Ervinas Merfeldas

{{Short description|Irish dancer and choreographer (born 2002)}} {{infobox person | name = Ervinas Merfeldas | image = | birth_name = | birth_date = {{birth date and age|df=yes|2002|08|18}} | birth_place = Celbridge, Kildare, Ireland | occupation = Dancer Choreographer | known_for = | height = | partner = }}

'''Ervinas Merfeldas''' (born 18 August 2002) is an Irish ballroom and Latin dancer and choreographer.

== Early life == Merfeldas was born in Celbridge in Kildare to Lithuanian parents.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-12-22 |title=Five new professionals are joining DWTS |url=https://vipmagazine.ie/five-new-professionals-are-joining-dwts/ |access-date=2022-06-27 |website=VIP Magazine |language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-01-09 |title=Dancing With The Stars Viewers Swoon Over New Arrivals |url=https://evoke.ie/2022/01/09/entertainment/dwts-viewers-swoon-new-arrivals |access-date=2022-06-27 |language=en-GB}}</ref> He attended Scoil Na Mainistreach.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Scoil Na Mainistreach Celbridge, Oldtown Road, Celbridge (2022) |url=https://www.schoolandcollegelistings.com/IE/Celbridge/240525643139485/Scoil-Na-Mainistreach-Celbridge |access-date=2022-06-27 |website=www.schoolandcollegelistings.com}}</ref> He has a younger brother.

== Career == Merfeldas has been dancing since the age of seven, training in ballroom and Latin styles.

In 2016, Merfeldas partnered with Gabija Raciute and competed in the WDSF World Championship in Romania.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Ranking of the WDSF Standard Junior II in Timisoara - Romania on 04 June 2016 {{!}} World DanceSport Federation at worlddancesport.org|url=http://www.worlddancesport.org/Event/Competition/World_Championship-Timisoara-20790/Junior_II-Standard-48991/Ranking|access-date=2021-11-10|website=www.worlddancesport.org}}</ref> In 2017, Merfeldas and Raciute finished in fifth place in the British Dance Federation Junior Latin Championships.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Competition Results {{!}} BDF Online|url=https://bdfonline.co.uk/results/|access-date=2021-11-10|language=en-GB}}</ref> In 2019, they reached the final of the World Dance Championships - Latin discipline, ultimately finishing in sixth place.<ref>{{Cite web |title=23/Mar/2019 Adults RS Latin |url=http://www.worldmasters.at/results/2019/6-wdcalrisingstarlat/index.htm |access-date=2022-06-30 |website=www.worldmasters.at}}</ref> In 2022, it was announced that Merfeldas would make his acting debut in ''The Blonde Bombshell'', a stage show based on Marilyn Monroe's life scheduled to premiere on 20 November 2022 at The Helix, Dublin.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Meet The Team – Blonde Bomb Shell |url=https://theblondebombshell.ie/meet-the-team/ |access-date=2022-10-13 |language=en-US}}</ref>{{update inline|date=December 2023}}

== ''Dancing with the Stars'' == On 22 December 2021, Merfeldas was announced as one of the new professional dancers joining the fifth series of the Irish edition of Dancing with the Stars.<ref>{{Cite web|website=rte.ie |date=2021-12-22|title=Dancing with the Stars professional dancers revealed|url=https://www.rte.ie/entertainment/2021/1222/1268162-dancing-with-the-stars-professional-dancers-revealed/|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-12-22|title=Dancing with the Stars reveal twelve Professional Dancers for new Season|url=https://extra.ie/2021/12/22/entertainment/movies-tv/dancing-with-the-stars-reveal-twelve-professional-dancers-for-new-season|access-date=2021-12-22|website=Extra.ie|language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Five new pro-dancers join the new series of Dancing With The Stars|url=https://www.sundayworld.com/showbiz/tv/five-new-pro-dancers-join-the-new-series-of-dancing-with-the-stars-41174224.html|access-date=2021-12-22|website=sundayworld|language=en}}</ref> Merfeldas was partnered with model and influencer Missy Keating, daughter of Ronan Keating and Yvonne Connolly.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Missy Keating responds to rumours she's dating her Dancing With The Stars partner|url=https://www.sundayworld.com/showbiz/tv/missy-keating-responds-to-rumours-shes-dating-her-dancing-with-the-stars-partner-41260257.html|access-date=2022-02-21|website=sundayworld|language=en}}</ref> Merfeldas and Keating performed their first routine on the opening week of the show on 9 January 2022, receiving mixed reviews from the judges and a score of 16.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Mallon|first=Sandra|date=2022-01-12|title=Romance rumours sparked between Missy and Ervinas|url=https://www.dublinlive.ie/news/celebs/rte-dancingwiththestars-missykeating-ervinasmerfeldas-romancerumours-22721875|access-date=2022-02-21|website=DublinLive|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Power|first=Ed|title=Dancing with the Stars returns to RTÉ, meaner and leaner than BBC's Strictly|url=https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/tv-radio-web/dancing-with-the-stars-returns-to-rt%C3%A9-meaner-and-leaner-than-bbc-s-strictly-1.4772538|access-date=2022-02-21|website=The Irish Times|language=en}}</ref> They received high praise in Week 4 for their Contemporary Ballroom routine inspired by the film ''Wolfwalkers''.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Moloughney|first=Sian|title=Kilkenny-made Wolfwalkers transformed into amazing dance routine on Dancing With The Stars!|url=https://www.kilkennypeople.ie/news/entertainment/732579/kilkenny-made-wolfwalkers-transformed-into-amazing-dance-routine-on-dancing-with-the-stars.html|access-date=2022-02-21|website=www.kilkennypeople.ie|language=en}}</ref> In the sixth week, Keating tested positive for COVID-19, resulting in the couple being unable to dance and receiving a bye to the following week.<ref>{{Cite web|last=O’Donoghue|first=Denise|date=2022-02-10|title=Dancing with the Stars' Missy Keating 'heartbroken' after positive Covid-19 test|url=https://www.irishexaminer.com/lifestyle/artsandculture/arid-40805289.html|access-date=2022-02-21|website=Irish Examiner|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Missy Keating celebrates her 21st birthday on Instagram|url=https://www.sundayworld.com/showbiz/irish-showbiz/dancing-with-the-stars-contestant-missy-keating-celebrates-her-21st-birthday-41359371.html|access-date=2022-02-21|website=sundayworld|language=en}}</ref> On 20 February 2022, Keating and Merfeldas were eliminated from the competition following a dance-off against Erica-Cody and Denys Samson.<ref>{{Cite web|last=O’Donoghue|first=Denise|date=2022-02-10|title=Dancing with the Stars' Missy Keating 'heartbroken' after positive Covid-19 test|url=https://www.irishexaminer.com/lifestyle/artsandculture/arid-40805289.html|access-date=2022-02-21|website=Irish Examiner|language=en}}</ref>

On 4 March, it was announced that Merfeldas would partner Erica-Cody after her regular partner, Denys Samson, tested positive for COVID-19.<ref>{{Cite web|website=rte.ie |date=2022-03-04 |title=DWTS professional Denys Samson to miss Sunday's show |url=https://www.rte.ie/entertainment/2022/0304/1284506-dwts-professional-denys-samson-to-miss-sundays-show/ |language=en}}</ref> On 13 March, it was announced that Merfeldas would partner Ellen Keane after her regular partner, Stephen Vincent, tested positive for COVID-19.<ref>{{Cite web|website=rte.ie |date=2022-03-13 |title=Stephen Vincent out of tonight's Dancing with the Stars |url=https://www.rte.ie/entertainment/2022/0313/1286098-stephen-vincent-out-of-tonights-dancing-with-the-stars/ |language=en}}</ref> Merfeldas was publicly praised for his contribution and ability to step in at short notice.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-03-13 |title=Everyone is saying same thing about Ervinas after Dancing with the Stars performance - Extra.ie |url=https://extra.ie/2022/03/13/entertainment/movies-tv/everyone-is-saying-same-thing-about-ervinas-after-dancing-with-the-stars |access-date=2022-06-27 |language=en-GB}}</ref>

Merfeldas returned for the sixth series in 2023, partnered with Republic of Ireland footballer, Stephanie Roche.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Glennon |first=Nicole |date=2022-12-19 |title=Dancing with the Stars: Pairings revealed as Dr Marie Cassidy, Carl Mullan, prepare to dance |url=https://www.irishexaminer.com/lifestyle/artsandculture/arid-41030396.html |access-date=2022-12-21 |website=Irish Examiner |language=en}}</ref> They were the fourth couple eliminated after the first dance-off against Suzanne Jackson and Michael Danilczuk.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Dancing with the Stars week 7: Did the wrong sports star get voted off? |url=https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/tv-radio/2023/02/19/dancing-with-the-stars-week-7-stephanie-roches-plucky-presence-not-enough-as-she-loses-out-in-dance-off/ |access-date=2023-05-18 |website=The Irish Times |language=en}}</ref>

Merfeldas returned for the seventh series in 2024, partnered with ''Ireland AM'' presenter, Katja Mia. They were the sixth couple eliminated, losing their dance-off to Blu Hydrangea & Simone Arena.

Merfeldas returned for the eighth series in 2025, partnered with social media personality, Kayleigh Trappe. They reached the final, finishing as joint runners-up to Rhys McClenaghan & Laura Nolan.

Merfeldas returned for the ninth series in 2026, partnered with ''Fair City'' actress, Stephanie Kelly.

{| class="wikitable sortable" style="margin:auto; text-align:center;" !Series !Partner !Place |- |5 |Missy Keating |9th |- |6 |Stephanie Roche |8th |- |7 |Katja Mia |6th |- style="background:silver;" |8 |Kayleigh Trappe |2nd |- |9 |Stephanie Kelly |7th |}

'''Highest and Lowest Scoring Per Dance'''

{| class="wikitable sortable collapsed" |-style="text-align:Center; background:cc;" !Dance !Partner !Highest !Partner !Lowest |-style="text-align: center; background:#faf6f6" |'''American Smooth''' | Katja Mia | 26 | Missy Keating | 16 |-style="text-align: center; background:#faf6f6" |'''Cha-cha-cha''' | Katja Mia | 24 | Stephanie Roche | 13 |-style="text-align: center; background:#faf6f6" |'''Charleston''' | Katja Mia | 27 | Stephanie Roche | 23 |-style="text-align: center; background:#faf6f6" |'''Contemporary Ballroom''' | Kayleigh Trappe | 29 | Missy Keating | 24 |-style="text-align: center; background:#faf6f6" |'''Foxtrot''' | Katja Mia | 22 | Stephanie Roche | 13 |-style="text-align: center; background:#faf6f6" |'''Jive''' | Kayleigh Trappe | 28 | | |-style="text-align: center; background:#faf6f6" |'''Paso Doble''' | Katja Mia | 23 | Stephanie Roche | 14 |-style="text-align: center; background:#faf6f6" |'''Quickstep''' | Kayleigh Trappe | 21 | | |-style="text-align: center; background:#faf6f6" |'''Rumba''' | Kayleigh Trappe | 35 | | |-style="text-align: center; background:#faf6f6" |'''Salsa''' | Kayleigh Trappe | 38 | Stephanie Roche | 17 |-style="text-align: center; background:#faf6f6" |'''Samba''' | Kayleigh Trappe | 30 | Stephanie Roche | 19 |-style="text-align: center; background:#faf6f6" |'''Showdance''' | Kayleigh Trappe | 38 | | |-style="text-align: center; background:#faf6f6" |'''Tango''' | Kayleigh Trappe | 35 | Missy Keating | 22 |-style="text-align: center; background:#faf6f6" |'''Viennese Waltz''' | Kayleigh Trappe | 29 | Katja Mia | 23 |-style="text-align: center; background:#faf6f6" |'''Waltz''' | | | | |}

;Series 5 – with celebrity partner Missy Keating

<nowiki>*</nowiki>Due to Keating testing positive for COVID-19, the couple did not dance in Week 6 but were given a bye to compete in the following week.<ref>{{Cite web|website=rte.ie |date=2022-02-10 |title=Missy Keating to miss Sunday's DWTS due to Covid-19 |url=https://www.rte.ie/entertainment/2022/0210/1279056-missy-keating-to-miss-sundays-dwts-due-to-covid-19/ |language=en}}</ref>

;Series 6 – with celebrity partner Stephanie Roche

;Series 7 – with celebrity partner Katja Mia

{| class="wikitable collapsible" ! rowspan="2" style="background:#ccc; text-align:Center;" |'''Week No.''' ! rowspan="2" style="background:#ccc; text-align:Center;" |'''Dance/Song''' ! colspan="3" style="background:#ccc; text-align:Center;" |'''Judges' score''' ! rowspan="2" style="background:#ccc; text-align:Center;" |'''Total''' ! rowspan="2" style="background:#ccc; text-align:Center;" |'''Result''' |- style="text-align:center; background:#ccc;" | style="width:10%; " |Redmond | style="width:10%; " |Barry | style="width:10%; " |Gourounlian |- style="text-align:center; background:#faf6f6;" |1 |Samba / "My Love" |7 |7 |7 |21 | rowspan="2" |No elimination |- style="text-align:center; background:#faf6f6;" |2 |Foxtrot / "Killer Queen" |7 |7 |8 |22 |- style="text-align:center; background:#faf6f6;" |3 |Cha-cha-cha / "Cuff It" |8 |8 |8 |{{green|'''24'''}} |Safe |- style="text-align:center; background:#faf6f6;" |4 |Paso Doble / "Queen of the Night" |7 |8 |8 |23 |Safe |- style="text-align:center; background:#faf6f6;" |5 |Viennese Waltz / "Keep Holding On" |7 |8 |8 |23 |Safe |- style="text-align:center; background:#faf6f6;" |6 |Tango / "Sisters Are Doing It for Themselves" |8 |9 |9 |26 |No elimination |- style="text-align:center; background:#faf6f6;" |7 |Charleston / "I Need You" |9 |9 |9 |27 |Safe |- style="text-align:center; background:#faf6f6;" |8 |American Smooth / "Everlasting Love" |8 |9 |9 |26 |Bottom two |- style="text-align:center; background:#faf6f6;" |9 |Salsa / "Levitating" Team Dance / "Electric Energy" |9 10 |9 9 |10 9 |28 {{red|''28''}} |Eliminated |}

;Series 8 – with celebrity partner Kayleigh Trappe

{| class="wikitable collapsible" ! rowspan="2" style="background:#ccc; text-align:Center;" |'''Week No.''' ! rowspan="2" style="background:#ccc; text-align:Center;" |'''Dance/Song''' ! colspan="4" style="background:#ccc; text-align:Center;" |'''Judges' score''' ! rowspan="2" style="background:#ccc; text-align:Center;" |'''Total''' ! rowspan="2" style="background:#ccc; text-align:Center;" |'''Result''' |- style="text-align:center; background:#ccc;" | style="width:10%; " |Redmond | style="width:10%; " |Byrne | style="width:10%; " |Barry | style="width:10%; " |Gourounlian |- style="text-align:center; background:#faf6f6;" |1 |Jive / "Yes" |7 |7 |7 |7 |28 | rowspan="2" |No elimination |- style="text-align:center; background:#faf6f6;" |2 |Viennese Waltz / "Timeless" |7 |7 |7 |8 |29 |- style="text-align:center; background:#faf6f6;" |3 |Cha-cha-cha / "Espresso" |6 |6 |6 |6 |24 |Safe |- style="text-align:center; background:#faf6f6;" |4 |Quickstep / "The Aristocats" |7 |7 | - |7 |21 |Safe |- style="text-align:center; background:#faf6f6;" |5 |Contemporary Ballroom / "Brave" |7 |7 |8 |7 |29 |Safe |- style="text-align:center; background:#faf6f6;" |6 |Samba / "Fuego" |7 |7 |8 |8 |30 |Safe |- style="text-align:center; background:#faf6f6;" |7 |Salsa / "Let There Be Love" |8 |8 |8 |8 |32 |Safe |- style="text-align:center; background:#faf6f6;" |8 |Charleston / "That's Entertainment" |8 |8 |8 |8 |32 |Safe |- style="text-align:center; background:#faf6f6;" |9 |Rumba / "I Will Always Love You" Team Dance / "Footloose" |8 8 |8 9 |8 9 |9 9 |33 {{red|''35''}} |Safe |- style="text-align:center; background:#faf6f6;" |10 |Tango / "Hot to Go!" Scare-a-thon / "Time Warp" |8 Couple |9 awarded |9 3 |9 points |{{red|''35''}} 38 |Safe |- style="text-align:center; background:#faf6f6;" |11 |Salsa / "Let There Be Love" Showdance / "Wildest Dreams (R3hab remix)" |9 9 |10 10 |9 9 |10 10 |{{red|''38''}} 38 | rowspan="2" style="background:silver;" | Runners-up |}

;Series 9 – with celebrity partner Stephanie Kelly

== References == {{Reflist}}

==External links== * {{WDSF|Ervinas-Merfeldas-c853fe59-09b3-423d-91c2-a5a601660a2d}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Merfeldas, Ervinas}} Category:2002 births Category:Living people Category:Ballroom dancers