Why Cheryl Burke quietly exited Dancing With the Stars after 26 seasons, and what her return as Judge means
Cheryl Burke returns to DWTS as guest judge after her pro exit. Image Source: ABC
After an extraordinary 26-season run as one of Dancing With the Stars’ most beloved professional dancers, Cheryl Burke surprised fans in 2022 by announcing her departure. For nearly two decades, she was a cornerstone of the show, dazzling audiences with her routines, coaching celebrities to victory, and earning two coveted Mirrorball trophies. But as Season 34 welcomes her back to the ballroom, this time as a guest judge, many are still asking: why did she really leave, and what does her return mean for her and the show?
The Real Reasons Cheryl Burke Walked Away
Burke’s exit was not a sudden decision but the result of deep reflection and personal evolution. In an interview with E! News, she revealed that the demanding nature of being a professional dancer had taken a toll on her both physically and mentally. “There is wear and tear,” she explained, describing the intense rehearsals, long hours, and relentless pace of the competition. Yet her departure wasn’t just about exhaustion, it was about growth. “My heart is telling me to see what else is out there,” she said. “We are human and we evolve. I do.”
Beyond physical fatigue, Burke also felt the pull of change. After years of dedicating her life to the ballroom, she wanted to explore new passions such as podcasting and mental-health advocacy. Her show, Sex, Lies and Spray Tans, allowed her to discuss topics she couldn’t touch on within DWTS’s glittering confines. She described her exit as emotional but necessary, “This show has been my second family since I was 21. But I also know that it is time to begin the next phase of my career.”
Privately, Burke also admitted that she didn’t always feel valued in her final seasons. She revealed that she had to fight for her farewell dance, saying her team “had to really put their foot down.” While she never described direct conflict, she acknowledged that she “didn’t like the way I was being treated,” suggesting a growing disconnect between her and the production environment that had once defined her.
READ ALSO
Alec Baldwin’s DWTS appearance rekindles Rust shooting debate: Insensitive or moving on?
What Her Exit Signified for DWTS
Cheryl Burke’s retirement marked the end of an era for Dancing With the Stars. Few pros in the show’s history had been as iconic or influential. Her departure symbolized the evolution of the franchise itself, moving from its classic lineup toward a new generation of dancers and digital-era celebrities. Yet her absence was felt. Burke’s technical expertise and storytelling ability set a high bar, and her departure left a noticeable gap in mentorship and legacy within the cast.
However, her decision to return in 2025 as a guest judge for Season 34’s Halloween Night highlights the show’s flexibility and its respect for those who helped build its reputation. After three years off the dance floor, Burke called the return “emotional and pure joy,” admitting to USA Today that she expects “waterworks.” Her appearance alongside Carrie Ann Inaba, Bruno Tonioli, and Derek Hough brings a blend of nostalgia and credibility, a symbolic bridge between the show’s past and its present.
What Her Return as Judge Means for Her Future
For Burke, this comeback isn’t about reclaiming her old role; it’s about redefining her influence. As a judge, she gets to share insights drawn from years of firsthand experience, without the physical demands that once exhausted her. “I know what it’s like to be a pro,” she told Deadline. “It’s about respect. I don’t believe judges should call pros out by name. This is about constructive criticism.”
Her new seat behind the judges’ table shows that DWTS values not just talent but legacy. It also marks Burke’s evolution from performer to mentor, a natural progression that allows her to contribute meaningfully to the show she helped shape. While fans will no longer see her waltz across the stage, they can expect her signature blend of discipline, empathy, and honesty to guide the next generation of dancers.
The Bigger Picture
Cheryl Burke’s story reflects a universal truth about growth and transformation. Leaving Dancing With the Stars wasn’t just a career move; it was a declaration of self-ownership. She left a comfortable, celebrated position to embrace uncertainty and reinvention, something many in demanding creative industries can relate to. Her return proves that stepping away doesn’t always mean saying goodbye; sometimes, it’s the only way to come back stronger, wiser, and with a fresh sense of purpose.
For DWTS, her reappearance reminds audiences why the show continues to evolve after nearly two decades. And for Burke, it’s the perfect blend of closure and new beginnings, a dance between who she was and who she’s becoming.
FAQ
Why did Cheryl Burke leave Dancing With the Stars?
She left after 26 seasons due to physical wear, emotional fatigue, and a desire to pursue new creative and personal opportunities like podcasting and advocacy.
Was she forced out or did she choose to leave?
Burke has stated it was her choice, though she admitted feeling the show was no longer a fit for her and that she had to push for her farewell moment.
When did Cheryl Burke leave DWTS?
She officially retired at the end of Season 31 in 2022.
When is she returning?
Burke returned as a guest judge for DWTS Season 34’s Halloween Night episode on October 28, 2025.
What does her new role as judge mean?
It marks her shift from performer to authority figure, allowing her to contribute her expertise while focusing on new career paths.
What is Cheryl Burke doing now?
She is focused on mental-health advocacy and her podcast Sex, Lies and Spray Tans, while exploring new entertainment ventures.