When Gleb Savchenko and Elena Samodanova announced their split back in 2020, it wasn't just another Hollywood breakup. It felt like a tectonic shift for the ballroom world. They weren't just a couple; they were a brand. For 14 years, they were the "it" pair of international Latin dance, moving from Russia to Hong Kong to Los Angeles.
Honestly, if you followed Dancing with the Stars, you probably saw Gleb as the charming pro with the smoldering gaze. But behind the scenes, Elena was often the engine. She’s a master choreographer and a judge in her own right. When the news hit that Gleb Savchenko's ex-wife was filing for divorce, the allegations that followed were anything but quiet. It was messy. It was public. And it basically changed the trajectory of both their lives forever.
The Breaking Point and Those Infidelity Rumors
People still talk about the timing of the split. It happened right after Gleb was eliminated from Season 23 of DWTS with partner Chrishell Stause. Fans started whispering immediately. Elena didn't hold back either. She took to Instagram to vent, mentioning "ongoing infidelity" and a "recent inappropriate relationship."
Gleb denied everything. He claimed his relationship with Chrishell was strictly platonic. But the damage to the marriage was done. Elena told the press that her trust was "irrevocably broken."
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A Professional Powerhouse
It’s easy to get lost in the gossip, but Elena Samodanova is way more than just a "celebrity ex." She’s a third-generation performer from Moscow. She has a Master’s in choreography. Think about that for a second—she’s literally a scholar of movement.
Before the drama, they were a business team. They opened Pro Dance LA together in 2018. It was supposed to be their legacy. After the divorce was finalized in October 2021, Elena walked away with full ownership of that studio. She also secured a massive portfolio of international properties. We’re talking:
- Two properties in Hong Kong.
- Three in Australia.
- Two in Russia.
- A fully paid-off condo in Los Angeles.
The Reality of Co-Parenting in 2026
Where is she now? That’s what everyone asks. Life looks a lot different for her today. In a move that surprised many fans, Elena relocated to Hong Kong with their two daughters, Olivia and Zlata.
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Gleb stayed in LA for his career. This created a massive geographical gap. Initially, they tried a 50/50 custody split, but you can imagine how hard that is when one parent is on a plane half the year. In 2022, things got tense again. Elena requested primary custody, arguing that Gleb’s schedule made the 50/50 plan "impossible."
Gleb Savchenko's ex-wife seems to have found her rhythm again, though. In August 2025, news broke that Elena is expecting a baby with her partner, Vlad Kvartin. If that name sounds familiar, it’s because he was a troupe member on DWTS and a pro on the Russian version of the show. Gleb actually reached out on social media to congratulate them. It’s a weirdly full-circle moment for a couple that once seemed like they’d never speak again.
Why Their Story Still Matters
Celebrity divorces are usually just noise. But this one was a lesson in brand decoupling. They spent over a decade building a singular identity. When that broke, they had to figure out how to be individuals again.
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- Financial Independence: Elena’s settlement ensured she wasn't just "taken care of" but remained a business owner.
- Cultural Roots: Her move back to Hong Kong suggests a desire to raise her girls outside the Hollywood bubble.
- Professional Respect: Despite the cheating allegations, Gleb has often called her his "muse" in past interviews.
What We Can Learn From the Savchenko Split
If you’re following this saga, the takeaway isn't just about who cheated or who got the house. It's about the evolution of a professional partnership. Elena used her expertise to pivot. She didn't just stay in the "pro dancer's wife" lane. She took the studio, she took the international investments, and she built a new life in a different hemisphere.
For those tracking the latest updates in 2026, the focus has shifted toward their daughters. Olivia is already following in their footsteps as an amateur ballroom dancer. Zlata is into gymnastics. They are living a "dance, dance, dance" life in Hong Kong, according to Gleb.
The biggest lesson here? Even the most public, high-conflict breakups can eventually settle into a functional, if distant, peace. It took years of court dates and Instagram jabs, but they’ve arrived at a place where they can celebrate each other’s new chapters.
To stay updated on this or similar celebrity transitions, keep an eye on court filing registries in Los Angeles County and international dance federation news, where Elena remains a certified professional judge. Watching how a powerhouse like Samodanova manages a global real estate portfolio while raising two athletes is a masterclass in resilience.
Practical Next Steps for Fans and Researchers
- Verify Professional Credentials: If you are looking for dance instruction, check the current status of Pro Dance LA, as Elena remains the sole owner.
- Follow the Career Trajectory: Monitor international WDC (World Dance Council) rankings to see Elena’s impact on the professional judging circuit in Asia.
- Support the Next Generation: Keep an eye on youth ballroom competitions in Hong Kong, where Olivia Savchenko is increasingly becoming a name to watch in her own right.