What Happened to Gleb Savchenko?
Gleb Savchenko is a Russian-American professional dancer and choreographer best known for his long-standing role on the U.S. version of 'Dancing with the Stars'. After a high-profile divorce from Elena Samodanova in 2021, he has navigated several public relationships and, as of late 2026, is embroiled in a contentious international custody battle over his two daughters while continuing to participate in 'Dancing with the Stars' tours and related projects.
Quick Answer
Gleb Savchenko remains a prominent figure in the 'Dancing with the Stars' franchise, participating in live tours and spin-off shows as of 2026. His personal life has been in the spotlight due to his 2021 divorce from Elena Samodanova and subsequent relationships. Most recently, in mid-2026, he became involved in a complex international custody dispute with his ex-wife over their daughters, Olivia and Zlata, which has seen their eldest daughter, Olivia, residing with him in Los Angeles amidst legal proceedings.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline14 events
Born in Moscow, Russia
Gleb Savchenko was born in Moscow, Russian SFSR, Soviet Union.
Marries Elena Samodanova
Gleb Savchenko marries fellow professional dancer Elena Samodanova.
Joins 'Dancing with the Stars' US
Savchenko makes his debut as a professional dancer on the U.S. version of 'Dancing with the Stars' in Season 16, partnered with Lisa Vanderpump.
Second Daughter Zlata Born
Gleb and Elena welcome their second daughter, Zlata.
Announces Separation from Elena Samodanova
After 14 years of marriage, Gleb and Elena announce their decision to part ways, with Elena later alleging infidelity.
Divorce Finalized
Gleb Savchenko and Elena Samodanova finalize their divorce.
Relationship with Elena Belle
Savchenko enters a relationship with Swedish model Elena Belle, which lasts for nearly three years.
Relationship with Brooks Nader
Gleb Savchenko begins an on-and-off relationship with his 'DWTS' Season 33 partner, model Brooks Nader, which ends in April 2025 amidst public accusations of infidelity.
Confirmed for DWTS Season 34
Despite earlier rumors of his departure, DWTS insider Kristyn Burtt confirms Savchenko's return for Season 34.
Guest Stars on 'The Bold and the Beautiful'
Savchenko makes a guest appearance as a dancer on the soap opera 'The Bold and the Beautiful'.
Offers Advice on 'DWTS: The Next Pro'
Savchenko attends a watch party for 'Dancing with the Stars: The Next Pro' and advises future pros against dating their partners.
Files for Sole Custody of Daughter Olivia
Savchenko files an emergency request for sole custody of his eldest daughter, Olivia, amidst an escalating dispute with ex-wife Elena Samodanova over her residency.
Custody Case Stayed, Olivia Remains in LA
A judge issues a 'stay' in the custody case, allowing Olivia to remain in Los Angeles with Savchenko, while Hague Convention proceedings are initiated by Samodanova. Concerns are raised about Olivia living in a home linked to Savchenko's girlfriend, Kaitlin Trujillo.
Lists California Home for Sale
Amidst his ongoing custody battle, Savchenko lists his Southern California home in Morongo Valley for $1.4 million.
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🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Gleb Savchenko, born September 16, 1983, in Moscow, Russia, has established a significant career as a professional dancer and choreographer, primarily known for his appearances on 'Dancing with the Stars' across various international editions, including the UK, Australia, and the United States. He first joined the U.S. version in Season 16 (2013) and has been a consistent pro dancer for many seasons, partnering with numerous celebrities and reaching the finals multiple times, notably with Jana Kramer and Shangela.
His personal life garnered considerable media attention following his separation from fellow professional dancer Elena Samodanova in November 2020 after 14 years of marriage. The divorce was finalized in October 2021 amidst public allegations of infidelity, which Savchenko denied.
Following his divorce, Savchenko was in a relationship with Swedish model Elena Belle from 2021 to 2024. He then had an on-again, off-again romance with his 'Dancing with the Stars' Season 33 partner, model Brooks Nader, from September 2024 until their split in April 2025. This relationship was notably public, with Nader later alleging infidelity, which Savchenko refuted.
In 2026, Savchenko's professional engagements included a guest appearance on the soap opera 'The Bold and the Beautiful' in February, where he expressed openness to future acting roles. He also participated in 'Dancing with the Stars: The Next Pro' challenge in 2026, a spin-off show designed to find new professional talent for the main series. While rumors circulated in August 2025 about his potential absence from 'Dancing with the Stars' Season 34, he was later confirmed to be returning for that season. As of late 2026, he continues to be part of the 'Dancing with the Stars: Live!' tour, performing across North America.
The most significant development in his personal life in 2026 has been an escalating international custody battle with his ex-wife, Elena Samodanova, over their two daughters, Olivia and Zlata. In July 2026, Savchenko filed for sole custody of Olivia, alleging that Samodanova had wrongfully retained their daughters in Hong Kong after an agreed-upon temporary move. Samodanova countered, claiming Savchenko unexpectedly canceled Olivia's return flight to Hong Kong and expressed concern about Olivia living in a property linked to his new girlfriend, Kaitlin Trujillo, an OnlyFans creator. In August 2026, a judge issued a 'stay' on the case, allowing Olivia to remain in Los Angeles with Savchenko, pending Hague Convention proceedings initiated by Samodanova. Amidst this ongoing legal dispute, Savchenko listed his Southern California home for $1.4 million in Morongo Valley on September 1, 2026.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Gleb Savchenko made different choices?