Pro Dancer Mark Ballas Is Leaving 'Dancing With the Stars' After 20 Seasons Inside His Decision

After 20 seasons and 3 wins, pro dancer Mark Ballas is leaving 'DWTS.' Why is he retiring? Read on for main points on his departure.

Singer, guitarist, choreographer, and ballroom dancer Mark Ballas has danced his ultimate dance — with a partner, no less than.

Having starred in 20 seasons of Emmy-winning truth pageant display Dancing With the Stars, the performer introduced his retirement from the series in mid-March 2023.

Mark — aka one half of indie musical duo Alexander Jean — first appeared on DWTS all through Season 5 in 2007. Since then, he's gained three coveted Mirrorball Trophies — which he shared with Olympic ice skater Kristi Yamaguchi in Season 6, Olympic gymnast Shawn Johnson in Season 8, and TikTok big name Charli D'Amelio in Season 31 — and positioned second four occasions.

His announcement got here 4 months after his Season 31 victory. Given his successful run on the show, what made Mark Ballas make a decision to sashay away from DWTS? Here's what he had to say.

Why is Mark Ballas leaving 'Dancing with the Stars'?

In the midst of the final Dancing With the Stars Live 2023 excursion forestall at the Palms Casino Resort's Pearl Concert Theater in Las Vegas, Mark Ballas revealed his reality before the audience, consistent with People.

"I started this journey when I was 21, 22. Honestly, being able to dance and perform for you fans, you guys are the best fans. Thank you," Mark mentioned on March 12, 2023, as observed in a video recorded by a fan. With dance spouse Charli D'Amelio by means of his side, Mark stopped stalling and announced his departure.

"So, I just wanna finish by saying this will be the last time you see me dance in this capacity. I'm coming to a close tonight. This is gonna be my last dance," he persevered, the crowd audibly surprised.

"I had the best time ever this season, and this freestyle was just a great way to finish it off," he added. "This song means the world to me, Charli means the world to me, the D'Amelio family, you guys mean the world to me. Thank you for everything."

As target audience participants rose from their seats and applauded Mark's speech, he clarified his previous statements.

"I'm not saying this is the end, this is just the last time I will be dancing with a partner," he defined. "And I wanted to finish this with Charli, and I appreciate you guys so much."

Mark Ballas got here with regards to rejecting his 'DWTS' Season 31 offer.

Though he hasn't given a concrete reason why for his DWTS retirement, Mark has apparently been pondering over his place in the competition sequence for a while, as he nearly declined the be offering to compete in Season 31.

"I was extremely hesitant about joining this season and was leaning towards saying no as I felt this chapter of my life had come to a close," he wrote on Instagram following his and Charli's win. For some background, Mark did not compete in Seasons 23, 24, or 26–30.

"After receiving the offer and thinking about it a while, for some strange reason I took the leap and said yes. After five years of not creating in this arena the ideas started flooding out quite quickly, then I had my first meet with @charlidamelio. As shy and timid as she was for those first few weeks, I knew there was something extremely special in there," his submit persevered.

He went on to reward the D'Amelio Show big name for her dedication, her comments, her consider, her skill, and her angle throughout the festival, plainly ecstatic that he chose to give it one remaining cross.

"I feel honored and privileged to have been your coach, partner, friend, and big brother," he concluded.

Mark Ballas may be putting up his dancing shoes and glittery pants for the time being, but like he specified, it isn't necessarily "the end."

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