What Happened To Cheryl Burke On Dancing With The Stars? Unpacking Her Iconic Journey And Farewell

For nearly two decades, Cheryl Burke was a familiar and beloved face on ABC's hit reality competition, Dancing with the Stars. Bursting onto the scene with undeniable talent and charisma, she quickly became one of the show's most iconic professional dancers, gracing the ballroom with her incredible routines and leading her celebrity partners to victory. However, after 17 years and 26 seasons, fans noticed a shift. The question on many minds became: "What happened to Cheryl Burke on Dancing with the Stars?"

Her departure marked the end of an era, but it also ushered in a new chapter for the dance pro. From her early triumphs to her emotional farewell and her candid openness about life after the mirrorball, let's delve into Cheryl Burke's journey and what led her to hang up her dancing shoes.

A Star is Born: Cheryl Burke's Rise on DWTS

Cheryl Burke came to prominence as a professional dancer on Dancing with the Stars almost immediately. She joined the show in its second season, and it didn't take long for her to make her mark. She earned her first Mirrorball trophy in 2006, partnering with celebrity Drew Lachey. This victory solidified her status as a force to be reckoned with, and she quickly became one of the show's most well-known professional dancers, celebrated for her dynamic choreography and strong partnerships.

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Early Triumphs and Mirrorball Glory

Throughout her tenure, Cheryl was known for her ability to transform non-dancers into competitive performers. She burst onto Dancing With the Stars in the show’s second season, winning the Mirrorball trophy in 2006 with celebrity partner Drew Lachey. She secured another Mirrorball trophy, making her a two-time champion, a feat few pros achieve. Her partnerships were always a highlight, bringing out the best in her celebrity counterparts. Memorable performances include her electrifying Samba with Gilles Marini, which propelled them to fifth place, and her routines with Di Pace. Her dedication to her craft and her partners was evident in every step she took on the dance floor. She even participated in "Ballroom Battles," training amateur dancers, showcasing her versatile skills.

A Brief Hiatus and Triumphant Return

Interestingly, her most recent departure wasn't the first time Cheryl Burke stepped away from the show. In 2014, when Burke's contract came up ahead of the show's 20th season, she decided to leave in order to pursue other opportunities. However, the allure of the ballroom proved strong, and she eventually made a triumphant return, much to the delight of her loyal fanbase. This earlier hiatus highlights a recurring theme in Burke's career: a desire for growth and new challenges, even if it means temporarily stepping away from something she loves.

The Emotional Farewell: Why Cheryl Burke Left DWTS

The news of Cheryl Burke's permanent departure from Dancing with the Stars was met with a mix of sadness and understanding from fans. After almost 17 years and 26 seasons, she announced her retirement from the show, a decision that she later revealed was "hands down" harder than her 2022 divorce from Matthew Lawrence.

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The Official Announcement and Timeline

Cheryl Burke officially revealed her decision to leave Dancing with the Stars after the Season 31 finale. She shared the news on Instagram on November 20, stating she was "hanging up her dancing shoes." While the provided data has some variations regarding the exact season or year of her initial announcement, the most consistent and recent information confirms she announced her upcoming departure from the show, effectively leaving after Season 31 in 2022. She later clarified on her “Burke in the Game” podcast in October 2023, stating, “Yes, this is,” confirming she was leaving as a pro after Season 31 and wouldn't be part of Season 32.

Her long tenure meant she had become an integral part of the show's fabric, and her absence would undoubtedly be felt. She even shared a TikTok video hinting at her involvement in auditioning potential new pros/troupe members in her "last few seasons," showcasing her continued dedication even as she prepared for her exit.

A Fraught Relationship and Personal Toll

Cheryl has been remarkably candid about the reasons behind her departure, admitting that her relationship with the show had become "fraught" over time. While she expressed deep affection for Dancing with the Stars, stating, “I love the show. I’m a...” (implying a deep connection), the demanding nature of the competition and the intense scrutiny that came with it took a toll. She revealed to E! News exclusively about her decision, emphasizing the personal sacrifices involved. On the 'Amy & T.J.' podcast, she reiterated that her Dancing with the Stars exit was "hand down" harder than her 2022 divorce from Matthew Lawrence, highlighting the profound impact the show had on her life.

The commitment required for Dancing with the Stars is immense, both physically and mentally. After nearly two decades, the grind of constant training, performing, and being in the public eye can wear anyone down. For Burke, it was time to prioritize her well-being and explore new avenues. She's putting away her dancing shoes "for now," leaving the door open for future possibilities but clearly signaling a need for a break from the relentless pace of competitive ballroom dancing.

Beyond the Ballroom: Cheryl Burke's Life After DWTS

Since her departure from Dancing with the Stars, Cheryl Burke has been remarkably open about her life, focusing on personal growth, mental health, and addressing public scrutiny. Her journey post-DWTS has been one of self-discovery and advocacy.

Prioritizing Mental Health and Well-being

One of the most significant aspects of Cheryl's post-DWTS life has been her candidness about her struggles with mental health and body insecurity issues through the years. She has openly shared that she suffers from body dysmorphia, a condition that has impacted her throughout her life. This vulnerability has resonated with many fans, as she continues to advocate for mental well-being and self-acceptance. Her podcast, "Burke in the Game," has become a platform for these important conversations, allowing her to connect with her audience on a deeper, more personal level.

Addressing Body Image and Speculation

In recent months, Cheryl Burke has also garnered attention for a significant change in her physical appearance, specifically a weight loss of about 30 to 35 pounds. She revealed to People magazine that she has lost over 30 lbs. with the help of intermittent fasting and a new and improved health and fitness regimen. This transformation led to speculation from fans, including rumors about the use of Ozempic. True to her candid nature, Burke swiftly set the record straight in a recent TikTok video, stating, “I’m not on Ozempic, I’m not sick, I…” She clapped back at critics, emphasizing that her weight loss was due to lifestyle changes and not a quick fix or illness.

She has consistently addressed online criticism about her changed appearance, pointing out that she's happy in the skin she’s in now, despite it not always being that way. She's even referenced past comments comparing her current look to "The Suite Life of Zack & Cody Cheryl back in 2006, Dancing With the Stars season 2 when I was 21 years old or the three years ago Cheryl," highlighting the constant scrutiny she's faced regarding her body throughout her career. Cheryl Burke has been dealing with speculation about her appearance since her early days on Dancing with the Stars, making her recent openness even more impactful as she shuts down the noise and embraces her authentic self.

New Ventures and Continued Connection

While she may have left the competitive ballroom, Cheryl Burke remains connected to her audience and the dance world. Her podcast, "Burke in the Game," allows her to share insights, interview guests, and discuss topics important to her. She continues to be a public figure, using her platform to discuss everything from her divorce to her health journey, and even shared a TikTok about her role in helping audition potential new pros for DWTS in her final seasons, demonstrating her lasting impact on the show. She also recently sat down with Entertainment Tonight to open up about the rumors, her life, and celebrating the 20th anniversary of the popular celebrity talent series.

Summary

Cheryl Burke's journey on Dancing with the Stars was nothing short of legendary. From her early wins and becoming a two-time Mirrorball champion to her eventual decision to step away after 17 years, her impact on the show and its fans is undeniable. Her departure was a deeply personal one, driven by a desire to prioritize her mental and physical well-being after years of intense dedication to the show. Since leaving, Cheryl has bravely opened up about her struggles with body dysmorphia and has been transparent about her recent weight loss, actively shutting down rumors and advocating for self-acceptance. While her dancing shoes may be temporarily hung up, Cheryl