Depending on how you feel about your reality shows, this news may be more upsetting than Paula Abdul‘s exit from American Idol.

What was hinted in a series of tweets last night has now been confirmed: Mia Michaels has left So You Think You Can Dance. The choreographer - who coincidentally used the same method as Abdul to announce her departure - posted the messages on Twitter shortly after appearing on last night’s episode.

“I AM OFFICIALLY AN ADORING FAN OF SYTYCD….THANK U FOR 5 WONDERFUL YRS…TO CREATE MOMENTS AND MOVEMENT FOR THE WORLD TO SHARE WITH ME WAS A GIFT…THANKS SYTYCD AND LOOK FORWARD TO WHATS AHEAD FOR ME…LOOKOUT WORLD!!!!!” Mia wrote.

Those notes were followed up by separate confirmations from both Michaels and producer Nigel Lythgoe today.

“It’s been an amazing five years on SYTYCD. I thank them for all the great memories and movement I have been able to create for the world. Today was my official resignation of the U.S. show and look forward to what’s ahead for me,” Michaels wrote in Facebook.

“We are thrilled to have given a talent such as Mia Michaels a platform to create Emmy Award-winning choreography. During the auditions this season she has helped choose the best, most diverse top 20 we have ever had. She knows that she is always welcome to return later this season or next. She’s chosen to move on to new challenges and we will continue to support her and wish her all the best,” Nigel responded in a statement.

While no explanation for the decision has been given, there is speculation that Adam Shankman‘s new position may have played a factor. Last month, the occasional contributor was promoted to full-time judge alongside Lythgoe and Mary Murphy.

What do you think of this development? Will the show ever be the same again without Mia’s challenging contemporary numbers?

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