Introduction: Why Cheryl Burke Matters
When you hear the name Cheryl Burke, most people immediately think of Dancing with the Stars (DWTS), the glitzy ballroom competition that captured the hearts of millions. But Cheryl_Burke is much more than just a professional dancer. Her journey has taken her from a child ballet student to a two-time Mirrorball Trophy winner, and even beyond the dance floor into mental health advocacy, podcasting, and personal reinvention.
In this in-depth article, we’ll explore Cheryl Burke’s early life, her breakthrough on DWTS, her career highs and lows, her departure and return, and what she’s doing today. By the end, you’ll understand why Cheryl Burke remains a powerful, complex, and inspiring figure — and how her story offers lessons not just for dancers, but for anyone striving for growth.
1. Early Life and Background
1.1 Childhood and Early Dance Training
Cheryl Burke was born Cheryl Stephanie Burke in San Francisco, California. From a very young age, dance was part of her life: she began ballet at age 6 and picked up ballroom dancing around age 10, sowing the seeds for her future success.
1.2 Passion for Dance
Even as a child, Cheryl_Burke showed not only raw talent, but also dedication. Ballet gave her a strong technical foundation, while ballroom opened a door to showmanship, partnership, and competitive drive. Over time, Cheryl_Burke refined her style, combining grace with athleticism.
2. Cheryl Burke’s Rise to Fame
2.1 Entering the Spotlight with Dancing with the Stars
Cheryl Burke’s big break came when she joined the cast of Dancing with the Stars. She started early in the show’s history and quickly became a fan favorite. Over many seasons, the name Cheryl_Burke would become synonymous with resilience, brilliance, and ballroom excellence.
2.2 Championship Wins
One of Cheryl Burke’s crowning achievements is winning the Mirrorball Trophy twice — and not just twice, but consecutively. She won in Season 2 with Drew Lachey, and again in Season 3 with Emmitt Smith. This made her the first professional dancer on the show to win back-to-back seasons.
2.3 Establishing Herself as a DWTS Legend
Over her career on Dancing with the Stars, Cheryl Burke competed in 26 seasons — a remarkable longevity in a physically demanding show. She became one of the most recognizable and respected pros on the show.
3. Dancing With the Stars: Major Milestones
3.1 Early Seasons and Breakout Moments
- Season 3: She continued her momentum with Emmitt Smith, securing her second Mirrorball.
- Over the years, Cheryl Burke danced with a variety of celebrities, showing her flexibility and adaptability to various styles and personalities.
3.2 Long Tenure and Influence
Cheryl Burke’s long tenure on DWTS (26 seasons) means she’s competed with or mentored a large fraction of the show’s professional dancers. Her presence became a constant, and she contributed significantly to the show’s evolution and popularity.
3.3 Final Dance and Farewell
In November 2022, Cheryl Burke announced her retirement from Dancing with the Stars, marking her exit after an emotional final performance in Season 31. Her farewell was heartfelt; she expressed gratitude, spoke of growth, and signaled that it was time for a new chapter.
4. Challenges, Struggles, and Mental Health
4.1 Physical Toll of Dancing
For a professional dancer like Cheryl Burke, the physical demands are enormous. In interviews, she discussed how her years on DWTS caused wear and tear on her body — including arthritis. She acknowledged that maintaining a dancer’s body over decades is not easy, especially under constant scrutiny.
4.2 Body Dysmorphia
One of the most intimate details Cheryl Burke has shared is her struggle with body dysmorphia. She revealed that she often weighed herself, carried a scale while traveling, and was deeply affected by weekly costume fittings. As a dancer who has spent her life in front of mirrors, the pressure has been real and ongoing.
4.3 Mental Health Advocacy
After retiring from DWTS, Cheryl Burke shifted her focus to mental health. She uses her platform to talk openly about her journey, admitting she’s not a professional therapist but sharing what she’s learned. She expressed a desire to combine movement and mental health, working on programs that integrate dance with healing.
5. Cheryl Burke’s Personal Life
5.1 Relationships and Showmances
Cheryl Burke’s life off the dance floor has also made headlines. She has spoken publicly about having “showmances” — romantic (or quasi-romantic) relationships with her celebrity dance partners. She revealed that she secretly dated three of her DWTS partners, noting that the intense, intimate nature of ballroom can blur boundaries.
She has advised celebrities who join DWTS to “be single,” emphasizing that the show can feel like an “arranged marriage” because of how much time partners spend together — sometimes eight hours a day, seven days a week.
5.2 Divorce and Personal Growth
In 2022, Cheryl Burke finalized her divorce from actor Matthew Lawrence. She has openly spoken about healing, grief, and growth — pointing out that her face, her appearance, and her outlook have changed because she has changed internally.
6. Why Cheryl Burke Left DWTS
6.1 Desire for Evolution
One of the main reasons Cheryl Burke cited for leaving Dancing with the Stars was that she needed to evolve. After decades on the dance floor, she felt there were other parts of her life and identity she wanted to explore.
6.2 Mental Health Priority
By the time she decided to step away, Cheryl Burke made it clear that her mental health was a significant factor. She wanted to lean into mental health advocacy, use her voice, and build something meaningful beyond dancing.
6.3 Physical Strain
The physically demanding nature of competing on DWTS for so long had taken a toll. Cheryl Burke referred to “wear and tear” in her decision to retire. She also acknowledged that she was ready for “the next phase” — even if it was scary.
7. Cheryl Burke’s Return: A New Chapter
7.1 Guest Judge on DWTS
In October 2025, Cheryl Burke made a heartfelt return to Dancing with the Stars, not as a competitor, but as a guest judge for the show’s Halloween-themed episode. Her comeback marked her first time on the judges’ panel, offering her a fresh perspective.
7.2 Reflection and Nerves
Returning as a judge wasn’t easy. Cheryl Burke admitted she was nervous about being concise, honest, and fair — especially given the time constraints of live television. But she saw the invitation as a homecoming, a chance to reconnect with a show that had been her second family for nearly two decades.
7.3 Legacy Affirmed
Her return as a judge reaffirmed Cheryl Burke’s deep connection to DWTS. Even though she left as a dancer, the show remains central to her identity. Fans and insiders saw her comeback as both nostalgic and powerful — a recognition of her long-standing legacy.
8. Beyond Dancing: Podcasting and Advocacy
8.1 Podcast Career
After retiring from DWTS, Cheryl Burke became a podcaster. She launched Burke In the Game via iHeartRadio, where she discusses everything from her past on DWTS to mental health, healing, and relationships. Her podcast gives her a platform to share her voice more freely, beyond just dance.
She also hosted Sex, Lies, and Spray Tans, where she touched on the more vulnerable and controversial aspects of her life, including “showmances” and her transition away from the show. This bold honesty has earned her praise — and some criticism — but it underscores her authenticity.
8.2 Mental Health Advocacy
Cheryl Burke’s commitment to mental health is one of the most defining features of her post-DWTS life. She has said she wants to use her platform to normalize mental health conversations, especially for people in high-pressure, performance-driven industries.
She’s talked about developing a dance-based mental health program — combining movement, memory, and therapy — to help people use dance as a form of healing.
8.3 Speaking and Entrepreneurship
Beyond podcasting, Cheryl Burke has stepped into entrepreneurship and public speaking. She has spoken on her journey, trauma, recovery, and reinvention. Her story resonates not just with dancers, but with anyone who has ever faced burnout, self-doubt, or a pivot in life.
9. Legacy: What Cheryl Burke Leaves Behind
9.1 DWTS Legend
Cheryl Burke is not only one of the most successful pros in Dancing with the Stars history — she’s one of the most beloved. With two Mirrorball wins, 26 seasons, and a reputation for both technical skill and emotional intelligence, her impact is undeniable.
9.2 Role Model for Mental Health
By opening up about her mental health struggles — body dysmorphia, burnout, grief — Cheryl Burke has become a role model for vulnerability. She shows that even those who seem strong, put-together, and talented still face real challenges, and that speaking out can be powerful.
9.3 Inspiration for Reinvention
Her decision to leave the dance floor and re-enter in a different capacity (as a judge) speaks to her courage to reinvent herself. Cheryl Burke’s life is a testament to growth: letting go of what was, embracing what could be, and doing it all on her own terms.
10. Lessons from Cheryl Burke’s Life
Here are some of the key lessons we can learn from Cheryl Burke journey:
- Persistence Pays Off: From a young dancer to DWTS pro, Cheryl Burke’s determination never waned.
- Success Has a Cost: Her story reminds us that behind every trophy there may be physical and mental strain.
- It’s Okay to Prioritize Yourself: She stepped away from a major career to focus on healing and advocacy.
- Vulnerability is Strength: Her openness about body dysmorphia and mental health is brave and transformative.
- You Can Reinvent Yourself: Cheryl Burke’s pivot to podcasting and judging shows that evolution is possible.
- Use Your Platform Wisely: She leverages her fame not just for entertainment, but for meaningful change.
Conclusion
Cheryl Burke is a name that will forever be linked with Dancing with the Stars, but her legacy transcends trophies and performances. She has used her platform not just to dance, but to heal, to speak out, and to reinvent herself. Her story is one of brilliance, vulnerability, and growth.
