Julia Shahar Opens Up About Childhood Pain, Dance Career, and Marriage to Yogev Malka

Julia Shahar, the 34-year-old winner of Israel's "Dancing with the Stars," recently shared her personal story in the podcast "Spill It" with Lilach Markovitz. Born in Ukraine and immigrating to Israel at age four with her single mother, Shahar experienced abandonment when her father left shortly after their arrival. This painful childhood event has deeply affected her, fueling her drive for success and perfectionism to avoid being left behind again. She maintains minimal contact with her father, communicating only through social media interactions, and expresses ongoing anger and hurt over his absence.

Despite never formally training in ballroom dance, Shahar became a mentor on "Dancing with the Stars" after a rigorous audition process. She incorporated her background in hip-hop and street dance into her choreography, which set her apart but also made her feel like an outsider among traditional ballroom dancers. She recounted a difficult episode with fellow mentor Sene Sokol, which left her emotionally shaken but ultimately resolved.

Shahar is currently partnered with Australian actor and Israeli advocate Nait Bozolic on the show. While she admires his achievements, she finds working with a non-Israeli challenging, especially given the physical demands and cultural differences. She also discussed the pressures of public exposure and how it once triggered a panic attack after winning the competition with Dor Harari.

Her relationship with her husband, Yogev Malka, a former "Ninja Israel" star whom she met on the show, has been a stabilizing force. They began dating after a heated argument during the competition and married in September last year. Shahar respects Malka's boundaries regarding her dancing with male partners and has adjusted her performances to maintain modesty. They are considering starting a family, with Malka eager to become a father.

Looking ahead, Shahar envisions a lasting marriage and a meaningful career in Israeli entertainment. She acknowledges the challenges of balancing personal and professional life but remains committed to giving her all in both arenas.