“Dancing With the Stars” pro Pasha Pashkov shared a heartwarming family moment on social media after his wife, fellow pro Daniella Karagach, went viral for her “air walk” routine with celebrity partner Dylan Efron. In a new Instagram reel posted Nov. 16, Pashkov reenacted the gravity-defying move with their 2-year-old daughter, Nikita, who kicked her legs mid-air just like her mom.
The father-daughter clip quickly drew love from the DWTS community and fans, many of whom had been sharing their own attempts at the viral stunt. Daniella gave the moment her stamp of approval, while comments from fellow pros, former winners and viewers poured in celebrating Nikita’s tiny dancer moment.
The original “air walk” — a standout move from Karagach and Efron’s tango — earned a perfect score during DWTS’ 20th-anniversary episode and has been trending across TikTok and Instagram ever since, inspiring recreations from viewers and now from the Karagach-Pashkov family themselves.
DWTS Cast Reacts With Love: “Her Little Pointed Toes”
The reaction to Pashkov and Nikita’s version was immediate. Daniella commented “100/10,” while Dylan Efron wrote, “
the kicks!” after seeing Nikita nail her mini air walk. DWTS judge Carrie Ann Inaba also jumped in with, “Her little pointed toes,” celebrating the toddler’s natural form.
Former DWTS winner Joey Graziadei called the moment “INCREDIBLE,” and one viewer joked, “Respectfully, Nikita did it better.” The DWTS family continued sharing their love throughout the comments, including season 34 contestant Danielle Fishel, who danced with Pashkov earlier this season before their Week 8 elimination. “Omg I miss her so much,” Fishel wrote after seeing Nikita in the clip.
Pashkov and Karagach, who met in 2009 and married in 2014, welcomed Nikita in May 2023. The couple announced her birth on Instagram at the time, sharing first photos from the hospital and revealing her name and birthdate. Their DWTS colleagues filled the comments then as well, congratulating the pair on becoming parents.
Inside the Viral Routine That Started It All
The family moment stemmed from Karagach and Efron’s Week 10 tango, which featured the now-iconic “air walk” lift. The duo performed the routine during DWTS’ 20th-anniversary episode and earned a perfect score from the judges. Efron later shared his excitement on TikTok, saying he was proud of the performance and grateful for the reaction online.
Pashkov, who competed this season with “Boy Meets World” star Danielle Fishel before their elimination on Nov. 4, has remained one of the most supportive figures in Karagach’s corner. The couple often helps each other rehearse at home, and Daniella told E! News earlier this season that collaborating together keeps the process fun and creative.
As Dylan said after seeing the wave of recreations, “Seeing everyone try this move at home has made our week.”
“Dancing With the Stars” airs Tuesdays on ABC and Disney+.
