There’s a lot more to Kym Johnson’s life than Dancing With The Stars

Pro dancer, jetsetter and mum Kym Johnson dreams of the day her teleportation powers kick in.

She’s got twin seven-year-olds, is married to Shark Tank multi-millionaire Robert Herjavec and has just made a Christmas movie – but there’s a lot more to professional dancer Kym Johnson’s life than Dancing With The Stars.

KYM JOHNSON

Age: 48
Lives: Sydney

Kym Johnson. Picture: Rebecca Hitch Photography

How would you describe yourself?

I’m a bit of a people pleaser. I like to be optimistic and positive for the most part. The more positive you are, the better life is. I love to live by that.

How do you think others describe you?

I think they would say I’m fun, kind and caring, I love having my close friends and family around all the time and always want them to know how special and loved they are.

Robert Herjavec and Kym Johnson with their twins, Hudson and Haven, at home in Centennial Park, Sydney, last October. “My kids and husband are my world.” Picture: Justin Lloyd

What is most important to you?

My kids and husband are my world. I feel so lucky every day. They really are so special. From the minute my twins wake up, it’s go, go go – and I wouldn’t have it any other way!

What is the last thing you read, watched, ate, listened to?

The last book was The Giant Leap by Gay Hendricks. Last thing I watched was Dateline while being away working in a small town in the middle of nowhere. I just ate avocado on toast.

Kym Johnson and TV presenter Tom Williams on their way to winning Dancing With The Stars 2005. Partnering with non-dancers requires being a mix of a psychologist and a dance teacher.

As a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?

I wanted to be a psychologist and a dance teacher. I kind of leant towards both in a small way – when you are on Dancing With The Stars and a professional dancer, you get partnered with people who can’t really dance but also, outside of dance, need help in life and you bond quickly with them. You listen and try to help them in life and in dance.

Entertainer Donny Osmond and Kym Johnson with the US 'Dancing With The Stars trophy in 2009.

What has been the biggest obstacle in your life?

Having my dad pass away, unexpectedly, was a really tough time.

If you had one wish, what would it be?

That my kids grow up to be happy and do whatever they love doing.

Novak Djokovic gets a dance lesson from US Dancing with the Stars host Kym Johnson at the 2011 Australian Open.

Tell us a secret. What is one thing people may not know about you?

I am acting in, co-wrote and am producing ... we started from nothing and wrote this really lovely little movie, got it sold and making it, so it’s really a dream come true.

What has been your proudest moment?

The day I delivered our twins! I felt like superwoman. And, recently, the first day on set of the Christmas movie!

What has been your toughest period?

Going through my dad’s house after he passed away.

Kym Johnson showing her part in a PETA campaign in Pitt Street Mall.

What do you wish we could do more about?

Global warming – it is a huge problem with significant threats to humans and animals.

If you had a superpower, what would it be?

Teleportation – we travel so much as a family and we seem to be always on a plane. To be able to get from A to B in the click of a finger would be amazing.

“The older I get, the happier I am with myself.” Picture: Rebecca Hitch Photography

What is the kindest thing anyone has ever said to you?

Kindness comes when you least expect it – the littlest things are more important today – like when you’re not feeling it and someone tells you, you look happy or beautiful. Those little boosts in life are important.

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?

I used to dislike a lot of things but the older I get, the happier I am with myself. My husband and my children make me feel very happy within myself.

Originally published as There’s a lot more to Kym Johnson’s life than Dancing With The Stars