Perfectly in step Dancing With the StarsPro Koine “Koko” IwasakiAnd boyfriend Kiki Nyemchek’s love story has been captivating fans since they met on reality TV in 2017.
The duo competed during season 14 of So You Think You Can Dance and while they didn’t win the show, they found each other. (Iwasaki finished second, while her beau was fourth.
The dancers’ chemistry became more and more obvious as they performed alongside one another during the 2017So You Think You Can Dance a 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 shared his life with Iwasaki with fans when he gushed about her for 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 deserve the best and you get what you give. Anyways, time to party 🎉🍾🥂🎟💤.”
Iwasaki sent her boyfriend a shoutout on social media while she was traveling solo in January 2022.
“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. 🐾🖤.”
They share two dogs and continue to work together. They were part of the 2022 Olympic team. Dancing With the Stars TourIwasaki was promoted to the pro team for season 31 in September 1998.
Nyemchek, for his part, has supported Iwasaki’s journey with season 31 dance partner and Jersey ShoreStar Vinny GuadagninoThe competition asked fans to vote each Wednesday to keep them in it.
The pair’s busy schedules, however, haven’t kept them from collaborating on joint projects. Nyemchek was spotted with Iwasaki on the Universal Studios lot, Los Angeles, filming a music clip. Haley ReinhartAnd Brooke Eden.
The duo showcased their joint choreography with a video made by Industry Dance studio that same month.
Scroll down to see the dancers’ love story from the beginning:
