I am sad to say that Maksim Chmerkovskiy will not be a regular dancer on the upcoming season of “Dancing with the Stars.” His reps told People magazine that the gorgeous dancer would be taking time off, that he “needs a break.” The 28-year-old hoofer had previously been partnered with Laila Ali (who just finished up her first season on “American Gladiators”) and Spice Girl Mel B.
It was last December that Maksim told People that he was feeling burned out due to the show’s grueling schedule. He said, “After coming down from two seasons back-to-back, 10 weeks each season — 14 weeks, if you count all of the rehearsals — it puts a lot of pressure on a person and it takes its toll.” Fans were distraught at the possibility of him not returning. Maksim quickly made the comment that he was not quitting the show, but that “at a time when I was very stressed out. Sure, there’s lucrative offers. There are things that I really want to do with my life other than this show-that’s a given. After coming down from two seasons back to back, ten weeks each season–it takes its toll.”
Despite his complaining about the grueling schedule of “Dancing with the Stars,” Maksim has been busy during the off season. He helped choreography the show Le Reve at Wynn Las Vegas and is putting the final touches on a “Dancing with the Stars” fitness DVD he is producing with fellow dancer Cheryl Burke. He will also continue working with students at the Rising Stars Academy in Saddlebrook, N.J.
What does “Dancing with the Stars” network ABC have to say about all of this? An ABC spokesperson said that Maksim is part of the “Dancing with the Stars” family and he will eventually return to the show. There is also talk of Maksim appearing on the show’s results episodes when the professional dancers are featured in group-choreographed dances. Just keep your fingers crossed he will come back for season seven!
If you want to find out which celebrities will be appearing in the upcoming season, watch tomorrow night’s finale of “Dance Wars: Bruno vs. Carrie Ann.”