Dancing with the Stars pro Mark Ballas has announced he's retiring from the reality dancing competition after returning from a five-year absence last season.
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"I've done 20 seasons now," Mark told the audience at the final Dancing with the Stars tour stop in Las Vegas, NV, on March 12, according to E! News.
"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."
Mark, supported by his closest loved ones in the crowd, went on to drop a bombshell.
"My mom is here tonight, my dad is here tonight, my wife is here tonight, my wife's mom and dad are here tonight," the 36-year-old pro dancer continued.
"I just want to finish this by saying that this will be the last time you see me dance in this capacity. I'm coming to a close tonight. This is going to be my last dance."
Charli, who danced with Mark on tour, stood by Mark's side for his shocking announcement.
"Charli means the world to me," said the three-time mirrorball trophy champion Mark. "D'Amelio family, you guys mean the world to me. Thank you for everything."
Mark may be done with Dancing with the Stars, but he's not totally hanging up his dancing shoes.
"Thank you guys for a lifetime of memories. I appreciate it," Mark concluded. "I'm not saying this is the end. This is just the last time I'll be dancing with a partner."
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Dancing with the Stars tour host Emma Slater then welcomed the entire cast on the stage to celebrate and cheer for Mark.
"Mark, we love you so much," Emma said. "Look at all the cast coming out to see you. Such a champion. I don't think Dancing with the Stars would have been the same without this guy right here."
Mark returned to Dancing with the Stars late last year following a five-year hiatus from the show.
Mark told Us Weekly after the show's Season 31 premiere in late September that "it felt great" and was "cool" to be competing again, especially because of the electric "energy" in the ballroom.
Mark made his Dancing with the Stars debut on Season 5 back in 2007 with former Cheetah Girls star Sabrina Bryan.
After placing seventh with Sabrina, Mark went on to compete on Dancing with the Stars from Season 6 straight through Season 22. During that time, he finished in first place twice with former figure skater Kristi Yamaguchi on Season 6 and then with Olympian gymnast Shawn Johnson on Season 8.
Mark, who's had many second and third-place finishes over the years, took a break for two seasons in 2016 and 2017, but he returned for Season 25 and competed with violinist Lindsey Stirling. Mark and Lindsey were the runner-up couple that season.
Mark, who is also a musician and plays in a band, then left Dancing with the Stars until his comeback on Season 31 with Charli.
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RELATED LINK: 'DANCING WITH THE STARS' PROS AND THEIR SIGNIFICANT OTHERS: WHO'S DATING OR MARRIED TO WHOM!? (PHOTOS)
Mark isn't the only Dancing with the Stars pro retiring. Cheryl Burke announced her retirement from the show at the end of Season 31, although she recently said in the media she would love to be a judge or co-host.
About The Author: Elizabeth Kwiatkowski
