Originally published on E! Online
Gleb Savchenko will always keep a spot on the dance floor free for his friend.
The Dancing with the stars Professional sent a sweet message of support to his former co-star Artem Chigvintsev—who did not return for the 33rd season of the reality competition series after 12 seasons—during his ongoing divorce from his estranged wife Nikki Garcia.
“He is part of the family,” said Gleb E! News at the premiere of Dancing with the stars Season 33 on September 17. “He’s such a great dancer that people don’t even notice. He’s got quality. It’s not about quantity, it’s about quality.”
The 41-year-old stressed that Artem knows “how the show works” and “how to create a beautiful routine,” and continued: “He’s just my brother and I send him love and positivity.”
Of course, Gleb—the partner of model Brooks Nader this season – can pass that message on to Artem himself. After all, the dancer said they’ve been in touch since Nikki filed for divorce from Artem earlier this month after Artem was arrested on domestic violence charges on August 29.
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As Gleb put it, “I talk to him all the time.” (More information from Gleb and the rest of the Dancing with the stars Cast, tune in E! News tomorrow, September 18, at 11 p.m.)
And while Gleb will miss watching Artem perform his magic, Dancing with the stars Stage he is looking forward to the season with his new celebrity partner.
“I’m super excited,” he said of returning to the dance floor with Brooks. “It’s always nice to be back. I’ve been doing this for so long, 11 years.”
In fact, the choreographer sees the show’s greatest success in the couple’s future.
“I’ve never won the Mirrorball before,” Gleb continued, “but now is the time. This is the year.”
He added: “We are super ambitious. Both of us.”
—Report by Nikki Novak
Dancing with the stars airs every Tuesday on ABC. Read on to meet all the stars who competed in season 33 of the show…
Anna Delvey
Ilona Maher
Chandler Kinney
Brooks Nader
Eric Roberts
Reginald VelJohnson
Joey Graziadei
Tori Spelling
Daniel Amendola
Dwight Howard
Stephen Nedoroscik
Phaedra Parks
Jenn Tran
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