Why Did Mia Michaels Leave SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE?

When Mia Michaels announced her resignation from SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE via ambiguous postings on Twitter and Facebook, she left many of her long time fans quite confused. Why was she leaving? Was there a fall out of some kind?  Was she ill?  Rumors were rampant. Just why was perhaps the most talented, beloved, feared and respected judges and choreographers leaving the show?

People.com recently caught up with Mia and got her to open up about her decision to leave the US version of the show, and what new exciting adventures she has in store for her…and for us.

Why did you decide to move on from So You Think You Can Dance?
It’s been an amazing five-year journey and I am in a place where I have all these great opportunities that have been presented to me and I am ready to take on all these challenges. So when I was working on the show, I wasn’t able to really focus on anything else. Now I’m really focusing on these other projects that I can’t pass up. I think that’s pretty much the main reason why I left the show.

What went into the decision to make the announcement the way you did? And did anyone, like close pal and fellow SYTYCD choreographer Tyce Diorio, try to talk you out of it?
No, nobody tried to talk me out of it. I’m so about my instincts. Instincts never lead you wrong and they’ve never led me wrong. It was a hard decision, actually, because I love doing the show. I love being an artist that millions of people get to see my work. I knew in that moment and we had not even talked about contracts or anything for the new season yet, so I was just ready to move while I had all this other opportunities in front of me. Before I got into the season with the dancers — you know actually getting into a room and creating on them — I just thought it was best for me to step out before I did that.

What new experiences are you talking about and what are about to start working on?
I am right now in talks of doing my own choreography show. I’m also doing a dance musical that will probably be documented as a doc-reality show. And then I’m working on a clothing line for dancers as well as just everyday lifestyle. And I’m working on a book deal as well.

For the rest of Mia’s interview, click here to continue to read at People.com.

I’m still in denial that she won’t be back.  It seems like she has no ill will for the show so fingers crossed for a surprise appearance sometime this season!