# Gleb Savchenko Responds to Dancing With the Stars Season 35 Casting Decision
Professional dancer Gleb Savchenko has publicly addressed his exclusion from "Dancing With the Stars" Season 35, breaking his silence through a shirtless video post and accompanying statement shared across social media platforms.
Savchenko, who has been a fixture on the ABC ballroom competition since joining in Season 23, was notably absent from the Season 35 roster announced earlier this year. His removal marked a significant shift for the long-running show, which has relied on his consistent presence and competitive pedigree throughout recent seasons.
The dancer's response came in the form of a casual video that generated immediate attention, paired with a written statement addressing the network's casting decision. While specific details of his statement remain limited in available reports, his public acknowledgment signals that Savchenko intends to maintain visibility and relevance in the dance community despite the setback.
The exclusion represents one of several casting changes the show has implemented in recent years as producers attempt to refresh the professional dancer roster and attract new audiences. "Dancing With the Stars" has cycled through various lineup adjustments, occasionally rotating out veteran dancers to create openings for emerging talent or returning favorites.
Savchenko's tenure on the show has included partnerships with notable celebrities and consistent advancement in competition rounds, establishing him as one of the program's recognizable figures among dedicated fans. His style combines technical ballroom precision with theatrical flair, characteristics that have made him a standout performer during live performances and group numbers.
The decision to exclude established professionals like Savchenko reflects broader industry trends around content freshness and audience engagement. Networks often grapple with balancing viewer familiarity with the desire to introduce new dynamics and talent pools. For professional dancers on competition television, casting decisions can significantly impact career visibility, sponsorship opportunities, and booking potential.
Savchenko's response strategy through social media demonstrates how entertainment personalities navigate career disappointments in the digital age. Rather than remaining silent or accepting the decision passively, he chose direct engagement with followers and fans who had come to know him through the show.
The "Dancing With the Stars" franchise continues to evolve its format and casting approach, particularly following the show's move from ABC to Disney+ for Season 33 and subsequent seasons. These production changes have created opportunities to reimagine the dancer roster and potentially introduce different performance styles and backgrounds.
For Savchenko specifically, the casting snub opens questions about his future involvement with the franchise. Whether this represents a permanent exit or a temporary rotation remains unclear, though his proactive public response suggests he remains invested in his professional trajectory and audience relationships.
The competitive dance television landscape offers alternative platforms and opportunities for professionals excluded from major franchise rotations, including guest appearances, touring productions, and judging roles on other competition programs.