Cheryl Burke is making a triumphant return to Dancing With the Stars in season 34, after three years away. The ballroom feels like home to her, and she’s excited to be back in familiar surroundings. As a former pro on 26 seasons of the show, Burke brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the judging panel for the Halloween episode.
Authenticity is key for Burke when it comes to evaluating the couples’ performances, especially in ballroom dances. She’s looking for technique executed in the right way, focusing on the details that make ballroom dancing beautiful. While Halloween Night will feature a variety of styles, Burke trusts the judging panel to focus on individual improvement, as that is the essence of the show.
Despite her time away from the show, the decision to return wasn’t completely unexpected for Burke. Conversations about her comeback had been happening for a year, leading up to her return as a guest judge. Watching the couples closely, Burke hopes to empower them with her feedback and expertise.
Reflecting on the evolution of the show and the fan community over the past two decades, Burke is impressed by the dedication of new fans and the sense of camaraderie that has been built. While some aspects of Dancing With the Stars remain the same, like the enduring popularity of certain contestants, Burke is excited to see how the show continues to evolve.
Burke’s past successes on the show, including winning with partners Drew Lachey and Emmitt Smith, have shaped her as a dancer and a person. Her decision to step away from Dancing With the Stars in season 31 was difficult but ultimately the right choice for her. Now, she looks forward to new challenges and opportunities in her career, including mental health advocacy and podcasting.
Returning to the ballroom after several years feels surreal for Burke, but she is eager to bring a fresh perspective to the judging panel. Despite the time apart, she knows that the show and its cast and crew will always hold a special place in her heart. As she prepares for the big reunion on Tuesday night, Burke is ready to reconnect with her Dancing With the Stars family and make new memories.
Dancing With the Stars airs on ABC and Disney+ on Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET. Fans can join the Bracketology fantasy league to compete against each other and Us Weekly editors, predicting which pairs will make it to the finale for season 34. It’s a fun way to show off your DWTS fandom and enjoy exclusive content, stats, and chances to win prizes. Join the league for free today and showcase your dance expertise!
Peace Nero is a writer and blogger who loves to explore different topics of self-development. She shares her personal experiences in order to help people discover their true purpose in life.