Mark Ballas in 2018.Photo: Phillip Faraone/Getty
During Sunday’s finalDWTStour stop at the Pearl Concert Theater at the Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas, Ballas, 36, announced that he’ll be retiring as a competing pro dancer onDWTS.
The announcement comes nearly 16 years after he made his debut on the hit series during season 5 in 2007.
Charli D’Amelio and Mark Ballas.ABC/Eric McCandless
As he announced the news to the crowd, Ballas stood on stage beside his season 31 partner, TikTok starCharli D’Amelio— who worked with Ballas to winthe Mirrorball Trophyin November, his third time earning the title.
“I had the best time ever this season, andthis freestyle was just a great wayto finish it off. This song means the world to me, Charli means the world to me, the D’Amelio family, you guys mean the world to me. Thank you for everything,” Ballas said.
“I’m not saying this is the end, [but] this is the last time I will be dancing with a [celebrity] partner,” he clarified. “And I wanted to finish this with Charli, and I appreciate you guys so much. I wanna do this freestyle for you one more time. Thank you for everything, I appreciate it.”
A representative for Ballas told PEOPLE he had no further comment at this time.
Throughout his time on the dance competition show, Ballas has been partnered with stars includingMelissa Joan Hart,Kim Kardashian,Sabrina Bryan,Shannen Doherty,Bristol Palin,Christina Milian,Aly Raisman,Kristin Cavallari,Candace Cameron Bure,Lindsey Stirling,Sadie Robertson,Paige VanZantandAlexa PenaVega.
He’s won the competition three times — with Olympic ice skaterKristi Yamaguchiin season 6, Olympic gymnastShawn Johnsonin season 8 and, of course, D’Amelio in season 31.
Ballas also has four second-place finishes under his belt — Stirling (season 25), VanZant (season 22), Robertson (season 19) and Katherine Jenkins (season 14) — as well as three third place finishes with Palin (season 15), Bure (season 18) andChelsea Kane(season 12).
While he’s appeared onDWTSsince 2007, he was not part of seasons 23, 24, or 26-30.
Mark Ballas and Kristi Yamaguchi.Bob D’Amico/Walt Disney Television via Getty
“Oh my gosh, it happened so fast!” Charli told reporters after the finale. “I couldn’t even really comprehend what was going on, and then they put me in the air. I was like, ‘What?’ "
“I think we’re both still a bit staggered,” Ballas admitted at the time. “It’s like she’s still shell-shocked.”
Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
After the win,Ballas revealed on Instagramthat he was “leaning towards saying no” to returning to season 31 “as I felt this chapter of my life had come to a close.”
“After receiving the offer & thinking about it a while, for some strange reason I took the leap & said yes,” he shared. “After 5 years of not creating in this arena the ideas started flooding out quite quickly, then I had my first meet w/ @charlidamelio As shy & timid as she was for those first few weeks, I knew there was something extremely special in there, which became even more apparent after our first performance.”
“We always had fun but also knew when to focus & I don’t think I heard you complain once, even when your feet were literally bleeding,” he continued. “We created a body of work that I will always be proud of & to say that I’m proud of you is an understatement. Enjoy this moment with your whole heart because you deserve this Char. I feel honored & privileged to have been your coach, partner, friend & big brother 💚.”
source: people.com
