Three years after her impactful retirement, Cheryl Burke is set to make a highly anticipated return to the Dancing with the Stars ballroom as a guest judge, revealing insights into her life post-competition, her new endeavors, and the surprising few connections she’s maintained from her lengthy tenure on the show.
After a celebrated career that spanned 25 seasons and two Mirrorball trophies, fan-favorite professional dancer Cheryl Burke officially retired from Dancing with the Stars in 2022. Her departure marked the end of an era for many viewers, but her journey continues to unfold both on and off the dance floor. Most recently, Burke announced her return to the show for a special “Halloween Night” episode as a guest judge, offering a rare glimpse into her post-retirement connections and new life path.
A Triumphant Return to the Ballroom
Cheryl Burke’s upcoming appearance on “Halloween Night” on October 28, 2025, will be her first time back in the DWTS ballroom since her retirement. The anticipation among fans is palpable, as many eagerly await her insights and critiques from the judging panel. Her expertise, honed over two decades as a competitive pro, promises to bring a unique perspective to the scores and feedback she’ll offer.
Expressing a mix of excitement and nerves about the reunion, Burke told People that she aims to transform any anxiety into pure enthusiasm. Her goal as a judge is to provide valuable, constructive criticism while remaining encouraging, understanding the immense pressure and exhaustion the couples face at this stage of the competition. She knows firsthand what it takes to navigate the intense schedule and emotional demands of the show.
For the “Halloween Night” episode, the nine remaining celebrity and pro pairings are set to perform Halloween-themed routines and participate in a “Dance Monster-thon.” Among the featured performances, Emma Slater and her partner, comedian Andy Richter, will be dancing a Paso Doble to Beethoven’s “Symphony No. 5 in C Minor.”
Life After the Mirrorball: Retirement and New Beginnings
Cheryl Burke’s decision to retire from Dancing with the Stars was not made lightly. After the season 31 finale on November 20, 2022, she cited the “wear and tear” on her body and a desire to explore new career avenues. Her departure was a significant moment, as she had been a mainstay on the show since season two.
In a detailed statement shared after her retirement, Burke outlined her evolving career goals. She expressed excitement about challenging herself in new ways, deepening her commitment to mental health advocacy, and expanding her then-newfound passion for podcasting. She had already launched her podcast, “Burke in the Game,” in May 2022, which provided an outlet for her thoughts during a personally challenging period, including her divorce from Matthew Lawrence, finalized in September 2022.
Her retirement marked a pivot toward these new endeavors, showcasing her determination to build a multifaceted career beyond competitive ballroom dance, as reported by Variety.
Enduring Friendships and Surprising Connections
While Cheryl Burke’s return promises a “huge reunion” with her former castmates, she candidly admits that she hasn’t kept in close contact with most of them since stepping away from the show. However, there’s one notable exception: fellow pro Emma Slater.
“Emma [Slater] and I texted maybe before the season started,” Burke shared in an interview. This continued connection highlights a lasting bond forged during their years together on the show, a testament to the deep friendships that can form amidst the intense competition. Beyond Emma Slater, Burke’s return for “Halloween Night” will be her first time seeing many of the other pros in three years.
Another beloved figure from Burke’s past on DWTS is former host Tom Bergeron, affectionately known as her “dance dad.” Shortly after her retirement in November 2022, Burke delighted fans by sharing a series of sweet snaps on Instagram of her reunion with Bergeron. Their playful photos underscored a cherished relationship that extends far beyond the ballroom, proving that some connections from the show truly stand the test of time.
Reflections on Relationships with Fellow Pros
Looking back at her extensive time on Dancing with the Stars, Cheryl Burke has been remarkably open about the dynamics among the professional dancers. In past interviews, she admitted that “things happen” between pros on set, even going so far as to say, “I think we all dated each other at one point.”
Among the names she has mentioned, Maksim Chmerkovskiy stands out. Burke revealed that she and Chmerkovskiy knew each other since childhood, with a history spanning back to her being 12 and him around 15. While she maintained they never officially dated, she did playfully concede, “He was a good kisser. Maks is a good kisser.” She also noted that things once “heated up” with Mark Ballas, though without going into extensive detail. In contrast, she clarified that nothing more than a tango ever occurred between her and Derek Hough.
Navigating Celebrity Partnerships
Burke’s journey on DWTS also involved a diverse array of celebrity partners, some of whom were more memorable than others. She openly admitted to frequently having to Google her partners, a common occurrence for many pros who might not be familiar with every celebrity. One particularly challenging pairing she recalled was with 90210 alum Ian Ziering during season four in 2007, which she infamously described as making her “want to slit my wrists,” a comment she later apologized for on Twitter for its insensitivity.
Despite these varied experiences, Burke’s commitment to her role as a pro was unwavering. Her ability to adapt to different personalities and skill levels contributed to her longevity and success on the show.
Cheryl’s Enduring Advice
As she prepares to offer feedback as a guest judge, Cheryl Burke’s guiding philosophy for the dancers remains consistent. She believes that true artistry comes not from striving for an unattainable ideal, but from embracing the reality of the moment. Her most important piece of advice for the remaining couples is a powerful one:
- “Don’t aim for perfection, because what is that, anyway?”
- “Beauty is in the imperfections, for sure.”
- “Always dance as if it’s your last dance, because you never know.”
These words encapsulate a career built on passion, resilience, and a deep understanding of dance as a form of expression. As Cheryl Burke steps back into the spotlight, fans and dancers alike are reminded of her lasting impact on the Dancing with the Stars legacy and her inspiring journey beyond the competitive stage.
