Ekaterina Leonova, a beloved figure in the world of dance and a prominent star on the RTL show "Let's Dance," is navigating both her professional journey and personal life with grace and resilience. Since joining the show in 2013, she has captivated audiences and judges alike, winning the competition three times with her celebrity partners. As she embarks on the 2025 season, her personal life has also taken center stage, revealing a new romance and future plans beyond the dance floor.
Born on April 23, 1987, in Volgograd, Russia, Ekaterina's journey into dance began at a young age. She started dancing at just seven years old, despite facing early skepticism from her first dance teacher, who doubted her potential. "After less than a month, the dance teacher lovingly grabbed me by the collar and brought me back to my mother in the foyer, saying, 'Please never bring this child here again. Dancing is not for her. It will lead to nothing,'" she recalled on Instagram. However, a new instructor ignited her passion for dance, leading her to focus on standard and Latin dances.
Ekaterina's rise to fame in the dance world began in earnest when she moved to Germany in 2008 after being invited by dancer Paul Lorenz to train together. Their professional partnership quickly blossomed into a romantic relationship, which lasted until 2014. The couple achieved significant success, including wins at the EU Cup and the World Cup Standard in Malaysia. Despite their split, they remain on good terms, with Ekaterina referring to Paul as a brother.
In recent years, Ekaterina's love life has been a topic of much speculation. In 2023, rumors circulated about a romance with her dance partner Timon Krause, which she vehemently denied. "I can’t even go out to dinner with friends without being linked to a new partner. There are days when it hurts to have to endure that," she expressed in an interview. This year, however, she took to Instagram on Valentine's Day to publicly announce her new relationship with Ilya Viarmenich, stating, "He is not a celebrity. He is not a millionaire. He is much more! He is my heart." The couple reportedly met in October 2024 during a guest performance by Ekaterina at Phantasialand, where Ilya works as a professional dancer and co-choreographer.
As the 2025 season of "Let's Dance" kicked off, Ekaterina faced health challenges that temporarily sidelined her from training with her celebrity partner, Diego Pooth, son of advertising icon Verona Pooth. In her absence, Ilya stepped in to assist Diego during rehearsals, showcasing the couple's strong bond. "They got along well without me," Ekaterina remarked in an Instagram story. Despite her initial setbacks, she is set to compete in the first decision show on February 28, 2025.
However, as she looks towards the future, Ekaterina has expressed concerns about her longevity in the dance industry. At 37, she feels her professional dance career is nearing its end, stating, "I believe that as a man, as a professional dancer, the dance life is longer than for a woman. I can’t imagine that at the age of Christian Polanc or Massimo Sinató, I would still have as many men wanting to dance with me." Christian Polanc, at 46, and Massimo Sinató, at 43, serve as reminders of the different trajectories male and female dancers often face.
While many dancers transition into coaching or choreography after their competitive careers, Ekaterina is leaning towards acting. She made her acting debut in 2022 with a small role in "Der Schiffsarzt" (The Ship Doctor) and is eager to explore more opportunities in this field. "You have to think about whether that is a safe path," she commented on the future of her dance career.
Throughout her time on "Let's Dance," Ekaterina has faced both triumphs and tribulations. She has become a fan favorite, not only for her talent but also for her relatable personality. Despite the pressures of public scrutiny regarding her relationships, she remains focused on her craft and her happiness. "Please, people, communicate with each other, even when it’s difficult. You can save many relationships that way," she urged in a heartfelt message during a live broadcast.
As the 2025 season unfolds, Ekaterina Leonova continues to inspire with her dedication to dance and her ability to navigate the complexities of fame and personal life. Her journey is a testament to resilience, and her fans eagerly await what she will bring to the dance floor next.
