Explore the definitive guide to Cheryl Burke’s most impactful Dancing With the Stars experiences, featuring her personal take on partner injuries, shocking eliminations, and the protests that shook the ballroom.
For 17 years and an astonishing 26 seasons, Cheryl Burke etched her name into Dancing With the Stars history. Not only was she the show’s longest-running female pro, but she also made waves as the first woman to clinch the coveted Mirrorball Trophy, and the only one to do it twice in a row. Her time in the ballroom was a whirlwind of unforgettable triumphs, deeply emotional routines, and moments that left both fans and Burke herself reeling.
In 2021, Burke shared a candid retrospective on her YouTube channel, detailing what she considers her most memorable, and often “disappointing,” moments from her illustrious career on the show. These revelations provide a rare, unfiltered look into the pressures and passions behind the glitzy facade of competitive ballroom dancing, offering fans deeper insight into the events that shaped her legacy.
Cheryl Burke: A DWTS Legend’s Unforgettable Journey
Burke’s journey on DWTS was marked by dedication and a fierce competitive spirit. She became a fan favorite, known for her ability to guide celebrities through intense training and transform them into dancers. Her reflections on challenging partnerships and unexpected outcomes highlight the unpredictable nature of live television and fan voting.
Her openness in her YouTube video, which she titled “My Most ‘Disappointing’ Moments,” resonated deeply with her audience. It confirmed many of the frustrations and hopes that viewers shared, bringing a unique transparency to the often-polished world of reality competition television.
As Cheryl Burke explains in her video, these moments, while disappointing, are also integral to her lasting connection with the show and its vast fanbase. For more insights into her extensive career and her personal ranking of these pivotal experiences, you can watch her full video on YouTube.
The Raw Emotion of Live TV: Cristian de la Fuente’s Injury (Season 6)
One of the most harrowing moments for Cheryl Burke came in Season 6 when her partner, actor Cristian de la Fuente, sustained a live television injury. Burke recalled having a strong “inkling” that their samba would be a breakthrough performance, only for it to be cut short.
Mid-dance, while Burke was in a green two-piece dress, de la Fuente tore a tendon in his elbow. Despite the severe injury, the couple was voted back into the competition. With a doctor’s permission, they persevered and remarkably made it to the finals, showcasing incredible resilience, though they ultimately did not win the Mirrorball.
The “Make-or-Break” Dilemma: Gilles Marini’s Freestyle (Season 8)
Season 8’s finale brought another significant disappointment for Burke and her partner, Sex in the City actor Gilles Marini. Competing against Mark Ballas and Shawn Johnson for the Mirrorball, their “make-or-break” freestyle dance was crucial.
Burke emphasized the high stakes of the freestyle, noting it “could erase anything you’ve done, all 25 dances.” Despite Marini being an excellent dancer, Burke theorized that this might have worked against them. She believes that viewers often “don’t want to see you be a great dancer, they want to see you struggle” – a sentiment that resonates with the show’s focus on personal growth.
This outcome deeply saddened fans, with one commenter reflecting, “I’m also still sad that Gilles didn’t win! He deserved it and had a great mix of passion, strength, and elegance!”
Rob Kardashian’s Transformative Journey and Second Place Finish (Season 13)
Robert Kardashian, from Keeping Up with the Kardashians, embarked on a truly transformative journey in Season 13, which Cheryl Burke cites as a highlight despite the final outcome. Initially driven by a desire to surpass his sister Kim Kardashian’s early exit in Season 7, Rob’s experience evolved into something far more personal.
Burke praised his dedication, stating that “his journey was the definition of what the show is all about.” His performances showed remarkable improvement, from a “very stiff” Viennese Waltz in Week 1 to an acclaimed quickstep in Week 8 that earned rave reviews, with judges praising his improved hold and technique. He even achieved a perfect 30 for his semifinal samba, impressing with his “convincing” arm snaps and embracing the dance’s “cheese” factor, as noted by Entertainment Weekly.
Despite his significant progress and a strong fan following, they placed second to J.R. Martinez and Karina Smirnoff. This loss remains Burke’s biggest disappointment from that season, a sentiment shared by fans who adored their partnership and “cute” friendship.
Unscripted Drama: Ryan Lochte and the Stage Protest (Season 23)
Season 23 brought an unprecedented moment of disruption during Ryan Lochte’s run. The Olympic swimmer competed shortly after the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics, where he had been involved in a widely publicized incident, admitting he fabricated a robbery story to cover up damaging a gas station bathroom. This controversy fueled public sentiment both for and against his appearance on DWTS.
Burke recounted the shocking moment when “protestors sitting in the audience” rushed the stage after their foxtrot, yelling their disapproval while judge Carrie Ann Inaba was speaking. She initially thought it was a joke until their security guard, Dave, intervened, charging a protestor. The incident highlighted the intense public scrutiny surrounding Lochte and the show’s ability to sometimes mirror real-world controversies.
The incident garnered significant media attention, as reported by outlets including Britannica regarding Lochte’s initial claims and subsequent admission, further cementing this moment as a shocking event in DWTS history.
“Still Pissed Off”: The Shocking Elimination of Juan Pablo di Pace (Season 27)
Perhaps Burke’s most deeply felt disappointment came in Season 27 with her partner, actor Juan Pablo di Pace. Their elimination before the finals remains a sore point for Burke and many fans, who felt they were “robbed.”
“Dammit, we didn’t even make the final,” Burke openly admitted, expressing a frustration that resonated widely. She lauded di Pace’s exceptional talent, noting he “danced like a professional” and their Argentine Tango was “some of the best work in my dancing career, ever.” Their unexpected elimination sparked widespread outrage among the fanbase, who felt their performance quality merited a spot in the finals.
Fans echoed Burke’s sentiments in video comments, with one stating, “As soon as I saw the title, I knew Juan Pablo would be on the list. To this day, I’m still not over how ROBBED you were that season.” This collective sentiment underscores the enduring impact of this surprising outcome on the DWTS community.
Cheryl Burke’s Continued Impact: From Pro to Judge
After retiring as a professional dancer in November 2022, Cheryl Burke’s connection to Dancing With the Stars continues. She made a much-anticipated return as a guest judge, bringing her wealth of experience and discerning eye to the Halloween Night competition.
Joining a panel of esteemed judges including Carrie Ann Inaba, Derek Hough, and Bruno Tonioli, Burke’s presence offers a unique perspective. Her deep understanding of the pros’ challenges and the celebrities’ journeys makes her an invaluable addition to the judging table, proving her enduring influence on the show.
For a detailed look at Cheryl Burke’s record-breaking tenure and her most unforgettable performances, fans can revisit the comprehensive retrospective from Parade, which delves into why these moments continue to be discussed years later.
Where to Watch Dancing With the Stars
For fans eager to catch the latest season and future guest appearances by ballroom legends like Cheryl Burke, Dancing With the Stars airs Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET on ABC and Disney+. New episodes are also available for streaming the next day on Hulu, ensuring everyone can keep up with the ballroom action.
