Karina Smirnoff to return on 'Dancing with the Stars'

LOS ANGELES, Aug. 19 (UPI) -- Karina Smirnoff is confirmed for Dancing with the Stars season 21.

The 37-year-old professional dancer revealed the news in an interview with Entertainment Weekly published Tuesday. Smirnoff will return as a pro alongside Val Chmerkovskiy and Witney Carson.

"I was a little nervous about not dancing on the show at all last season," she said. "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."

Smirnoff appeared on seasons 3 through 18 of the ABC reality series, and won the competition with actor J.R. Martinez in season 13. The dancer doesn't know who her partner is yet, but shared her excitement on Twitter, writing, "Can't wait to dance for you guys!"

Dancing with the Stars season 21 will premiere Sept. 14 on ABC. The reality competition sees professional dancers paired with celebrities on the dance floor as they perform various routines for judge points and audience votes.