Dancing With the Stars pro Val Chmerkovskiy recently discussed the importance of dancing and why he always found it weird to be bullied because of it.

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Chmerkovskiy has danced with many beautiful women during his time on Dancing With the Stars, which is why he is a bit confused as to why the art is looked down upon for men.

"I never understood being made fun of by a football player in tights and a jockstrap while I was doing a rumba with a beautiful lady," Chmerkovskiy told Cleveland.com, laughing.

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He said that part of what they do on Dancing With the Stars is try to inspire people to do things they are scared to do.

"Yeah, we promote dancing. But it's not just about dancing - it's about action and encouraging someone to seek out something they are frightened to try. In that moment when they don't know what to expect, there is the magic," he explained. "In a way, that's what the essence of the TV show is about. Taking someone who has never danced and is frightened to death and partnering them with a pro to try something new."

Chmerkovskiy's most recent celebrity partner was actress Janel Parrish. The pair battled (and played off of) rumors that they were hooking up away from the dance floor and ultimately came in third place. Assuming Chmerkovskiy is back for season 20, could he finally take it all the way and win the Mirrorball trophy?

Dancing With the Stars returns for season 20 on Monday, March 16 at 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC.

Tags: Dancing with the Stars Reality TV ABC