Cheryl Burke, a prominent figure in the world of dance, exemplifies the idea that initial judgments can often be misleading. Known for her dynamic performances on the hit ABC show “Dancing With the Stars,” Burke has showcased her talent by dancing with 24 celebrities over 26 seasons. Among her various partners, reality TV stars Rob Kardashian and Jack Osbourne stood out, surprising Burke with their unexpected camaraderie and ease. During a podcast episode, Burke expressed that both Kardashian and Osbourne defied her expectations, emerging as two of her favorite partners despite her preconceived notions based on their public personas. Their shared experiences brought them closer, leading to successful performances—Kardashian finished second in season 13, while Osbourne secured third in season 17.
Reflecting on her experiences, Burke noted a lack of initial expectations for her seasons with Kardashian and Osbourne, making the duo’s achievements all the more astonishing. She admitted to having judged them prematurely, associating them with the “spoiled brat” image portrayed on reality television. However, both men proved to be more relatable and enjoyable to work with than Burke had anticipated. Their ability to not take themselves too seriously contributed significantly to the bond they formed on the dance floor. This newfound perspective reinforced Burke’s belief that the personalities behind the fame often tell a different story once you engage with them on a personal level.
Burke’s extensive career has allowed her to partner with a wide array of celebrities, from singer Drew Lachey—whom she won season 2 with—to television host Drew Carey. She revealed a preference for working with reality stars and athletes, citing a unique chemistry that tends to develop with this demographic. Burke’s honest reflections illuminate her passion for dance and the joy she derives from collaborating with her partners. More than simple footwork and choreography, Burke highlighted the relationships forged during the performance, which ultimately shaped her experience on the show.
In 2022, after a remarkable journey spanning 26 seasons, Burke announced her departure from “Dancing With the Stars” following the conclusion of season 31. The decision was not an easy one, as she expressed on her social media platforms her conflicting emotions surrounding this pivotal moment in her life. Burke acknowledged the show as her second family, having been part of it since the age of 21. Over the years, the support from the cast, crew, and fans helped her navigate her personal highs and lows, making her farewell to the series a poignant realization of how deeply embedded the show was in her identity.
Burke embraced the transition as an opportunity for growth and new challenges. In her farewell message, she expressed excitement for the next phase of her career while recognizing that dance would always be a vital component of her life. She indicated a strong desire to focus on mental health advocacy, a passion she’s developed over the years. The commitment to using her platform for meaningful purposes reflects a maturation of Burke’s priorities and values, steering her towards an evolving professional landscape.
As she looks to the future, Burke remains optimistic and curious about her next endeavors. The uncertainty surrounding life post-“Dancing With the Stars” is daunting yet invigorating for Burke, who is ready to embrace whatever comes next. While she hinted at plans to venture into podcasting and engage in more advocacy work, the details remain closely held. For Burke, this new chapter symbolizes not only a professional evolution but also mature acknowledgment of her journey thus far—a blend of gratitude for her past experiences and excitement for what lies ahead.
