Brief Introduction of Daniella Karagagach
Daniella Brittany Karagach Pashkova is a distinguished American professional Latin and ballroom dancer, choreographer, and television personality. She is widely recognized for her captivating performances and innovative choreography on the acclaimed dance competition series, Dancing with the Stars. Karagach, a multiple-time United States 10-Dance Champion, gained national prominence after winning season 30 of the show with her celebrity partner, Iman Shumpert. Her exceptional talent has also earned her a Primetime Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Choreography. Before joining the celebrated television series, she and her husband, Pasha Pashkov, showcased their skills on the second season of World of Dance.
Daniella Karagach Overview
| Full Name | Daniella Brittany Karagach Pashkova |
| Date of Birth | December 26, 1992 |
| Age | 32 years old |
| Birthplace | Brooklyn, New York, U.S. |
| Parents | Mark Karagach and Regina Yvette Karagach |
| Height | 5’3″ (1.60 m) |
| Profession | Professional Dancer, Choreographer |
| Spouse | Pasha Pashkov (married 2014) |
| Children | 1, Nikita Sofia Pashkova |
| Net Worth (as of 2025) | Approximately $950,000 – $1,000,000 |
Early Life and Education of Daniella Karagach
Daniella Brittany Karagach was born on December 26, 1992, in Brooklyn, New York, to Moldovan immigrant parents, Mark Karagach and Regina Yvette Karagach. Her parents divorced when she was just a year old, and she was primarily raised by her mother in the Forest Hills and Bath Beach neighborhoods of New York. She later gained a stepfather, Arie Zurinam, and a stepsister, Ariana, when her mother remarried. As a child, Karagach was diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Rather than opting for medication, her mother enrolled her in dance classes to help her focus her energy. This decision proved to be life-changing, as dance not only helped her manage her ADHD but also ignited a lifelong passion.
Karagach began ballet lessons at the tender age of three and transitioned to Latin dance by seven. Despite the challenges of her demanding dance schedule, which included daily practices and international competitions on weekends, she excelled academically. She was enrolled in honors and advanced placement programs at Franklin Delano Roosevelt High School. After graduating, she pursued higher education at the College of Staten Island, where she studied childhood education.
Daniella Karagach’s Career
Early Career and Competitive Success
Karagach’s competitive dance career began at the age of eleven when she partnered with Leonid Juashkovsky. The pair achieved significant success, becoming three-time USA Dance Junior I and II Latin Champions and representing the United States at the IDSF World Championships. In January 2009, at the age of sixteen, she formed a professional partnership with Pavel “Pasha” Pashkov. This partnership would become the cornerstone of her career, leading to numerous accolades and a lifelong personal relationship.
Together, Karagach and Pashkov became a dominant force in the world of competitive dance. They are seven-time United States 10-Dance Champions and have also held the title of U.S. Latin Champions. Their international success includes winning the Rising Star Professional Championship at the prestigious Blackpool Dance Festival in 2017. Their dynamic performances also caught the attention of television producers, leading to appearances on the second season of NBC’s World of Dance and as choreographers for So You Think You Can Dance.
Dancing with the Stars
Karagach joined the cast of ABC’s Dancing with the Stars in 2019 for season 28, initially as a troupe member. She was promoted to a professional dancer in the following season, where she was partnered with rapper and singer Nelly. The pair made it to the finals, securing a respectable third-place finish. However, it was in her third season that Karagach truly made her mark. Paired with former NBA player Iman Shumpert for season 30, she defied expectations and led him to victory, making him the first basketball player to win the coveted Mirrorball Trophy. Her innovative and daring choreography with Shumpert, particularly their contemporary routine to “I Got 5 on It (Tethered Mix),” was widely praised and earned her a Primetime Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Choreography.
In subsequent seasons, Karagach has continued to be a fan favorite, partnering with celebrities such as actor and bodybuilder Joseph Baena, singer-songwriter Jason Mraz, with whom she finished as a runner-up, and basketball player Dwight Howard. For season 34, she is partnered with Dylan Efron.
Daniella Karagach Personal Life & Family
Daniella Karagach’s personal life is deeply intertwined with her professional career. Her dance partner, Pasha Pashkov, is also her husband. The couple, who were introduced by their dance coaches in 2009, began dating in 2010 and married on July 18, 2014. Their partnership extends beyond the dance floor, as they are also business partners, having launched an online wedding dance school called The Wedding Dance School in 2020.
In November 2022, the couple announced they were expecting their first child. Their daughter, Nikita Sofia Pashkova, was born on May 30, 2023. Karagach has been open about their journey to parenthood, including a miscarriage she experienced in 2022. She has spoken about the importance of her husband’s support during that difficult time. The family often travels together, with Nikita joining her parents on the Dancing with the Stars tour.
Awards and Achievements of Daniella Karagach
- Dancing with the Stars Mirrorball Trophy Champion (Season 30 with Iman Shumpert)
- Primetime Emmy Award Nominee for Outstanding Choreography (2022)
- Seven-time United States 10-Dance Champion (with Pasha Pashkov)
- United States Latin Champion (with Pasha Pashkov)
- Blackpool Dance Festival Rising Star Professional Champion (2017)
- UK Open Ten Dance Championship Winner (with Pasha Pashkov)
- Three-time USA Dance Junior Latin Champion (with Leonid Juashkovsky)
Daniella Karagach Net Worth and Income
As of 2025, Daniella Karagach’s estimated net worth is between $950,000 and $1,000,000. Her primary sources of income include her salary as a professional dancer and choreographer on Dancing with the Stars, prize money from dance competitions, and earnings from her online wedding dance school. She also generates income from teaching, workshops, and endorsements. Her growing popularity and success on television have significantly contributed to her financial growth in recent years.
Legacy and Influence
Daniella Karagach has established herself as one of the most talented and creative choreographers in modern ballroom dance. Her ability to push boundaries and create memorable routines on Dancing with the Stars has garnered critical acclaim and a dedicated fanbase. Her victory with Iman Shumpert is often cited as a historic moment for the show, showcasing her skill in teaching and partnering with celebrities from diverse backgrounds. Off the dance floor, she and her husband serve as inspirations for aspiring dancers through their competitive success and their dedication to teaching. Her openness about her ADHD diagnosis and how dance helped her has also been an influential and relatable story for many.
Interesting Facts about Daniella Karagach
- She was diagnosed with ADHD at the age of six.
- Her mother, a former ballet dancer, was instrumental in her early dance training.
- She and her husband, Pasha Pashkov, were the first married professional couple to compete against each other in the Dancing with the Stars finale.
- She has a stepsister named Ariana.
- Prior to joining Dancing with the Stars, she toured with former show professional and judge Derek Hough.
Controversies
Daniella Karagach has maintained a largely positive public image throughout her career and has not been involved in any significant controversies.
Social Media Presence
| Platform | Followers |
| Approximately 652,800 |
Daniella Karagach is active on social media, particularly Instagram, where she shares updates on her personal and professional life with her hundreds of thousands of followers. Her feed offers a glimpse into her life as a dancer, mother, and wife, featuring behind-the-scenes content from Dancing with the Stars, family photos, and dance videos.
Final Words about Daniella Karagach
Daniella Karagach’s journey from a young girl in Brooklyn using dance to channel her energy to a celebrated champion and Emmy-nominated choreographer is a testament to her talent, hard work, and passion. As a beloved professional on Dancing with the Stars, she continues to captivate audiences with her artistry and infectious personality. With a thriving career, a loving family, and a lasting impact on the world of dance, her future in the entertainment industry and beyond looks incredibly bright.
