Former ‘Dancing with the Stars’ professional dancer Sharna Burgess has opened up about her long-standing battle with eating disorders and body dysmorphia, revealing how her journey on the show helped her heal and embrace self-acceptance.
Former Dancing with the Stars professional dancer Sharna Burgess has bravely shared her personal struggle with eating disorders and body dysmorphia, offering a raw and honest look into her journey toward healing and self-acceptance. In a recent Instagram story, Burgess responded to an anonymous fan’s question about her experiences with eating disorders, revealing that she struggled with binge eating and restrictive behaviors during her teenage years and throughout her 20s.
Burgess’s revelation sheds light on the often-unseen pressures faced by professional dancers, particularly those in the spotlight. Her story is a powerful reminder of the mental and emotional toll that body image issues can take, even on those who appear confident and successful on the outside.
The Struggle Behind the Spotlight
Burgess’s journey with eating disorders began in her teenage years, a time when she was deeply immersed in the world of competitive dance. In a 2021 interview with Good Health & Wellbeing, she explained how dance, while being a passion, also instilled a negative body image in her. “I had a real struggle with my body because of dance,” she admitted. “It definitely instilled a negative body image. It also started a negative pattern of eating whereby I’d binge one day, and then starve the next.”
This cycle of bingeing and restricting continued into her 20s, a period during which Burgess was already a rising star in the dance world. Despite her success, she found herself trapped in a cycle of self-criticism and unhealthy eating habits. “Even in my 20s, I’d look in the mirror and see the 15-year-old that was told every week she needed to lose more weight,” she recalled. This statement highlights the lasting impact of early criticism and the difficulty of overcoming deeply ingrained body image issues.
A Turning Point: Joining ‘Dancing with the Stars’
Burgess’s life took a significant turn when she joined Dancing with the Stars in 2011. The show, which celebrates dance in all its forms, became a catalyst for her healing journey. “I thought, ‘Wow, I’ve been doing this my whole life,’” she reflected in her 2021 interview. “I started to see something else in the mirror, I started to see a body that had gotten me through some incredibly difficult times, that had created some beautiful moments, that had won championships, that had landed me a life I never ever thought possible.”
This shift in perspective was crucial for Burgess. It allowed her to see her body not as an object of criticism but as a vessel that had carried her through triumphs and challenges. Her experience on Dancing with the Stars helped her recognize the strength and resilience of her body, marking the beginning of her journey toward self-acceptance and healing.
The Impact of Early Criticism
Burgess’s story underscores the profound impact that early criticism can have on an individual’s self-perception. The negative body image she developed as a teenager stayed with her well into adulthood, affecting her relationship with food and her self-esteem. “When we get a negative body image as a child, it can take us a very long time to shake it and to see ourselves differently,” she noted. This statement resonates with many who have struggled with similar issues, highlighting the importance of fostering a positive body image from a young age.
Her journey also serves as a reminder of the pressures faced by those in the entertainment industry, where appearance is often scrutinized and criticized. Burgess’s openness about her struggles can help break the stigma surrounding eating disorders and encourage others to seek help and support.
A Message of Hope and Healing
Burgess’s story is ultimately one of hope and healing. Her journey from self-criticism to self-acceptance is a testament to the power of resilience and the importance of seeking help when needed. By sharing her experiences, she not only raises awareness about eating disorders but also offers a message of hope to those who may be struggling.
For anyone facing similar challenges, Burgess’s story serves as a reminder that healing is possible. It is a journey that requires time, patience, and self-compassion, but it is a journey worth taking. As Burgess herself has shown, it is possible to break free from the cycle of negative body image and embrace a healthier, more positive relationship with oneself.
If you or someone you know is struggling with an eating disorder, help is available. The Alliance for Eating Disorders offers a helpline at 1-866-662-1235 and provides free, therapist-led support groups.
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