Emma Slater has finally addressed the rumors that she is leaving Dancing with the Stars. During a recent appearance on SiriusXM's The Three Questions with Andy Richter podcast, the 37-year-old professional dancer shared her thoughts on when she might retire from DWTS.
"How long do you think you have left in Dancing With The Stars?" Andy asked Emma. "Because dance is a cruel business, in terms of ageism."
"Totally, and for women too! I want to go through it as long as I can," replied the dancer. "I've had an incredible career."
"Actually, someone came up to me last week and asked, 'Are the rumors true?'" Emma said, seemingly puzzled. "They said, 'Are you retiring this year?' I could see how a rumor like that would start because they're looking at me like I'm the old girl," she added, as reported by Just Jared.
Emma also expressed her desire to stay on the dancing show "as long as possible." "As soon as I feel like I'm going to be choked out, I'll pull the ageism card – 'this is what Hollywood does to women as they age!'" she stated.
Additionally, the British choreographer clarified that she aims to leave DWTS on her own terms. "I would like it to be on my decision," she said. "But I've decided that I'm going to expect to be there, and if and when they say I'm not invited anymore, I'll conquer that when it happens."
"I guess in my mind, you put limitations on yourself by saying, 'How many years do I have?'" she continued. "I'm just going to keep going and try to remove those restrictions until I don't have the use of what they're looking for. Then I'll try to stick around in some other form. The brand is doing so well, and I like producing. So maybe I'll be a producer or something," added Emma.
For those who may not be aware, Emma joined DWTS in season 14 and earned a promotion to pro by season 17.
