Maksim: 'I'm Just Taking Time Off'

February 18, 2008 | Dancing With The Stars

Maksim Chmerkovskiy isn't quitting "Dancing With the Stars" - he's simply taking time off.

"I decided to sit next season out," Maksim told "Extra." "I made a deal with the producers."

Maksim explained that other commitments - like his multiple dance studios - needed his attention this year.

"It's one of those things I need to attend to; my domestic studios and my students - their competitive careers," he said. "They [the producers] were kind enough to give me a break and let me do it. I'll be back next season, all refreshed and ready to go."

In November, Maksim told "Extra" he was thinking about leaving the "Dancing" stage.

"If this is the limit of where I can get in a show, then let it be," Maks said. "I'm satisfied and moving on."

Though he's absent from the "Dancing" roster, this year, "I am not leaving," he insisted. "I'm just taking time off to attend to these things that tend to pile up...I have three studios at home back East that need to be addressed."

Still, "Dancing" fans may get a surprise visit from the dance pro this season - he may make a cameo.

"I'm part of the 'Dancing with the Stars' family and I know there's recurring appearances of people who were on seasons before," he explained. "So, depending on what the production people want, I told them I'm available for whatever they want to do."

As for rumors that he's pursuing a career on the big screen, "We'll see," he said. "There's a bit of acting here and there. I'll explore my options."

comments

I’m so mad that maks is not going to be a part of the show this season. He was one of the main reasons why I watched and he is so cute and sexy. Maybe the ratings might go down now. If he wants to work with his students at his dance studios and wants time off, why can’t he do that when he has time off between seasons of the show? thats enough time. Its a shame that he didn’t win last season, he should have won, he had the best celebrity partner in the competition. Why didn’t the producers pick a disney channel star this season for the younger audience? There aren’t a lot of good people this season. I only heard of like four people.

tvgrrl
February 21, 2008

I’m so mad that maks is not going to be a part of the show this season. He was one of the main reasons why I watched and he is so cute and sexy. Maybe the ratings might go down now. If he wants to work with his students at his dance studios and wants time off, why can’t he do that when he has time off between seasons of the show? thats enough time. Its a shame that he didn’t win last season, he should have won, he had the best celebrity partner in the competition. Why didn’t the producers pick a disney channel star this season for the younger audience? There aren’t a lot of good people this season. I only heard of like four people.

tvgrrl
February 21, 2008

Ballroom dancing is just as tough for the women as it is for the men. This just shows that Dancing With the Stars is a popularity contest. The wrong person always wins. The only person who won that deserved to win was Drew in season 2. Hopefully Maks will make a cameo in the show this season. At least he isn’t actually quitting the show.

dwtsluver
February 20, 2008

Ballroom dancing is just as tough for the women as it is for the men. This just shows that Dancing With the Stars is a popularity contest. The wrong person always wins.

dwtsluver
February 20, 2008

Ballroom dancing is just as tough for the women as it is for the men. This just shows that Dancing With the Stars is a popularity contest. The wrong person always wins. The only person who won that deserved to win was Drew in season 2. Hopefully Maks will make a cameo in the show this season. At least he isn’t actually quitting the show.

dwtsluver
February 20, 2008

If the producers thought that they had too much dance experience they would have not been on the show. Just because you play some type of sport doesn’t mean that it has nothing to do with dancing and you have no dancing experience.

dwtsluver
February 20, 2008

She always got the highest scores and she worked very well with Maks. He deserved to win last season and I feel bad for the both of them but they have more opportunities than Helio does which is better. What is wrong with a girl winning for once? Ballroom dancing is way different than what the Cheetah Girls and the Spice Girls do and any other band.

dwtsluver
February 20, 2008

I’m so sad that Maksim is not going to be on the show this season. He is so hot and spicy and I loved watching him. It is really disapointing that him and Melanie didn’t win last season. Melanie was the only contestant besides Sabrina who was very good AND CONSISTANT the whole season.

dwtsluver
February 20, 2008

I’m so sad that Masksim is not going to be on the show this season. He is so hot and spicy and I loved watching him. It is really sad that him and melanie didn’t win last season. Melanie was the only contestant besides sabrina who was very good AND CONSISTANT the whole season. She always got the highest scores and she worked very well with Maks. He deserved to win last season and I feel bad for the both of them but they have more opportunities than Helio does which is better. Helio was not consistant every week. What is wrong with a girl winning for once?

dwtsluver
February 20, 2008

I’m so sad that Masksim is not going to be on the show this season. He is so hot and spicy and I loved watching him. It is really sad that him and melanie didn’t win last season. Melanie was the only contestant besides sabrina who was very good AND CONSISTANT the whole season. She always got the highest scores and she worked very well with Maks. He deserved to win last season and I feel bad for the both of them but they have more opportunities than Helio does which is better. Helio was not consistant every week. What is wrong with a girl winning for once? Ballroom dancing is way different than what the Cheetah Girls and the Spice Girls do and any other band. If the producers thought that they had too much dance experience they would have not been on the show. Just because you play some type of sport doesn’t mean that it has nothing to do with dancing. Ballroom dancing is just as tough for the women as it is for the men. This just shows that Dancing With the Stars is a popularity contest. The wrong person always wins. The only person who won that deserved to win was Drew in season 2. Hopefully Maks will make a cameo is the show this season.

dwtsluver
February 20, 2008

They originally dismissed this as a rumor. I’m really upset that it’s true. Maks is the hottest, sexiest man on the show; who can possibly take his place? I respect Maks’ wishes to take some time off; he definitely deserves it; but it just won’t be the same next season without him. Maks is pure eye candy, and an amazing dancer. I will miss him next season.

Barnsinger
February 18, 2008

Well, if Maks is out, they had better find another hunk to take his spot because I can tell you, Maks was the main reason I even watched - he is so fine!!!!!!

Teresa
February 18, 2008

AWWWW, I wanted to see him win for once!!! He danced beautifully with both Layla and Mel. B., too bad he can’t win the contest for once, because he sure deserves too…

Anonymous
February 18, 2008
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