How one dancer rewrote the record books of competitive ballroom dancing
In short: From the amateur stages of Russia to the bright lights of international television, Pasha Kovalev has become a master of precision. His ability to secure perfect scores has not only defined his career but has repeatedly set new benchmarks for excellence in professional ballroom dance.
Pavel "Pasha" Kovalev began his journey at age eight, eventually moving from the Russian amateur Latin scene to the United States in 2000 with partner Anya Garnis. After competing in the US Open as finalists from 2002 to 2006, Kovalev transitioned to the United Kingdom to join the BBC's Strictly Come Dancing in September 2011. This move marked the beginning of a highly successful tenure characterized by unprecedented scoring consistency.
Kovalev's impact on the competition is evidenced by his record-breaking statistics. He has achieved a total of 13 perfect scores and holds the record for the most maximum scores of 40 by any couple, having achieved five such scores with partner Ashley Roberts. His technical accuracy is evidenced by achieving flawless marks for the Tango and Paso Doble; additionally, he has earned tens from judges in almost every dance category, excluding the Waltz.
His competitive history is a series of high-stakes milestones. He was the first male professional to reach two consecutive Strictly finals, finishing as runner-up in both the ninth and tenth series with Chelsee Healey and Kimberley Walsh. He eventually secured a victory in series twelve with Caroline Flack. Even when facing challenges, such as his partner Ashley Roberts landing in the bottom two three times during series sixteen, Kovalev maintained an elite level of performance, achieving an average score of 36.9—the highest in the show's history until surpassed in series twenty-two.
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