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Mark Ballas has retired and ended his stint on DWTS. The 36-year-old ballroom dancer said goodbye to his fans after his performance with partner Charli D’Amelio in Las Vegas.
Ballas began competing on the ABC program in season five during the fall of 2007. Since then, the well-rounded choreographer has become one of the fans’ favorite contestants on the show. He has also won awards as well as nominations.
Is Mark Ballas’ DWTS Reign Over?
At the final stop for the Dancing with the Stars Live 2023 tour at the Pearl Concert Theater, Ballas revealed that his time on the show is over. The TV star told his audience:
“I’ve done 20 seasons now. I started this journey when I was 21, 22 and honestly being able to dance and perform for you fans — you guys are the best fans.”
After praising his fans, the three-time Mirrorball trophy winner went on to acknowledge his parents, who were part of the audience. He then dropped the bombshell, noting that all Mark Ballas lovers will not witness another of his prowess on DWTS as he was retiring.
Fans were thrown aback by this announcement, and a loud mumbling ensued from the crowd. Meanwhile, Ballas continued his exploration, stating that his performance with D’Amelio at the Las Vegas stage was a “great way to finish it off.”
However, as fans continued to express their heartbreaks, Ballas offered some hope. The TV star explained that his announcement did not signify a complete end. It only meant that he would not be dancing with a partner in the future.
Inside Ballas’ Career On DWTS
Ballas has broken numerous records throughout his 20 seasons as a professional dancer on the hit ABC show. He is a three-time champion, winning season 6 with Olympic ice skater Kristi Yamaguchi. He and Olympic gymnast Shawn Johnson won in season 8 and D’Amelio in season 31.
Other stars Ballas has partnered with on the program include Melissa Joan Hart, Kim Kardashian, and Sabrina Bryan, among others. While Ballas has been on DWTS since 2007, he took a five-year hiatus and only returned in 2022 for the show’s season 31.