‘DWTS’ Pro Koine ‘Koko’ Iwasaki and Kiki Nyemchek’s Relationship Timeline

Perfectly in step! Dancing With the Stars pro Koine “Koko” Iwasaki and boyfriend Kiki Nyemchek’s love story has been captivating fans since they met on reality TV in 2017.

The duo competed on season 14 of So You Think You Can Dance and while they didn’t win the show, they found each other. (Iwasaki ended in second place while her beau finished fourth.)

The dancers’ chemistry became more and more obvious as they performed alongside one another during the 2017 So You Think You Can Dance Tour. It wasn’t until early 2018, however, that they confirmed their relationship.

“I wanted to wait for a special time to post this picture or even post a picture of us in general, but then I thought about how silly that is, especially cause every day with you is so special,” Iwasaki, who was born in Japan and raised in Florida, wrote via Instagram in April 2018. “My love … We screeeaaam of laughter together. We order 6 meals minimum at any restaurant and eat ALL of it.”

She continued: “You bring out my biggest, most cheesiest smile and you adore me on my absolute worst days. Living life with you is pure bliss & I thank you for YOU every single day. 💙.”

Two months later, Nyemchek gave fans a peek into his life with Iwasaki when he gushed over her on her birthday.

“To the girl who has the biggest smile in the world, which I’m privileged to see every day, I wish you the Happiest Birthday ever,” the Latin ballroom dancer penned his June 2018 Instagram tribute. “You know how special you are to me and to your family and friends. You get what you give and you deserve only the best. Anyways, time to party 🎉🍾🥂🎟💤.”

Iwasaki gave her boyfriend a social media shout-out of her own in January 2022 while traveling solo.

“I’m sitting at the airport and all I can think about is how much I love you and the life that we have together,” the contemporary dancer wrote via Instagram at the time alongside a picture of her man. “Thank you for always showing up, always making me laugh and for carrying me through my losses just as much as you do my wins. Our little party of 3 is everything I could’ve ever asked for. 🐾🖤.”

The couple, who share two dogs, have continued to work together both on and off camera. In early 2022, they were part of the Dancing With the Stars Tour, and in September of that year, Iwasaki was promoted to a pro for season 31.

Nyemchek, for his part, has supported Iwasaki’s journey with season 31 dance partner and Jersey Shore star Vinny Guadagnino, asking fans to vote each week to keep them in the competition.

The pair’s busy schedules, however, haven’t kept them from collaborating on joint projects. In September 2022, Nyemchek and Iwasaki were spotted on the Universal Studios lot in Los Angeles filming a music video for Haley Reinhart and Brooke Eden.

That same month, the duo showed off their joint choreography skills with a video from Industry Dance studio.

Scroll down to see the dancers’ love story from the beginning:


Summer 2017
The duo met while competing on season 14 of So You Think You Can Dance. Courtesy of Koine Iwasaki/Instagram
February 2018
The performers went Instagram official with a snap from a joint dance rehearsal. Courtesy of Kiki Nyemchek/Instagram
March 2018
Nyemchek and Iwasaki joined Val Chmerkovskiy, Maks Chmerkovskiy and Peta Murgatroyd on their MVP: Confidential Tour as troupe dancers. Courtesy of Koine Iwasaki/Instagram
November 2018
The twosome dressed up for Halloween as a Kelis’ “Milkshake” song, with Iwasaki as the milkshake and Nyemchek as the yard. Courtesy of Koine Iwasaki/Instagram
December 2018
The pair shared two dance videos via social media as they prepared to ring in the new year. “Can’t wait to stumble in all of what 2019 has to offer, especially with my other half by my side,” Nyemchek captioned the clips. ABC/Eric McCandless
April 2019
The duo were in attendance when Val married DWTS’ Jenna Johnson. Courtesy of Koine Iwasaki/Instagram
May 2019
The Japanese dancer jetted off to New York City with her love. Courtesy of Kiki Nyemchek/Instagram
June 2019
“A weekend full of surprises! 🥳 Babe, I hope you know how loved you are from all your people,” Iwasaki captioned a series of Instagram photos after celebrating her man. “I hope you had the most special birthday ever. To many more. I love you! #28.” Courtesy of Koine Iwasaki/Instagram
July 2019
The duo enjoyed quality time in Madrid, Spain. Courtesy of Kiki Nyemchek/Instagram
December 2019
“Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to you and yours, from me and mine. 🎄🎅🏼❄️🤙🏼,” Nyemchek wrote via Instagram. Courtesy of Kiki Nyemchek/Instagram
April 2020
The pair welcomed pup Shumai into their squad. Courtesy of Kiki Nyemchek/Instagram
April 2020
The trio explored Los Angeles. Courtesy of Koine Iwasaki/Instagram
September 2020
The professional dancers soaked up the last bit of summer in California. Courtesy of Koine Iwasaki/Instagram
December 2020
Both Iwasaki and Nyemchek starred on The Masked Dancer. Courtesy of Kiki Nyemchek/Instagram
February 2021
“Happy Valentine’s Day ♥️ and Happy Birthday to my lil 1 yr old stud Big Love everybody!” the New Jersey native captioned a family Instagram snap. Courtesy of Kiki Nyemchek/Instagram
June 2021
“To the one who has a Kung fu grip on my ♥️ Happy Birthday my love,” Nyemchek wrote via Instagram on his love’s special day. “Wishing you everything you could ever ask for and beyond. You deserve the world. I love you.” Courtesy of Kiki Nyemchek/Instagram
January 2022
The couple shared a cheeky moment while participating in the Dancing With the Stars Tour. Courtesy of Koine Iwasaki/Instagram
February 2022
“To my mans. The other day before I went on stage, I was watching you dance and I felt this overwhelming rush of love, admiration, joy and gratitude all bundled up in one moment and I wanted to cry. Lol,” Iwasaki wrote in a Valentine’s Day tribute to her boyfriend. “Little do you know, (or actually you probably do know lol) that I have those moments all the time. Through the best and worst times, I know we’ll choose each other for life. I love you.” Courtesy of Koine Iwasaki/Instagram
June 2022
“To my baby — I wish you a massive Happy Birthday. You are the most special person in my life. I celebrate you everyday and I am so grateful to do it,” Nyemchek captioned a series of Instagram photos of his girlfriend. “I’m grateful for ALL of our moments together and I look forward to making more with you always and forever ♥️ I love you.” Courtesy of Kiki Nyemchek/Instagram
July 2022
The duo expanded their family, adding a dog named Hashi. Courtesy of Koine Iwasaki/Instagram
September 2022
Following her debut as a DWTS pro, Iwasaki reunited with Nyemchek for a friend’s music video project. Courtesy of Koine Iwasaki/Instagram
November 2022
The twosome got engaged on November 26. “Easy ask, easy yes 🤍,” they captioned a joint Instagram post. Courtesy of Koine Iwasaki/Instagram

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