Val Chmerkovskiy Retires From Competitive Ballroom Dancing
Last night after dancing for Dancing With Me Soho’s production “Ballroom On Broadway” in Manhattan, Val Chmerkovskiy announced his retirement from competitive dancing. Below is a little of what he wrote in an open letter on Dancebeat.com. A very touching and emotional announcement.
To all I care about,
I’m writing this letter to let you know that I have decided to end my competitive dance career. It truly has been an amazing journey for me. I have been so very blessed with the incredible partners that I had the pleasure of growing and competing with. To them I say thank you from the bottom of my heart. Endless gratitude to the coaches that have given me so much, I am forever in debt. The knowledge that was shared with me, throughout the years, is worth more than any trophy I have ever won. The experience I gained from the countless hours of practice and performances, the character I built from the disappointments and failure, alongside with the love I gained for movement, music, and self-expression is something that has shaped me into the man I am today.
I was a 7 year old child when I was dragged against my will into a world of high heels, tight pants, and shiny shirts. I was a 12 year old boy when I went to my first oversees competition (German Open), and was one of only 2 US couples there (my brother being the second). I was a 15 year old adolescent when I won my first IDSF World Championship, and became the first and last American to ever do it… I was a 19 year old “young man” when I had the privilege of lifting the Blackpool trophy, which was an honor I only dreamed about. But as a 23 year old man I was told I couldn’t compete at the Dutch Open. Then as a 24 year old man I was told that I couldn’t compete against some of the best dancers in the world, because of reasons I had no power of influencing. The world I believed in, loved, and was willing to give up my last penny for was changing… and changing for the worse.
You can continue to read his official letter here.
So, what does this mean for Val’s future? Heidi and several of you have speculated in the comment sections that this might mean Val will be coming to Dancing With The Stars Season 13 and that he might be one of the “new faces” that we have been rumored to see. If so, could this be why his brother Maks decided to return for the new season? So many questions surrounding this new Season. Hopefully, we will know more soon and this isn’t the last we see of Val and his dancing career. Pay close attention to the Pro-Watch sticky!
Apparently the competitive dance world is on its way to hell in a handbasket. When Maks was in Montreal, he was asked about it, and he was not very complimentary at all. The word corrupt was used. 🙂
I’d love to see Val on DWTS. He’s a great dancer and it would be fun to see him interact with his brother. And you know… if Maks is thinking of leaving at some point, what better person to whom to pass the Chmerkovskiy torch.
Can’t wait to see what happens!!
You and me both!!! 😉
Btw, I’ve been wondering on Daria too. What will happen to her? She’s a beautiful dancer too. In fact, I like her better than Lacey, Chelsie, Cheryl, and Karina.
Not sure how I feel about the possibility of three new pros this season. But It will be interesting to have Maks and his brother doing the show together. However, with no prior DWTS fanbase these new faces will have a tough road to hoe to stay in the competition. Wonder how their partners will feel not getting one of the regulars. I would be kind of bummed.
Again, the three new competing pros is not a done deal just yet.
And this is nothing other than speculation on our parts about Val doing the show. It’d sure be fun though. 🙂
I was referring to Sandy’s post about “three new pros” – not Val in particular. I would make the speculation READ like speculation, otherwise I will keep saying the same thing. 🙂 I don’t want fingers pointing at me for being wrong when I qualified the hell out of my post.
@Heidi – You are right I should have stated “IF” there are three new pros… Just as “IF” there are three new troupe members…. Everything is pure speculation at this point.
No biggie – I’ve just been seeing a lot of commentary talking like it’s a done deal. You did use the word “possible”, but then after that I was like Whoa!! It might be okay!! 🙂
Of all the potential new pros, Val is pretty much the only one I would really want to see. I’m not feeling thrilled about any of the other new pro possibilities, but that’s probably because I would hold a grudge against just about anyone who took (or I assumed took) the spot of one of my favorite regular pros. Val could be an exception though, especially if Maks is leaving soon(ish) like others mentioned.
Also, I’m not involved in ballroom and don’t know much about the competitive ballroom world and the organizations that govern it, so if anyone would be able to put it in very simple terms for me, I would be extremely grateful as I’m a little confused about everything that I hear is going down…
Does anyone know of the “changes in ballroom dancing” that Val is referring to? Apparently, they seem to be toward the negative, judging from Val’s tone. I’m curious.
Devastated. I was looking forward to him going pro, I think he was on the fast track to becoming world champ. BTW I’m pretty sure Daria is dating Slavik, so that might be a new partnership.
Albievo, I’m not sure if this is why or this if will answer your question, but, one of my followers at twitter posted this link thinking this might be why Val was upset;
http://www.wdcdance.com/index.php?set_ActivMenu=135&set_NewsId=127