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."
Fashion
Health & Beauty
Videos
New York Dish
Photos
Comments (13)
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.
agree