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Karina Smirnoff Not Returning to ‘Dancing With the Stars’

Karina Smirnoff won’t be returning to the upcoming season of Dancing With the Stars. The show recently announced those dance pros who would be returning for season 20 of the popular show, but Ka...
Karina Smirnoff Not Returning to ‘Dancing With the Stars’
Written by Kimberly Ripley
  • Karina Smirnoff won’t be returning to the upcoming season of Dancing With the Stars. The show recently announced those dance pros who would be returning for season 20 of the popular show, but Karina Smirnoff was noticeably absent from that list.

    Smirnoff has danced and coached on Dancing With the Stars since its third season. She was the mirror ball trophy winner for season 12. So why isn’t she coming back?

    As with dance pro Cheryl Burke, it was Karina Smirnoff’s decision not to return this season. She shared that decision with her fans via Instagram.

    “Many of you have been asking if I will be back for season 20 of DWTS and I wanted all of my incredible family to hear it directly from me. After a lot of thought and prayer, I’ve decided to focus my energies on some other exciting endeavors including adding author to my resume. I have absolutely loved dancing for all of you for all these years and feel blessed to have been given a platform to put my passion for dance, choreography and creativity on display. DWTS has been a huge part of my life for the last 10 years and i will always have a special place in my heart for it. I am thrilled that now you will be seeing more of me in new arenas in the days and weeks to come. My first book We’re Just Not That Into You – Dating Disasters From the Trenches was released today and I look forward to hearing from you as you read it! I love all of you so very much and couldn’t feel more grateful for your support in all that I do! #werejustnotthatintoyou,” Karina Smirnoff captioned her post.

    So who is coming back to Dancing With the Stars?

    Witney Carson is coming back, alongside fan favorite (and two-time champion) Mark Ballas. Seasoned pros and fellow mirrorball winners Tony Dovolani, Peta Murgatroyd, and Kym Johnson are back on the dance floor, too. Newer dance pros Val Chmerkovskiy, Sharna Burgess, Allison Holker, Emma Slater and Artem Chigvintsev are also joining the group for season 20.

    Are you disappointed to learn that Karina Smirnoff isn’t returning to Dancing With the Stars for season 20?

    The cast for season 20 of DWTS will be announced on Good Morning America on February 24th.

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