include:
- 20-minute Booty Blaster: short, focused lower-body work
- Dance HIIT Cardio: fast intervals built on dance moves
- Latin technique: Cha Cha footwork, Samba, Rumba and Jive
- Maksimum Fitness: Maks’s full-body workouts
These classes are a good option for beginners. Dance-based cardio is easier to stick with than a treadmill because it feels like learning a skill, not just burning calories.
The Penthouse With Peta Podcast and Brand Partnerships
Peta is also the host of The Penthouse With Peta, her podcast covering fashion, beauty, home, motherhood and wellness-tech products. The tone is candid. She has used it to talk about mom-shaming she faced for bringing a nanny to the DWTS set after Shai was born, along with lighter behind-the-scenes stories.
Her brand partnerships fit the same lifestyle theme. She partnered with Walmart for a holiday gift guide livestream on TalkShopLive under the theme Gifts You’ll Love To Give. She picked items based on her real routine, from early call times to family meals.
| Product | Price (at livestream) | Why She Picked It |
|---|---|---|
| T3 AireBrush | $199.99 | Camera-ready hair for busy mornings |
| Therabody SmartGoggles | $159.99 | Relaxation after rehearsals and tour days |
| Beautiful by Drew Barrymore 3 Qt Air Fryer | $49.96 | Quick family meals |
| Keurig K-Express Essentials Plus | $73.95 | Coffee before early call times |
| Fujifilm Instax Mini SE | $55 | Instant family snapshots |
Livestreams like this work for her because the picks feel personal. These are trending gifts and on-set staples she actually uses, which is why her curated selection connects with fans more than a generic list would.
Peta Murgatroyd Net Worth
There is no official, verified figure for Peta Murgatroyd’s net worth. Online estimates vary widely, and many are not based on public financial data. It is better to look at her income sources, which show a career that has diversified well beyond dance.
| Income Source | Details |
|---|---|
| Dancing With the Stars | Pro dancer pay across many seasons since 2011 |
| Touring | Burn the Floor and later DWTS and couple tours |
| Peta Jane Beauty | Her own tanning brand, now in Target stores |
| Podcast and YouTube | The Penthouse With Peta and family vlogs |
| Partnerships | Brand deals like the Walmart holiday livestream |
| Fitness | Dance & Co online classes with Maks |
Her finances are also tied to the family’s real estate. Keeping the LA home as a rental while buying in Boca Raton gives the couple a property income stream. Combined with Maks’s own earnings, the household is well established, even if exact numbers stay private.
FAQs
How old is Peta Murgatroyd?
Peta Murgatroyd was born on July 14, 1986, which makes her 40 years old as of 2026. She celebrated her 40th birthday shortly after the family’s move to Florida, and Maks marked it with a sweet photo tribute on social media.
Where does Peta Murgatroyd live now?
Peta lives in Boca Raton, Florida, with Maks and their three sons. The family moved there from Los Angeles in summer 2026 and kept their LA house as a rental property.
Is Peta Murgatroyd still on Dancing With the Stars?
She is not competing right now. Her last season as a pro was Season 32 in 2023. She skipped later seasons to focus on her young children, and with the family move to Florida, a near-term return seems unlikely.
What nationality is Peta Murgatroyd?
She was born in Auckland, New Zealand, but grew up in Australia from 18 months old. She identifies more as Australian and has lived and worked in the United States for most of her adult career.
What was the Peta Murgatroyd car accident?
In September 2024, her car was rear-ended in a multi-car crash in Los Angeles. She reported some whiplash but was otherwise fine, and no one involved was seriously hurt.
How many Mirrorball trophies does Peta Murgatroyd have?
She has two. She won Season 14 with Donald Driver in 2012 and Season 22 with Nyle DiMarco in 2016, making her one of the show’s most successful female pros.
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