Choreographer, dancer and professional partner on Dancing with the Stars Sharna Burgess is leaving the show in order to pursue new endeavors. She left an emotional message about how grateful she is for the opportunities the show has brought to her, but is ready to turn the page.

Sharna, an American professional ballroom dancer, has been traveling the world for dance since she was 18. She first made her TV appearance on Australia’s Dancing with the Stars and then joined the American version of Dancing with the Stars for season 13 as a troupe member for another two seasons. The versatile dancer - who also dances disco, hip hop, jazz, and swing -  became a professional dancer on the show. She danced with Backstreet Boys’ Nick Carter, NFL’s Keyshawn Johnson, and Olympic ice dancer, Charlie white to name a few. She went onto win season 27 dancing with radio personality Bobby Bones. She has also been a runner-up for three different seasons. Just this past week, she revealed to fans that she will not be returning to her spot on the show after 12 seasons.

Sharna went to Instagram to break the news to her fans in a post of her and Bobby Bones holding their trophies, with a long and thought-out caption. It started out with her breaking the news that she will not be returning after 12 seasons, saying, “I am unbelievably sad to not be back!” She then went on to explain that although she is no longer on the show, reassuring fans, “I can whole heartedly tell you is that It’s all good, ALL love.” Sharna then went on to talk about what an incredible opportunity Dancing with the Stars was for her and what the show meant to her, adding, “To say the least… it’s been epic.” The ex-partner continued by talking about how she’s going to miss everyone on the sh0w and what it meant to her to be a professional partner. Check out the post below:

She also touched on what she’s planning next, writing, “I’m excited to dive into now that I have time. Everything happens for a reason,” reassuring her followers that they won’t be left in the dark. She told her fans and former castmates how much she loves them, and encouraged season 28’s professional dancers by writing, “You are what makes the show magical and I can’t wait to watch you shine.” She concluded her lengthy caption by wishing the cast the “best season yet.”

Even though Sharna did explain that she will not be returning to the show, the big question on the audience’s minds is about the motive behind leaving. She left fans wondering and speculating what it is that she has in store that she can’t talk about. Some fans assumed it was just a regular pay cut, while some are thinking that, due to the positive nature of the post, it is actually just a break and she’s going to come back as a judge. In the meantime, fans can look forward to watching season 28 of Dancing with the Stars. 

Next: Sean Spicer Responds to Dancing with the Stars Casting Criticism

Dancing with the Stars premieres Monday, September 16 at 8pm EST on ABC.

Source: Sharna Burgess