Cheryl Burke Explains Why She’s Quitting ‘Dancing With the Stars as a Pro and Wants to Be a Judge
The professional dancer Cheryl Burke announced her departure via Instagram on Sunday and explained her decision to leave in an interview.
“If I only spoke as just an athlete, a dancer, and a woman, my time would be up.” My age is 38 years. “It was a different story when I came as a competitor at 21,” she explains.
“That decision was difficult for me — to put everything aside, to come and do a T.V. show I had no idea would last this long.” I planned to stay for only one season and then return.”
Burke has been a contestant on “Dancing With the Stars” since 2006. She won Seasons two and three alongside Drew Lachey and Emmitt Smith & left the show at the end of the 19th season but returned for Season 23. Cheryl also skipped Seasons 24 & 26 prior to returning for Seasons 27-31. She has participated in 25 seasons of the main show and one season of the “Juniors” spinoff. She and her partner Sam Champion were eliminated during the third week of Season 31.
“I want to keep evolving.” “Whether or not that happens with the show is entirely up to me,” she says. “However, as a dancer, I am putting my dance shoes away.”
Burke says she’d like to stay on the show and wishes to fill Len Goodman’s seat on the judges’ panel throughout our full interview below.
Let’s begin at the beginning. You’ve been a cast member since Season 2. Why would you leave now?
It’s been an incredible run and journey after 26 seasons. My time would be up if I only spoke as an athlete, a dancer, and a woman. My age is 38 years. It was a different situation when I became a dancer at 21. That decision was difficult for me — putting everything aside to come to L.A. and work on a Television program I had no idea would last this long. I planned to stay for a season and then return home. I guess the entire year is the reality that I’ve also decided to make a risky move.
Other than teaching a celebrity to dance, there’s so much more I want to do. To be sure, it has been a lovely thing. I don’t mean that negatively. It is being said gracefully. However, the time has come. I need to decide whether I will continue to evolve with the show. However, as a dancer, I am retiring from the stage.
But you’ve already taken time off. Is this just another break, or are you retiring?
That’s it. I’m holding myself responsible. Monday night is my last dance with Louis & Pasha. I’ve experienced a wide range of emotions and feelings of fear and insecurity.
Other than teaching a celebrity to dance, there’s so much more I want to do. To be sure, it has been a lovely thing. I don’t mean that negatively. However, the time has come. I need to decide whether I will continue to evolve with the show.
Nevertheless, as a performer, I am retiring from the stage. But you’ve already taken time off. Is this just another break, or are you retiring?
That’s it. I’m holding myself responsible. Monday night is my last dance with Louis & Pasha. I’ve experienced a wide range of emotions and feelings of fear and insecurity.
But, even though it’s frightening, I’m going with my gut instinct. When one door is closed, another one opens, and I firmly believe this. I suppose you could call this an amicable divorce. This year, I’ve gone through two. It isn’t easy, and I do not recommend it. Even so, I endorse it for people who are prepared to take a chance and continue growing. I’ve come a long way over the past year and a half. I’ve put in a lot of effort and soul-searching.
It sounds so corny, but I’m grateful to have been provided with a platform like “Dancing With the Stars.” I’d like to show more sides of myself, particularly when it comes to mental well-being.
You’ve been very transparent about your troubles and desire to help others. Is that something you’ll think about more after the show?
Yes. I also have a dance program called Body Language that has been in the works for ten years and will hopefully debut next year. It’s just another resource people can turn to when feeling down and depressed. The movement has been extremely important in my life. I’ve always said that exercise saved my life.
Dance has transformed my life, & I need it to be possible for everyone.
When did you decide that this would be your final season?
I’d say it was before the season began. This has taken a long time. I’m sure you’ve heard me say it, and I certainly have. However, something within me is pushing me to go ahead. There’s also another possibility for me to be a participant in a well-known show, but I can only say a little as I am still waiting for something to sign.
You’ve also stated your desire to become a judge. Is that discussion still going on, especially now that Len has left?
They are well aware that I am interested in that seat. It’s not that I want it; I simply know that I’m able to contribute because I’m a ballroom dance expert. I can say with certainty. I can also say that my teaching techniques have never been sugar-coated. I’ve done a lot of “Dance Moms” before. Len is very technical and tells it like it is. That’s how I roll. It would be great to see two female panelists! I’m still determining where they’re going with this.
I know those who still have the season finale coming up and need to get through it, but they are well aware. They’ve probably been aware of it for a few years. So, sadly, that decision is indeed not mine to make. I’d like to stay a part of the family, but after 26 seasons with the same title, I’d like to play a new role on the show. I think it’s important, at least for me, to feel like, okay, let’s grow as both a brand and as individuals. If that’s not the case with the show, I’m moving on.
Is there a specific moment or dance that remains one of your fondest moments?
I always enjoy being a part of someone’s journey, whether with Jack Osbourne, who’s had M.S. and dance helped him get through it or with Rob Kardashian. The goal was simply to defeat his sister Kim when she did it, and we finished second. It was difficult for me to get Rob inside the studio initially because he was insecure and didn’t want to do this. He began to appreciate it and grew.
Subsequently, what should we expect from your final dance? Louis, you and I are the originals!
He suggested me for the job, and I praised him for getting the producers to desire to interview me in the first place. We danced to Barry Manilow’s “Copacabana” in Season 2. We’re doing a sort of reworked version of it. I’m starting with Pasha, and we’re doing the Argentine Tango to commemorate a large farewell party as my final dance in the ballroom, which is very sad. Hopefully, I won’t be crying through my eyelashes, though that is possible.
“Dancing With the Stars” season finale airs on Disney+ on Monday, November 21 at 8 p.m.
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