Behind the dazzling sequins, perfect tens, and glitterball trophies lies a story of profound sacrifice rarely seen by the audience. Daniella Karagach, the powerhouse professional from Strictly Come Dancing, has opened up in a remarkably candid interview about the immense personal cost of her dancing career, revealing a decade of missed family milestones and heart-wrenching goodbyes.
In a move away from the usual glitz, Karagach speaks with a raw honesty about the reality of life at the top of the dance world. Her journey, which began with a move from her native New York to London for the hit BBC show, has been punctuated by years of separation from her loved ones.
A Decade of Distance
"It's been about 10 years since I've been able to spend the holidays with my family," Karagach confessed, highlighting a sacrifice few fans ever consider. This distance meant missing out on countless birthdays, anniversaries, and simple everyday moments that define family life.
This emotional burden was shared by her husband, fellow dancer Pasha Pashkov, who also found himself an ocean away from his family in Russia. The couple, who met on the set of Dancing with the Stars, built their life together in the midst of this shared solitude, often feeling the void of their absent families.
The Ultimate Family Dream
Now, with the arrival of their daughter, Nikita, the concept of family has taken on a powerful new meaning for Karagach. Her driving ambition is no longer just about winning trophies; it’s about forging a stable, loving unit for her child.
"I want Nikita to grow up with both sets of grandparents nearby, to have her cousins as her best friends... that's the ultimate dream for me," she shared, outlining a vision of familial closeness that her own career has thus far denied her.
This deep-seated desire is shaping her future plans, signalling a potential shift in focus from the demanding schedule of a world-class professional dancer to the priorities of motherhood and family.
From Ballroom to Bedtime Stories
Karagach’s story adds a powerful new layer to the narrative of professional dancers. It’s a poignant reminder that for every moment of glory under the spotlight, there are countless unseen moments of personal struggle and sacrifice made in the pursuit of artistic excellence.
