Dancing With the Stars Season 21: Find Out Which Pros Are Definitely Returning...and Who's Missing

Nine professional dancers were announced for the upcoming season, which kicks off on Monday, Sept. 14 on ABC

She's ba-aacck!

After taking last season off, Karina Smirnoff is set to return to Dancing With the Stars as a professional dancer for its upcoming 21s season, it was announced on Good Morning America on Wednesday. The ABC reality hit has revealed most of the line-up of pros set to compete when the new season kicks off on Monday, Sept. 14, with Karina being the only real surprise. Having competed in season 3-19 (though she sat out season 10), the fan-favorite professional sat out the 20th season after suffering an injury the previous cycle. 

"After a lot of thought and prayer, I've decided to focus my energies on some other exciting endeavors including adding author to my resume," Smirnoff said in a statement announcing her exit.

We're so glad she's coming back to the ballroom! So which other eight pros will definitely be participating in season 21? 

The three female dancers definitely competing this season are Peta Murgatroyd, Allison Holker, Sharna Burgess and Witney Carson.

The four male dancers that were announced are Derek Hough and returning champ Val Chmerkovskiy, both of whom we confirmed would be returning, as well as Artem Chigvintsev and Mark Ballas.

Noticeable vets that are absent from the list? Tony Dovolani, who has been on the show since season two and Kym Johnson. Of course, there are still three pairs of dancing shoes left unfilled, with ABC set to announce the final list of pros at a later date, as well as the roster of 12 celebs set to compete for the mirrorball trophy. 

As for DWTS' judging panel? Julianne Hough, Bruno Tonioli and Carrie Ann Inaba will all definitely be back, while Len Goodman probably won't be sitting at the table every episode. "We're looking at guest judges," showrunner Rob Wade told E! News. 

DWTS returns Monday, Sep. 14 on ABC.