Why Cheryl Burke Really Left Dancing With the Stars After 26 Seasons

Cheryl Burke is back in the Dancing With the Stars ballroom.

Almost three years after retiring from professional dancing, she’s coming back as a guest judge on season 34, appearing on Halloween night, October 28th.

She shared on Instagram on October 21st that even though it’s been three years since her last performance and retirement, she still vividly remembers that special night. She expressed how much she appreciates being able to return, this time watching from the audience.

Cheryl, after 26 seasons as a competitor on the ABC dance show, will now be a judge. She’ll be joining Bruno Tonioli, Carrie Ann Inaba, and former professional dancer Derek Hough on the judging panel.

Although she’s only attending this year, the 41-year-old is well aware of how demanding it is to be a professional – it was actually a key factor in her decision to retire.

She told TopMob News in November 2022 that while the job had taken a physical toll, she also felt a need to explore new opportunities. ‘We all grow and change as people,’ she explained, ‘and I’m definitely still learning and evolving.’

She added that she doesn’t see this as the end of her career and is eager to explore new opportunities. Participating in Dancing with the Stars requires a very demanding schedule, and she already has a lot of other projects in the works.

Even though the host of the Sex, Lies and Spray Tans podcast thinks retiring from Dancing with the Stars was the right choice, it was a difficult decision. She was on the show for many seasons – from season two through nineteen, and again from seasons twenty-three to twenty-six.

She shared on Instagram that being part of this show has felt like a second family since she was 21. The cast, crew, and fans have supported her through good times and bad, and she’s incredibly grateful for their impact on who she is today. While she’s ready to move forward with her career, she knows dance will always be a passion.

In fact, she emphasized that she’s looking forward to the following chapters of her career.

The two-time champion shared that she’s looking forward to growing and taking on new challenges. She’s eager to continue advocating for mental health and explore her passion for podcasting. While acknowledging that the future is uncertain and a little frightening, she hinted at some exciting plans she’s been working on, reassuring fans that she has a few surprises in store.

Now, keep ready to see all the season 34 celebs and pros dancing for the Mirrorball trophy.

In fact, she emphasized that she’s looking forward to the following chapters of her career.

I’m really looking forward to growing and taking on new challenges,” the two-time champion shared. “I want to continue supporting mental health initiatives and explore my passion for podcasting. While the future is uncertain and a little daunting, I have some exciting plans in the works, so I’m optimistic about what’s to come.

Now, keep ready to see all the season 34 celebs and pros dancing for the Mirrorball trophy.