Daniella Karagach was almost one of the most popular names on ‘Dancing With the Stars’. In fact, she was never not just any dancer. But a champion and Emmy-nominated choreographer with a talent for turning even the most unpolished athletes into graceful performers.

Do not believe us? Ask Iman Shumpert, who became the first NBA star to win ‘DWTS’ alongside Karagach. And her stint with Dwight Howard further brought basketball enthusiasts and media attention to her. Thus, creating a curiosity among the fans to know more about Karagach. So let’s deep dive into different aspects and phases of her life.

A closer look at the early life of Dwight Howard’s dance partner from DWTS

Born in Brooklyn to Jewish Moldovan immigrants, Daniella Karagach’s story is one of resilience and passion. If you have ever wondered how early experiences shape a person’s future, this one is the perfect example. For Daniella, the seeds of her remarkable journey were planted early.

Raised by her mother in New York after her parents divorced, she found herself drawn to the world of dance from a young age. Daniella started ballet at just 3 and then dived into the Latin dance by the time she was 7.

But it seems the initial phase of her life wanted to further test her. She was diagnosed with ADHD at six and thus struggled to focus in school. However, instead of turning to medication, her mother made a bold choice and enrolled her in ballroom dance.

It turned out to be the perfect move. Dance didn’t just become Daniella’s passion, but helped her excel in school and life. From there, her journey only grew, eventually leading her to pursue education at the College of Staten Island.

Daniella Karagach’s journey as a dancer

Daniella’s dancing story began at just 11 years old when she partnered with Leonid Juashkovsky and dove headfirst into the competitive world of dance-sport. Together, they didn’t just win titles—they dominated. As 3x USA Dance Junior I and II Latin Champions, they proudly represented the U.S. on international stages in Latvia, Russia, and Barcelona.

If you caught the second or third season of ‘America’s Ballroom Challenge’, you may have already seen a glimpse of her remarkable talent. But there was still a lot more for the Emmy-nominated choreographer to conquer in the field of dance. Her partnership with Pavel “Pasha” Pashkov in 2009 turned out to be one step in that direction. From the 2009 World Games in Taiwan to numerous international festivals, the pair became a huge success.

Together, Karagach and Pashkov secured seven US 10-Dance championships and also the Latin championship. More of their crowning achievements included victories at the 2017 Blackpool Dance Festival and the 2018 US Latin American Showdance Championship. You may have also seen them light up your screen in season two of ‘World of Dance’ or through their choreography on ‘So You Think You Can Dance’.

But it was ‘Dancing With the Stars’ that truly brought Daniella into the spotlight. While her journey began quietly in season 28, it was in season 29, alongside rapper Nelly, that audiences started to take notice. Subsequently came her magical season 30. One where she teamed up with the NBA star Iman Shumpert and helped him win the Mirrorball Trophy. Thus, making Shumpert the first-ever former NBA player to win the show.

The personal life of Dwight Howard’s on-screen dance partner

Have you ever wondered what happens when two passionate dancers, bound by their love for the art, share a life both on and off the dance floor? Daniella Karagach and Pasha Pashkov are the perfect example of how a professional partnership can evolve into something much deeper. If you’re a fan of ‘Dancing with the Stars’, you’ve probably seen their impressive performances, but behind the scenes, their story is even more compelling.

It was in 2009 that Daniella and Pasha’s paths crossed, thanks to their dance coaches. Back then, Karagach was 15 while Pasha was 22. But the two did not start dating until she turned 16, as per an article by ‘The Knot’. And just like the perfect dance routine, their relationship flowed naturally. Four years of dating led to an engagement.

And in 2014, they said ‘yes’ at a private ceremony, sharing the first glimpses of their wedding day on Instagram a week later. The couple continued to succeed in their field, both as a duo as well as individuals. Later, they opened a dance school for couples, helping soon-to-be-weds perfect their first dance, blending their love for teaching with their personal experiences.

Fast forward to November 2022, and the couple delighted their fans with the news of a baby on the way. And the couple welcomed their daughter named Nikita on May 30, 2023. But even parenthood did not slow Daniella down. She returned for ‘DWTS’ in 2024, laser-focused on taking Dwight Howard to the top of the show.

Stay tuned for more updates. Join us for the exciting second episode of the “Dual Threat Show” as our host, BG12, sits down with Georgia Bulldogs star and Mountain West All-Freshman Team Selection, Asia Avinger.