Cheryl Burke

Cheryl Burke – Life, Career, and Famous Quotes

Dive into the inspiring journey of Cheryl Burke — from a young dancer overcoming trauma to a trailblazing Dancing with the Stars champion, model, TV host, and author. Learn about her life, achievements, philosophy, and memorable quotes.

Introduction

Cheryl Burke (born May 3, 1984) is an American dancer, model, and television host who rose to international fame as a professional dancer on ABC’s Dancing with the Stars. DWTS, as well as the first to win back-to-back titles.

Early Life and Family

Cheryl Burke was born in San Francisco, California on May 3, 1984. Menlo-Atherton High School.

Her heritage is mixed: her mother is Filipino, and her father is of American descent.

Her childhood was marked by challenges. Cheryl has revealed that she endured childhood abuse, including sexual abuse by a handyman who worked for her family. She later testified against him, and he was sentenced to prison.

These early experiences—of trauma, resilience, and navigating shame—would deeply influence her life, advocacy, and views on body acceptance.

Youth, Dance Training & Foundations

Cheryl’s introduction to dance began early. She began ballet training at age 4, though she discovered her passion for ballroom dancing later.

By the time she was in her early teens, she was participating in international ballroom events. Her early competitive experience built not only technique but confidence, stage presence, and the discipline needed for a demanding performance career.

Career and Achievements

Dancing with the Stars & Competitive Success

Cheryl Burke’s rise to broad public recognition came with Dancing with the Stars.

• She competed in DWTS for 26 seasons as a pro dancer before eventually stepping away from the show.

• She was the first female professional dancer to win the show, achieving victory in Season 2 (partnered with Drew Lachey).

• She then won back-to-back in Season 3 with NFL legend Emmitt Smith, making her the first pro dancer to win consecutively.

• Over her DWTS tenure, she competed with many celebrity partners and delivered compelling routines, dramatic story arcs, and emotional performances.

Her DWTS success not only showcased her dance expertise but also her ability to teach, choreograph, adapt to partners with different skill levels, and engage audiences.

Television, Modeling & Hosting

Outside of DWTS, Cheryl has appeared in television roles and as a host personality:

• She had a guest role on The Suite Life of Zack & Cody as “Shannon” in the episode Loosely Ballroom.

• In 2017, she took over from Abby Lee Miller on Dance Moms, serving as a mentor to young dancers.

• She has done modeling and promotional work with brands, endorsements, and has been involved in fitness, dance wear, and activewear projects.

Authorship & Advocacy

In early 2011, Cheryl published her autobiography, Dancing Lessons: How I Found Passion and Potential on the Dance Floor and in Life.

She uses her platform to speak about mental health, body positivity, resilience, and the impact of abuse on survivors.

Later Developments & Public Life

In recent years, Cheryl’s public life has included changes in her physical health, public scrutiny over appearance, and evolving views on self-love and health. She has discussed weight loss, criticisms about her changed appearance, and the importance of mental well-being and acceptance.

She also remains active in dance, public speaking, and media projects, leveraging her reputation to support causes she cares about.

Historical Context & Milestones

Cheryl Burke’s career map intersects with larger trends in dance, reality television, and public discourse about mental health:

• Dancing with the Stars brought ballroom dance back into mainstream pop culture in the U.S., and Cheryl, as one of its earliest and enduring pros, helped define its stylistic and emotional tone.

• Her wins and longevity established benchmarks for professional dancers on the show—especially for women.

• Her openness about abuse, body image, and healing is part of a broader cultural shift toward destigmatizing trauma, mental health, and authenticity.

• Her transition from competitive dancer to mentor, host, and advocate reflects a trajectory many performers take as they age and evolve their public roles.

Legacy and Influence

Cheryl Burke’s legacy is multidimensional:

• Trailblazer on DWTS: as a champion, consistent performer, and long-time pro, she set standards and inspired both viewers and aspiring dance professionals.

• Voice for survivors: her willingness to share her story of abuse and resilience gives courage to others with similar experiences.

• Body positivity & self-acceptance: her journey through criticism and transformation creates conversations around evolving beauty standards and health over appearance.

• Mentorship: via Dance Moms and her public outreach, she supports young dancers and creatives in navigating the pressures of performance.

• Versatility: she shows that dancers can transition into broader roles—writing, hosting, activism—without losing their essence.

Personality, Style & Talents

Cheryl is frequently described as resilient, honest, passionate, and deeply committed to growth. Her public voice is candid—she does not shy from sharing vulnerabilities, struggles, and lessons.

As a dancer, her strengths lie in storytelling through movement, precise technique, adaptability to partners, and the ability to bring emotional weight to performances.

She has also emphasized the importance of core strength, fitness, and maintaining an engaged, healthy body even off the ballroom floor.

Her style blends elegance, athleticism, and dramatic flair; she is equally confident in Latin routines, contemporary pieces, or ballroom classics.

In public and media spheres, Cheryl often speaks with empathy, aiming to motivate others rather than judge—a tone shaped by her own past and introspection.

Famous Quotes of Cheryl Burke

Here are some notable quotes attributed to her:

• “You have to embrace your body, whether it’s curvy or whatever you may be. You have to embrace who you are. Beauty comes from the inside not out.”

• “Because I have been bullied and attacked about my body, body image has always been an issue for me.”

• “I dance in a three-and-a-half-inch stiletto heel — but it took me a while to get to that level. You really have to be careful not to break your ankle or twist your ankle.”

• “When I work out I always focus on activating my core so I’m engaging at all times no matter if I’m doing yoga or if I’m on the treadmill.”

• “When I’m not dancing it’s important I stay in shape, and for me … it’s hard … to just go on a treadmill and run for a few miles.”

These lines reveal her disciplined approach, embodied wisdom, and sensitivity around body image and self-care.

Lessons from Cheryl Burke

From her life and career, several lessons emerge:

1. Art can heal trauma — Cheryl used dance not only as performance but as a path to healing and identity recovery.

2. Vulnerability is strength — speaking openly about abuse, body struggles, and emotional pain opens doors for empathy and connection.

3. Success requires grit and adaptation — long-term relevance in entertainment requires evolving roles, constant learning, and reinvention.

4. Beauty standards shift — accepting one’s body through its changes across time is part of self-love.

5. Mentorship matters — giving back to younger dancers and creators helps build community and legacy.

6. Health over appearances — internal well-being should be the anchor as the external form changes or is scrutinized.

Conclusion

Cheryl Burke’s path is one of grace under pressure, transformation through adversity, and art as purpose. From a child who endured abuse and body shaming to becoming a DWTS champion, author, mentor, and advocate, she embodies resilience, authenticity, and the belief that one’s story—even the broken chapters—can become a source of strength.