Rumer Willis may be done with Dancing with the Stars , but that doesn’t mean Ms. Willis has forgotten her partner, Val Chmerkovskiy, or all of the hard work he put in during those long rehearsals. Rumer expressed her gratitude to the Dancing with the Stars dancer in a new heartfelt Instagram post.
“As my journey as your partner comes to an end and your next season with a whole new partner and new experience begins, there are a few things I thought about today. I honestly don’t know if I have words to describe what this past season or this tour, but most importantly our partnership has meant to me,” Rumer said in the photo’s caption . “I know I have tried on many occasion while on tour to describe to the audience what I felt but I have always fallen short to put in words how I feel. So I’ll do my best.”
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“First I have to thank you as my teacher for challenging me everyday through your own passion and dedication to your art, for pushing me past the limits of what I believed I was capable of and even for occasionally driving me crazy with trying to make all of our dances the best they could be,” added Ms. Willis.
As impressive as that recognition of Chmerkovskiy’s efforts was, Rumer was far from done with her praise of Val as her Dancing with the Stars partner.
“Secondly I thank you for believing in me when I didn’t believe in myself for putting up with me when I was scared or insecure, and being the person that didn’t let me feel like I could fail no matter what anyone else said,” Ms. Willis continued. “I am truly grateful to call you my friend and I am so proud that we won together, I wouldn’t have wanted to do it with anyone else. I can’t wait to root for you next season. Love to you always.”
There was little time for Rumer to wait for a response. Chmerkovskiy was only too eager to respond to Ms. Willis’ praise with thoughts of his own, which Val included with a photo on his own Instagram page.
“It isn’t the end, just the beginning. Next season will begin however, and I will embark on yet another journey.. with a new partner.. but you my friend have been an absolute pleasure. Seeing you grow and become a proud young woman with your head held high and your star shining brighter than ever has been one of the most rewarding things I have ever done. We’ll dance again, I promise.”
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Giving thought to the possibility that Willis and Val may not dance again anytime soon, Chmerkovskiy closed his caption with words meant to inspire and encourage Ms. Willis.
“But know regardless of what we do from here on and where we go, you’ll always have me cheering and rooting you on.. and kicking your butt of course.. from the side. I’m so proud of you…thank you for letting me be part of your story. Love you champ.”
Rumer Willis will appear in Chicago on Broadway beginning September 14 at the Ambassador Theatre.
[Featured image: Rumer Willis and Val Chmerkovskiy courtesy of ABC/ Dancing with the Stars ]
