Former 'DWTS' Pro Cheryl Burke Joins Judges' Panel, Shares Advice for Stars

Cheryl Burke, a former professional dancer on 'Dancing With the Stars' (DWTS), is set to make her return to the ballroom as a guest judge on the show. Burke, who competed for 26 seasons and won two back-to-back Mirrorball trophies, is excited about her new role, though she admits to being nervous about the time constraints.

Despite her nerves, Burke is eager to share her expertise and empower the current crop of DWTS stars. She emphasizes the importance of staying authentic and continuously improving week-to-week, as the competition reaches its halfway point. Burke notes that fatigue is starting to set in for the contestants, and those who can maintain their growth and connection to the music will have the best chance of success.

The dancer-turned-judge also praised the show's adaptation to its younger, TikTok-savvy fanbase. She believes the increased presence of social media-active pros has helped bring the essence of the show back to its "family" roots. While the show has faced some criticism from online haters, Burke argues that the judges' technical expertise and the show's adherence to ballroom dancing fundamentals ultimately guide the conversation.

As DWTS celebrates its 20th anniversary, Burke remains grateful for the opportunity the show has provided her over the years. She is open to returning in any capacity, as the series continues to evolve and captivate audiences.