MAKSIM CHMERKOVSKIY & PETA MURGATROYD-FAMILY Is Everything

The dance pros share their thoughts on marriage, parenthood and DWTS.

- Fortune Benatar

They’re in better physical shape than most couples, but married dance professionals Maks Chmerkovskiy and Peta Murgatroyd are pretty normal, too. They sometimes disagree on what to watch on TV (Peta’s obsessed with Vanderpump Rules) or what music to listen to (Maks is partial to Frank Sinatra). They spend a lot of time doting on their boys, Shai, 6, and Rio, 4 months, and are thrilled when they can escape for a date night alone. “Taverna Tony in Malibu is our favorite,” Maks tells Closer, noting that Peta always orders the same Greek salad. “It’s just so good!” she adds.

Of course, thanks to their time on Dancing With the Stars, Maks, 43, and Peta, 37, are also two of America’s most beloved dance personalities. Although Maks left the show in 2018, Peta has been competing with Brady Bunch alum Barry Williams this season. The couple has also teamed up with Hallmark and Venmo to introduce their new gift cards.

Your son Rio was born in June. Has it been hard to go from one child to two?

Peta: It’s a lot. The most difficult part has been time. How do I share my time with two children, a husband and a dog? That almost made me nervous in the beginning. I think you sort of learn as you go. You get organized, you get into a routine, a rhythm, and you just make it work.

How has Shai adjusted to being an older brother?

Peta: He’s excited. He’s thrilled. He can’t wait for Rio to start talking and playing. Maks: They also have the same age difference as my brother and I. They’ll have footsteps to follow in. It’s a way to make brothers be close and love each other like Val [Chmerkovskiy] and I. I’m going to follow the way of our parents, who kept us so tight.