The world of ballroom dance, particularly the glitz and glamour of "Dancing with the Stars" (DWTS), often brings its stars into the public eye, not just for their dazzling performances but also for their personal lives. Among these figures, Gleb Savchenko has been a prominent name, and for many years, discussions about his personal life invariably centered around "Gleb Savchenko wife." This article delves deep into the life of Elena Samodanova, the woman who was Gleb Savchenko's wife for 14 years, exploring her biography, illustrious career, and the intricate details of their high-profile marriage and eventual divorce.
Elena Samodanova is far more than just the former spouse of a reality TV star; she is an accomplished dancer and choreographer in her own right, having carved out a significant presence in the global dance community. Her journey alongside Gleb, both personally and professionally, was a captivating narrative for fans, making their eventual separation a topic of considerable public interest. We will explore the timeline of their relationship, the challenges they faced, and the path they took to navigate a very public split.
Table of Contents
- Who is Elena Samodanova?
- Early Life and Career
- The Union of Two Dance Stars: Gleb Savchenko and Elena Samodanova's Marriage
- The Unraveling: Announcing the Split
- Accusations and Denials: The Tumultuous Path to Divorce
- Navigating Co-Parenting: Custody Battle and Agreement
- The Final Bow: Divorce Finalization
- Life After Divorce: Moving Forward
- Elena Samodanova's Enduring Legacy
- Conclusion
Who is Elena Samodanova?
Elena Samodanova, widely known as the former Gleb Savchenko wife, is a celebrated Russian dancer and choreographer. Born on September 16, 1983, her life has been deeply intertwined with the world of professional ballroom dance. Before her high-profile marriage and subsequent divorce from the DWTS pro, Elena had already established herself as a formidable talent. Her recognition in the dance world is not merely a byproduct of her association with Gleb; rather, she has earned her accolades through years of dedication, rigorous training, and a profound passion for the art form. Her career has seen her perform and choreograph across various platforms, contributing significantly to the global dance scene.
Early Life and Career
Elena Samodanova's journey into dance began at a young age in Russia, where she honed her skills to become a professional. Her expertise spans various styles of ballroom dance, making her a versatile and highly sought-after choreographer. While Gleb Savchenko gained widespread fame through the U.S. version of "Dancing with the Stars," having also appeared on the UK, Australian, and Russian versions, Elena too has been an essential part of the professional dance circuit. Her work as a dancer and choreographer has allowed her to earn recognition independently, showcasing her talent and creative vision. Her contributions to the dance world are a testament to her dedication and artistic prowess.
Personal Data: Elena Samodanova
| Full Name | Elena Samodanova |
| Date of Birth | September 16, 1983 |
| Nationality | Russian |
| Profession | Dancer, Choreographer |
| Former Spouse | Gleb Savchenko (m. 2006; div. 2021) |
| Children | Olivia, Zlata |
The Union of Two Dance Stars: Gleb Savchenko and Elena Samodanova's Marriage
For 14 years, Gleb Savchenko and Elena Samodanova were seen as a quintessential dance power couple. The ballroom dance pros tied the knot on July 12, 2006, embarking on a shared journey that blended their personal lives with their professional aspirations. Their union seemed, to many, like a perfect match, given their mutual passion for dance and their shared understanding of the demanding world they inhabited. They not only shared a life but also a professional path, often appearing together in various dance endeavors. Their marriage was a significant chapter in the lives of both Gleb Savchenko and Elena Samodanova, characterized by joint ventures and public appearances.
Beyond the dance floor, their life together occasionally intersected with reality television in other forms. For instance, they once appeared together on Bravo’s “Million Dollar Listing L.A.,” where they listed their home for sale with Tracy Tutor. This glimpse into their personal lives outside of the dance studio further solidified their image as a prominent couple in the entertainment sphere. They built a family, welcoming two daughters, Olivia and Zlata, who became the center of their world. Their life together was a testament to balancing a demanding professional career with the joys and responsibilities of family life, making the news of their eventual separation all the more surprising to many who followed their story.
The Unraveling: Announcing the Split
The first public indication of trouble in paradise for Gleb Savchenko and Elena Samodanova came in November 2020. After 14 years of marriage, the couple announced they had decided to part ways. News of the split was particularly poignant as it came just days after Savchenko was eliminated from DWTS with his dance partner. This timing fueled speculation and added a layer of public scrutiny to their private struggles.
The announcements were made separately, highlighting the personal nature of their decision. Elena was the first to break the news, taking to her Instagram story to share the difficult update with her followers. Shortly after, Gleb Savchenko confirmed the split on his own Instagram account, expressing the profound sadness of the moment. In a heartfelt post, he wrote, "It is with a heavy heart that I tell you my wife and I are parting ways after 14 years of marriage." This public declaration marked the beginning of a new, challenging chapter for both of them, moving from a shared life to separate paths, even as they remained connected through their children.
Accusations and Denials: The Tumultuous Path to Divorce
What began as a seemingly amicable separation announcement quickly escalated into a more public and contentious dispute. Just one month after their initial split announcement, Elena Samodanova officially filed for divorce in Los Angeles in December 2020. This filing brought with it a wave of serious accusations that captured significant media attention. Elena accused Gleb Savchenko of multiple affairs, alleging ongoing infidelity throughout their marriage. These claims cast a shadow over their public image and ignited a very public back-and-forth between the estranged couple.
The DWTS pro, Gleb Savchenko, did not remain silent in the face of these allegations. He vehemently denied the infidelity claims, offering his own counter-accusations against Elena. Gleb claimed she was unfaithful, mentally abusive, and jealous of his success. In a new interview, Gleb Savchenko accused his estranged wife, Elena Samodanova, of trying to set him up with her cheating allegations, a claim she swiftly called "completely false." This exchange of accusations painted a picture of a deeply fractured relationship, far from the "grace" they initially hoped to maintain. The public nature of these claims meant that fans and media alike were privy to the painful unraveling of what was once considered a strong union, adding complexity to the narrative surrounding Gleb Savchenko's wife and their divorce.
Navigating Co-Parenting: Custody Battle and Agreement
Amidst the accusations and denials, a critical aspect of their separation was the well-being of their two daughters, Olivia and Zlata. As professional dancers with demanding schedules, ensuring stability for their children became a central point of their divorce proceedings. Initially, Gleb Savchenko and Elena Samodanova were speaking out about their ongoing custody battle, indicating a potentially difficult road ahead for co-parenting.
However, despite the public acrimony surrounding the infidelity claims, the couple eventually reached an agreement regarding their children. They decided to share joint custody of their two daughters, a decision that reflected a mutual commitment to their children's welfare despite their personal differences. This agreement was a significant step towards finalizing their divorce and allowed them to move forward with a clear plan for raising Olivia and Zlata. Their ability to "agree to end their marriage with grace," as initially stated, ultimately prevailed in terms of their children's future, demonstrating a shared priority for their family's stability even as their romantic relationship concluded.
The Final Bow: Divorce Finalization
After a tumultuous 2020, the legal proceedings for Gleb Savchenko and Elena Samodanova's divorce concluded in October 2021. The Dancing with the Stars pro and his estranged wife officially finalized their divorce, marking the definitive end of their 14-year marriage. This finalization followed Gleb's denial of the infidelity claims and the navigation of their custody agreement. The journey from their initial announcement in November 2020 to the official divorce decree was a public and often painful process, yet it ultimately brought closure to a significant chapter in both their lives.
The divorce finalized on October 22, 2021, drawing a clear line under their relationship that began when they tied the knot on July 12, 2006. This period, from the announcement of their split to the finalization of the divorce, was a challenging time for both individuals, played out under the scrutiny of the public eye. Despite the difficulties, the formal end of their marriage allowed both Gleb Savchenko and Elena Samodanova to begin new phases in their lives, both personally and professionally, without the ongoing legal entanglements of their separation.
Life After Divorce: Moving Forward
The finalization of their divorce allowed both Gleb Savchenko and Elena Samodanova to move on and explore new personal relationships. For Gleb, this involved a relationship with Elena Belle, whom he began dating in August 2021, shortly before his divorce was finalized. This new relationship became another point of public interest, as fans followed his journey post-marriage to his former Gleb Savchenko wife.
However, like many relationships, this one also saw its conclusion. While speaking to Page Six in April 2024, Savchenko revealed that he and Belle had been broken up for over a year, after more than three years together. This update indicates that Gleb continues to navigate the complexities of his personal life in the public eye, seeking stability and happiness. For Elena Samodanova, the focus has largely remained on her career and co-parenting their daughters, maintaining a somewhat more private profile compared to the public nature of their divorce proceedings. Both individuals continue to evolve, demonstrating resilience and a commitment to their respective paths following the end of their long-standing marriage.
Elena Samodanova's Enduring Legacy
While much of the public's recent attention on Elena Samodanova has been linked to her role as Gleb Savchenko's wife and their subsequent divorce, it is crucial to reiterate her significant contributions to the world of dance. Elena Samodanova has been an essential part of Gleb’s journey, not just as his spouse, but as a fellow professional dancer and choreographer. Her talent and dedication have earned her recognition in her own right, extending beyond the shadow of her former husband's fame.
Elena's career showcases her versatility and artistry, solidifying her status as a respected figure in the dance community. She continues to inspire aspiring dancers and contribute to the art form through her work. Her story is one of a woman who has navigated both personal challenges and professional triumphs, maintaining her passion for dance throughout. Her legacy is defined not just by her marriage to a DWTS star, but by her enduring commitment to her craft and her independent achievements as a dancer and choreographer.
Conclusion
The story of Gleb Savchenko and Elena Samodanova, particularly the journey of Gleb Savchenko's wife through marriage and divorce, offers a compelling look into the lives of public figures. Their 14-year marriage, which began in 2006 and concluded officially in 2021, was a significant chapter for both, marked by shared successes, family life, and ultimately, a very public separation. The complexities of their split, from initial announcements to accusations of infidelity and the eventual agreement on co-parenting, highlight the challenges faced when personal lives unfold under intense public scrutiny.
Despite the difficulties, both Gleb and Elena have continued to pursue their professional paths and navigate their personal lives, demonstrating resilience. Elena Samodanova, in particular, stands as a testament to independent talent and dedication within the dance world. Her story reminds us that behind every public persona are individuals with intricate lives and journeys. We hope this comprehensive look into the life of Gleb Savchenko's wife, Elena Samodanova, has provided valuable insights. What are your thoughts on their journey? Share your comments below, and explore more articles on the fascinating lives of dance professionals on our site!
