Sasha Farber Breaks Silence on DWTS Season 35 Absence

Originally appeared on E! Online

Sasha Farber revealed he did not salsa away from Dancing With the Stars.

After the season 35 cast was unveiled Sept. 2, the 12-time pro was not among the experts paired to dance alongside celebrity competitors like Julia Stiles, Ciara Miller and Taylor Hanson. And while addressing fans’ disappointment by his absence, he clarified that the decision was out of his hands.

When the 42-year-old posted a TikTok quickstepping to “Land of 1000 Dances,” his fanbase waltzed into the comment section to express how much they had hoped to see Farber return as a pro after participating in season 34 as a social media correspondent.

In a since-deleted comment with a red heart emoji, Farber replied “Not my choice.”

And the Russia native—who has tangoed alongside Nicole “Snooki” Polizzi, Simone Bilesand Selma Blair over 12 seasons—received an outpouring of love from viewers amid the revelation.

Farber showed his appreciation through a string of heart-faced emojis in response to a fan who wrote, “Idk I feel like Sasha is one of the best male pros and I don’t get why he’s not on this season again.”

Still, Farber, who last appeared alongside now ex Emma Slaterduring season 33, showed signs of hope for being involved with DWTS in the future, despite not being a pro during season 35.

“You were on my prediction list Sasha,” a comment liked by the Latin Dance Champion read. “Hope to at least see some cameos from you this year!!”

He also double-tapped encouragement from a fan who told him to, “GET YOUR A** BACK IN THE BALLROOM AND ON STAGE!!”

E! News has reached out to Farber’s reps for comment, but has not yet heard back.

Of course, he isn’t the only longtime pro to be sitting out this season. Gleb Savchenko also reacted to not taking part in the 2026 season after joining the show in 2016.

“Guys, you can stop telling me you’re sorry,” Savchenko shared on Instagram Sept. 2. “I’m good.”

And there’s no hard feelings from the 42-year-old following the update.

“Nothing but love and gratitude for all the years in that ballroom,” he captioned the video. “Excited for this next chapter—and wishing everyone an amazing season.”

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