Jenna Johnson and Val Chmerkovskiy’s young son, Rome, isn’t just toddling — he’s twirling his way into the spotlight. In a now-viral clip, the 1-year-old can be seen breaking into an impromptu freestyle routine, his tiny moves unfolding right next to his parents’ gleaming Mirrorball trophies. The internet quickly melted, with fans calling him a “future Dancing with the Stars champion” and marveling at how easily charisma and rhythm seem to run in his family.
The “DWTS” power couple, both decorated champions in their own right, have been savoring their own wins while celebrating the joy their son brings into their lives. Just last month, Johnson took home the Season 33 trophy alongside celebrity partner Joey Graziadei. Her husband, Chmerkovskiy, boasts three Mirrorball titles, his most recent victory coming in December 2023 with actress Xochitl Gomez. Johnson also previously captured the trophy in 2018 with Olympic figure skater Adam Rippon.
On Sunday, Johnson shared a heartwarming Instagram post brimming with family pride. The photos showed little Rome posing among the Mirrorball trophies, grinning as though he already knows the legacy they represent. A casual family portrait rounded out the post, giving fans a glimpse into the couple’s life away from the ballroom spotlight.
“Rome’s raw emotions seeing another Len Goodman Mirrorball come home!” Johnson wrote in the caption. She hinted that the connection was more than coincidence, noting how Goodman — the beloved longtime head judge of “DWTS” — had been “celebrated and honored heavily” in their home over the past year. Johnson’s reflections came with a bittersweet note of gratitude, mentioning two Mirrorball wins and an Emmy nomination in Goodman’s honor.
The tribute carried weight for fans who remember Goodman’s pivotal role in shaping “DWTS.” He passed away in April 2023 at age 78, just months after stepping down following nearly 31 seasons on the show. In his honor, the Mirrorball Trophy was renamed the Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy, ensuring his influence would forever be part of the competition’s legacy.
Johnson and Chmerkovskiy welcomed Rome in January 2023, and since then, he’s been the center of their world. The dancer has spoken openly about the profound love and responsibility that motherhood has brought her. “I knew I always wanted to be a mother, but I don’t think I really understood the amount of love that you could have for this tiny human being,” she told Good Morning America last September.
While she admits motherhood can be challenging and sometimes makes her feel “inadequate,” Johnson treasures the little milestones that remind her of the magic in everyday parenting. “When I see him grow and learn or have a new little milestone, those fulfilling moments top some of my best dance career moments,” she said. “It’s really been a blessing to be a mom.”
And now, with Rome’s natural stage presence already capturing hearts online, fans are wondering if it’s only a matter of time before the ballroom sees another Chmerkovskiy take the floor — this time, in pint-sized dancing shoes.
