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Karina Smirnoff Returning to Dancing With the Stars for Season 21

Karina Smirnoff returning to DWTS
Karina Smirnoff is returning to Dancing With the Stars for Season 21

She's back! Karina Smirnoff is returning to Dancing With the Stars for the ABC reality hit's upcoming 21st season, a source confirms to Us Weekly. The pro previously announced in February 2015 that she was leaving the series after 16 seasons.

Related: PHOTOS: DWTS winners through the years

"I was a little nervous about not dancing on the show at all last season. I was doing it for the last 10 years,” the dancer-turned-author told Entertainment Weekly of her upcoming return. "I had other things to do in my life, but not going back to the show felt like trying to see if I can walk on my own two feet! I’ve had obvious moments when I missed it." 

Related: PHOTOS: Before they were on DWTS

Smirnoff had a busy year promoting her book, We’re Just Not That Into You: Dating Disasters from the Trenches, and acting in the movie Tango Shalom. But now she's ready to head back to her DWTS home for Season 21.

Related: PHOTOS: Incredible DWTS transformations

The dancer first joined DWTS in 2006 for Season 3, and has since competed with musicians, actors, and athletes such as Mario Lopez, Billy Ray Cyrus, Aaron Carter, Sean Avery, and many more. She won the Mirrorball Trophy with J.R. Martinez in Season 13, and has also had a couple of second and third-place finishes over the years. Her most recent run was 2014's Season 19.

Related: PHOTOS: Hot DWTS hookups

"After a lot of thought and prayer, I've decided to focus my energies on some other exciting endeavors including adding author to my resume," the star, 37, wrote in February when she revealed she was leaving. 

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