Dancing With The Stars Cheryl: A Look At A Legendary Career And Life Beyond The Ballroom
When we think about the enduring legacy of Dancing with the Stars, one name often comes to mind almost immediately: Cheryl Burke. Her presence on the show was, in a way, truly iconic for many years, leaving a significant mark on the hearts of millions of viewers. For nearly two decades, she graced our screens, transforming celebrities into dancers and, you know, capturing two coveted Mirrorball trophies along the way.
Her journey with the hit ABC television show, Dancing with the Stars, was, it's almost fair to say, a rollercoaster of triumphs, challenges, and deeply personal moments. From her early days as a fresh face on the dance floor to her eventual decision to step away, Cheryl Burke's story is, in some respects, a fascinating look at life in the public eye and the evolution of a professional artist.
This article will explore the remarkable career of Cheryl Burke, shedding light on her incredible achievements, her sometimes complicated relationship with the show that made her a household name, and what she's been up to since hanging up her competitive dancing shoes. We'll, you know, cover her life, her wins, her farewell, and the new paths she's been exploring.
Table of Contents
- Cheryl Burke: A Brief Biography
- Early Days and DWTS Debut
- Mirrorball Glory and Record-Breaking Wins
- A Long and Storied Tenure
- The Emotional Farewell from DWTS
- Life After the Spotlight: New Ventures and Personal Growth
- A Complicated Relationship with the Show
- Personal Updates and Well-Being
- Looking Ahead: What Comes Next?
- Frequently Asked Questions About Cheryl Burke
Cheryl Burke: A Brief Biography
Cheryl Burke, whose full name is Cheryl Stephanie Burke, has, as a matter of fact, built a truly impressive career. Born on May 3, 1984, she became widely recognized as an American dancer, a model, and also a television host. Her name became practically synonymous with the ABC hit series, Dancing with the Stars, where she was a professional dancer for many seasons. She holds a very special place in the show's history, as you know, being the first female professional to win the competition and, what's more, the first professional to win twice, and even consecutively.
Personal Details and Bio Data
| Full Name | Cheryl Stephanie Burke |
| Born | May 3, 1984 |
| Nationality | American |
| Professions | Dancer, Model, Television Host |
| Known For | Professional Dancer on ABC's Dancing with the Stars |
| DWTS Participation | 26 Seasons (on and off from Seasons 2 to 31) |
| DWTS Wins | 2 (First female pro to win, first pro to win twice and consecutively) |
| Notable Partners | Emmitt Smith (Season 3), Drew Lachey |
| Emmy Nominations | Yes |
| DWTS Exit Year | November 2022 |
| Podcast | "Sex, Lies, and Spray Tans" |
Early Days and DWTS Debut
Cheryl Burke came onto the Dancing with the Stars scene with a wealth of experience already under her belt. With over 25 years of dancing experience and several championship titles to her name, she was, in a way, a formidable competitor from the very beginning. Her skill in the tango and samba, among other dance styles, quickly endeared her to millions of viewers. This natural talent and, you know, undeniable stage presence made her an instant favorite with fans.
It didn't take long for her to make a significant impact. Her rookie season in 2006 saw her wowing fans and, quite remarkably, winning the Mirrorball trophy. This early success was, pretty much, a sign of the amazing career that lay ahead for her on the show. She quickly established herself as a top-tier professional, a dancer who could really bring out the best in her celebrity partners, which is, you know, a very important part of the show's appeal.
Mirrorball Glory and Record-Breaking Wins
Cheryl Burke's name became synonymous with victory during her time on Dancing with the Stars. She was, as a matter of fact, the first female professional dancer to ever win the show, which is a truly historic achievement. Not only that, but she also became the first professional to win the competition twice, and to do so consecutively. This, you know, really set a high bar for other dancers on the series.
Her first Mirrorball trophy came in her 2006 rookie season, which was, quite frankly, an incredible start. She followed that up with another victory, cementing her status as a champion. Her winning partnerships included the memorable pairing with Drew Lachey, and then later, she clinched another victory with Emmitt Smith in Season 3. These wins, arguably, showcased her versatility and her ability to connect with different partners, leading them to success on the dance floor.
A Long and Storied Tenure
Cheryl Burke's commitment to Dancing with the Stars was, in a way, truly remarkable, spanning many years and numerous seasons. She participated in 26 seasons of the show, a testament to her dedication and enduring popularity. Her time on the show stretched, on and off, from Season 2 all the way to Season 31, which is, you know, a very long run for any professional dancer in a demanding reality competition series.
Over these many years, she became a familiar and beloved face, guiding a diverse range of celebrities through the challenging world of ballroom dance. Her consistent presence allowed viewers to really get to know her, to see her grow, and to appreciate her skill and personality. She was, in fact, a cornerstone of the show for a significant portion of its history, and her contributions are, quite literally, woven into the fabric of the series.
The Emotional Farewell from DWTS
The decision for Cheryl Burke to leave Dancing with the Stars was, as you might imagine, a deeply personal and, in some ways, a very difficult one. She announced her retirement, apparently, before the season finale of Season 22, though her official departure from the series came later. Her final performance during the November 21st Dancing with the Stars finale marked the end of an era for many fans and for Cheryl herself.
She officially left the show in November 2022, after what she describes as 26 seasons. This exit, she later revealed, was "hand down" harder for her than her 2022 divorce from actor Matthew Lawrence. The professional dancer spoke very candidly about how incredibly difficult it was to step away from a show that had been such a huge part of her life for 17 years. It was, in a way, a career divorce, and the emotional toll was, arguably, immense.
The former "Dancing with the Stars" pro has been opening up more about her exit, admitting that her relationship with the show had become, in a way, quite fraught. She has been disclosing more details about what she calls her "contentious farewell" from the series. This suggests that her departure was not, you know, entirely simple or straightforward, which is often the case when someone leaves a long-standing position.
Life After the Spotlight: New Ventures and Personal Growth
Since her departure from Dancing with the Stars, Cheryl Burke has been, apparently, exploring new avenues and focusing on her personal well-being. She's been sharing what her next moves are, both on and off the dance floor, which is, you know, something many fans are curious about. One significant new venture is her podcast, "Sex, Lies, and Spray Tans," which she launched in 2023.
Through her podcast, Cheryl has been incredibly open about various aspects of her life, including the challenges of leaving the show. She revealed, for instance, that she’s lost friends after leaving the series in 2022, after dedicating 25 seasons to it. This just goes to show that, you know, the saying "you win some, you lose some" applies to more than just Mirrorball trophies in her case.
Interestingly, she recently turned down an invite to the 500th episode celebration of Dancing with the Stars. On the November 6, 2024, episode of her podcast, she said, "Next week you’re gonna see Dancing with the Stars celebrating the 500th episode, which is such a huge milestone for the show. And I couldn’t be happier for the show’s success." This shows, in a way, her continued appreciation for the show's achievements, even if she's no longer actively participating.
A Complicated Relationship with the Show
It's very clear that Cheryl Burke has, in fact, a complicated relationship with Dancing with the Stars after 17 years of working as a professional dancer on the show. Her candor about her exit, and her description of it as "fraught" and "contentious," suggests a deeper story than just a simple retirement. This kind of long-term involvement in a demanding environment can, you know, naturally lead to complex feelings.
During an appearance on Sharna Burgess, Brian Austin Green, and Randy's podcast, she spoke more about these feelings. It seems that while she cherishes the memories and successes, the pressures and dynamics of such a long tenure took a toll. This openness about her experiences provides a very human perspective on what it's like to be a professional on a hit reality show for so long, and then, you know, decide to step away from it all.
Personal Updates and Well-Being
Cheryl Burke has also been very open about her personal well-being and transformation since her time on the show. She shared an update on her weight loss journey, revealing that she's lost around 35 pounds. This achievement, she explained, came from making significant changes to her mindset, her diet, and her exercise routine. It’s a testament to her dedication, really, to personal health and happiness.
There was a moment when a new video of Cheryl Burke sparked fan concern, with some saying she was "unrecognizable." However, she addressed rumors about using weight loss medication or undergoing plastic surgery. Instead, she pointed directly to her improved mental health as the true source of her transformation. This highlights, arguably, the powerful connection between mental well-being and physical changes, which is, you know, a very important message for people to hear.
In addition to her physical journey, Cheryl also took a brief hiatus from social media. Upon her return, she shared some emotional and exciting family news. This shows that, you know, even in the public eye, she prioritizes her personal life and family, which is, quite honestly, very relatable for many people. She also paid tribute to her "Dancing with the Stars" costar Jacoby Jones after his death at age 40, expressing that she was "absolutely devastated" in an Instagram post shared on Sunday, July 14. This really shows her deep connections with the people she worked with on the show.
Looking Ahead: What Comes Next?
As of November 2024, Cheryl Burke continues to share her experiences and insights through her podcast, providing a platform for candid discussions about her life and career. Her journey after Dancing with the Stars is, in a way, just beginning, with new chapters unfolding. She is, apparently, focusing on her well-being, her relationships, and her voice through her podcast, which is, you know, a significant shift from the demanding schedule of a professional dancer.
Fans are, quite naturally, eager to see what her "next moves" are, both on and off the dance floor. While she has stepped away from competitive dancing, her passion for movement and expression, you know, remains. Her openness about her challenges and triumphs continues to inspire many, proving that even after a long and successful career in one field, there are always new paths to explore and new ways to, you know, find fulfillment. You can learn more about her life and career on her official website.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cheryl Burke
Here are some common questions people often ask about Cheryl Burke:
What is Cheryl Burke doing now after Dancing with the Stars?
Since leaving Dancing with the Stars in November 2022, Cheryl Burke has been focusing on her personal well-being and new ventures. She hosts a podcast called "Sex, Lies, and Spray Tans," where she discusses various aspects of her life, including her experiences on the show and her personal transformations. She's also shared updates on her weight loss journey and personal relationships.
How many seasons was Cheryl Burke on DWTS?
Cheryl Burke participated in 26 seasons of Dancing with the Stars. Her tenure on the show spanned, on and off, from Season 2 to Season 31, making her one of the longest-serving professional dancers in the show's history before her final departure in November 2022.
Did Cheryl Burke win Dancing with the Stars?
Yes, Cheryl Burke won the Mirrorball trophy twice during her time on Dancing with the Stars. She was the first female professional to win the show, and also the first professional to win twice and consecutively. Her winning partnerships were with Drew Lachey and Emmitt Smith in Season 3.
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