Dancing with the Stars' next season will feature the return of some fan-favorite pros including Derek Hough and Maksim Chmerkovskiy, but there's no Mark Ballas!
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According to Ballas, he's taking on a new "venture" that is "beginning shortly" and prevents him from being able to join next season's cast.
Ballas joined Dancing with the Stars for Season 5 back in 2007 and has competed on every single season since then, so the creative choreographer decided it was only fitting to explain his absence in a personalized way.
On Instagram Wednesday, Ballas posted a photo of a handwritten letter with the caption, "From Me To You."
"I wanted to hand write this letter to personally thank each and every one of you for the support over the years. I am incredibly moved and grateful for all of your messages over the past 24 hours," Ballas began the letter.
Ballas has earned two mirrorball trophies, three runner-up finishes and three 3rd-place finishes in his Dancing with the Stars career. He's made a name for himself on the show by creating some of the most wild and imaginative dance routines for his celebrity partners.
"I know many of you are concerned and curious. I want to wish my DWTS comrades luck this season. I'll miss competing and creating outside the box," Ballas continued in the letter.
"However, I am looking forward to this new chapter and venture that is beginning shortly. I will soon have news for you all where to find me. I hope to see many of you there."
He concluded the letter by saying, "I love you all so much and couldn't be more grateful for your loyalty and support. You mean the world to me."
It's unclear whether Season 22 was Ballas' last with the reality dancing competition or he's only taking a break to pursue another opportunity, which many pros before him -- including Hough -- have done.
Dancing with the Stars will return to ABC on Monday, September 12 at 8PM ET/PT.
About The Author: Elizabeth Kwiatkowski
