Dancing With The Stars pro Witney Carson revealed that she might not return to the show for season 31 if she has another baby. In 2020, because she was pregnant with her first child with her husband Carson McAllister, she did not compete in season 29. Witney gave birth to her son, Leo, in January 2021. This season, she placed 9th with her partner, Mike "The Miz" Mizanin.
At only 28, Witney already has an impressive career on reality television dance shows. In 2012, when she was 18, Witney appeared on season 9 of So You Think You Can Dance and returned for the following season as well. In 2013, she became a troupe dancer for Dancing With The Stars. Witney became a professional dancer on the show in 2014 when she was partnered with Cody Simpson. The following season, she won the competition with Alfonso Ribeiro. Although she hasn't won since then, she came close in season 27 with Milo Manheim when they placed 2nd. This season, Witney received great praise from the judges for her mentoring of The Miz, who steadily improved week after week with her guidance.
On the Pretty Messed Up podcast hosted by her fellow Dancing With The Stars pro dancer, Cheryl Burke, Witney revealed that even though she had such a positive experience on the show this season, she might not return for season 31 if she has another baby. She admitted, "I don't know what my plan is, like if I'm gonna be pregnant." She said that Leo is such an easy baby to take care of that she feels like she could have another one right now. She gushed, "He's so fun right now, he's just really fun, he's at such a fun age." However, she confessed that she fears the terrible twos because she has heard that kids are difficult at that age, but maybe Leo will "just be perfect and I'll have another baby." Cheryl praised Witney saying, "you're such an amazing mother."
Witney reflected on her time away from the show after she gave birth to Leo. She said, "100% percent I missed dancing," but she was totally fine with stepping back because she wanted to be a mom her entire life. She said that even though dance is her passion and she missed cheering everyone on in the ballroom, she was totally content. Witney also said that watching the show as a fan made her realize how amazing it is and how lucky she is to be a professional dancer on it. She agreed with Cheryl that taking a break from the show gave her a newfound appreciation and perspective, and she feels rejuvenated.
Whether Witney will return to the show for season 31 is still uncertain, but if she does decide to have another baby, she will be happy with that decision too. Her ability to balance her roles as a professional dancer and a doting mom is inspiring. Either way, Witney will be a winner.
Dancing With the Stars airs Mondays at 8 p.m. EST on ABC.
Source: Pretty Messed Up