Pasha Kovalev is a Russian Professional Ballroom and Latin American dancer on Strictly Come Dancing who joined the show back in 2011.
Credit to Pasha he was the longest-serving male pro dancer, apart from Strictly veteran Anton Du Beke of course, with eight series including 4 finals under his belt. Sadly in February 2019 Pasha chose to hang up his Strictly dance shoes.
“After scoring 93 perfect tens, reaching 4 finals and lifting 1 Glitterball, it’s time for me to find a new challenge and so I’ve decided to make 2018 my finale season Strictly.
“I’ve had 8 fantastic years, full of wonderful memories, thanks to the incredible partners, professionals and myriad of behind the scenes teams who all work to make Strictly the amazing production that it is.
“The biggest thanks go to all the members of the public who’ve supported me so much over these years – I look forward to seeing you on the Strictly Pro-Tour this spring, and for many future adventures to come!”
As well as dancing on Strictly, Pasha has starred in US reality shows, ‘So You Think You Can Dance’, ‘Dancing with the Stars’ and international dance show, ‘Superstars of Dance’, plus hit Broadway and West End show, ‘Burn the Floor’.
On joining Strictly in 2011, Pasha said, “Strictly is an amazing show to be part of and I’ve wanted to be on it for quite some time. Being able to bring that beautiful form of art into everyone’s home is a dream come true!”
The 2018 series of Strictly saw Pasha partnered with former Pussycat Doll, Ashley Roberts. This couple truly smashed it on the dance floor, performing some of the most technically correct performances & truly fabulous routines of the series.
Ash & Pash were thrilled to have made it through to the 2018 Strictly Final – ‘Don’t cha wish your’ dancing partner was Pasha too?
Learn all about Pasha’s dancing career, view photos, videos & merchandise, read his latest news below
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Pasha Kovalev Facts – Age, Dance Partners, Relationships, Awards, Tours
Pasha Kovalev is a former US Open finalists Champion 2002 – 2006.
He started dancing at the age eight. From 2002 onwards Pasha started competing in the US with dance partner Anya Garnis.
How old is Pasha?
44 years old (born 19th January 1980)
Where is Pasha from?
Komsomolsk-on-Amur, Russia
Who was Pasha’s final celebrity partner in 2018?
In 2018 Pasha is thrilled to be partnering Pussycat Dolls singing sensation Ashley Roberts. Together they had danced some amazing routines, including on Movie Week that Dirty Dancing number with lift – truly fab-u-lous!
On joining Strictly, Ashley said, “Daisy Lowe loved it, Flacky said it was one of her favourite projects. Pixie and Laura loved it! So I’m excited to dive into my own experience.”
Is Pasha in a relationship?
Pasha has been in a relationship with wife and former Strictly partner, Rachel Riley, since 2016. Rachel & Pasha danced together on the show in 2013.
Pasha married his wife Rachel on the 28 June 2019
What are Pasha’s greatest dance achievements?
How long have you got? Pasha started dancing at eight. He competed in the Amateur Latin category in Russia with his pro partner, Anya Garnis, up until 2000. The couple moved to the US in 2001 and turned professional. From 2002 onwards they competed in the US, UK and Canada, which resulted in being US Open Finalists 2002-2006. In 2007 Pasha auditioned for season 3 of the US reality show, ‘So You Think You Can Dance’, and has since participated in all following seasons as either a choreographer or an All Star. The couple also appeared on season 6 of ‘Dancing with the Stars’ in 2008, represented Russia in the duet category on international dance show, ‘Superstars of Dance’ in 2009, and were guest choreographers for season 3 of ‘So You Think You Can Dance Australia’. Pasha also put in a guest appearance in Kimberley Walsh’s music video, ‘One Day I’ll Fly Away’ in 2013. And most recently, he’s starred in the Broadway and West End show, ‘Burn the Floor’.
Who is Pasha’s professional dance partner?
That’ll be Strictly professional dancer, Anya Garnis, who partnered actor, Patrick Robinson, in series 11.
What’s Pasha’s favourite dance?
Erm, we’re not sure. We’ll let Pasha explain, “It’s so hard to pick a favourite dance because after so many years of studying and practising dancing, you can’t help but fall in love with them all for different reasons.” We hear you.
When did Pasha join Strictly?
The much-loved Pasha joined Strictly in 2011 and quickly earned the nickname, ‘The Pashbot’. As we’ve never considered his dancing to be robotic, we assume it refers to a part of his anatomy. His big toe, maybe? Anyway, we’re pretty sure we’ve also heard Zoe Ball refer to him affectionately as ‘Pash Pots’ on ‘It Takes Two’.
Who has Pasha danced with on Strictly?
Chelsee Healey, Kimberley Walsh, Rachel Riley, Caroline Flack, Carol Kirkwood, Naga Munchetty, Chizzy Akudolu and Ashley Roberts.
Has Pasha ever won Strictly?
Yes. He made it to the final with Ashley Roberts, Chelsea Healey and Kimberley Walsh, but 2014 was his year for the big win and Caroline Flack was his partner. The couple hold the record for the most top scores of 40 and were the first to receive a perfect score for all three of their dances in the final.
Has Pasha ever had a wardrobe malfunction on Strictly?
Not directly, but his celeb partner, Chelsee Healey, had a near miss and Chizzy Akudolu definitely suffered a wardrobe mishap whilst dancing with him. Chelsee got in a right ‘two and eight’ when she thought more than her cleavage was on display. And Chizzy’s dancing was majorly impaired when she suffered the old heel caught in the hem of her dress malarkey.
Find out more about Pasha’s dancing profile on his official BBC Strictly Come Dancing profile page.
Anya Garnis – Strictly Come Dancing Pro Dancer 2013
Age 38
Anya Garnis is a Russian-born Latin dancer from New York City.
Anya started dancing at the age of 10 and has reached the finals at the 2004 U.S. Open Ballroom Championship – Anya has been dancing with partner and fellow finalist Pasha Kovalev for nine years.
In 2005 Anya and Pasha Kovalev came in fifth in the American Ballroom Challenge finals. She and Pasha appeared on the sixth season of Dancing with the Stars in a results show performance, dancing to “Come On Over” by Jessica Simpson. She also performed with him on the international dance show “Superstars of Dance”, representing Russia in the duet category.
Anya has been a Contestant, Choreographer & All-Star of hit US show “So You Think You Can Dance”, Principal Performer on Broadway and West End of the show “Burn The Floor” and most recently Professional Dancer on “Dancing With The Stars” Live in Vegas with celebrity partner Joey Fatone
Anya was thrilled to be a professional dancer on the eleventh series of Strictly Come Dancing, partnering Casualty Star Patrick Robinson.
BBC Strictly Come Dancing
Find out more information about the BBC TV programme Strictly Come Dancing
by checking out the BBC Strictly Come Dancing website
www.bbc.co.uk/strictlycomedancing
Donahey’s Dance Lessons & 4* UK Weekend Breaks are not associated with the BBC.
Pasha Kovolev Tour Dates & Venues
Find out about the 2024 ‘Legends Of The Dance Floor’ tour starring Brendan Cole, James Jordan, Pasha Kovalev, Vincent Simone and Ian Waite here
www.legendsofthedancefloor.com
Donahey’s Dance Lessons & 4* UK Weekend Breaks are not associated with the BBC.
Meet all the Strictly Come Dancing Professional Dancers
Learn more about all your favourite Strictly Pro’s here;
– Aljaz Skorjanec
– Amy Dowden
– Dianne Buswell
– Gorka Marquez
– Janette Manrara
– Johannes Radebe
– Jowita Przystal
– Kai Widdrington
– Karen Hauer
– Katya Jones
– Luba Mushtuk
– Nadiya Bychkova
– Nancy Xu
– Neil Jones
– Nikita Kuzmin
– Jowita Przystal
– Lauren Oakley
Meet all the Strictly Come Dancing Judges
Learn more about all the Strictly Judges here;
– Anton du Beke
– Shirley Ballas
– Motsi Mabuse
– Craig Revel Horwood
