Why Cheryl Burke Stepped Away from Dancing with the Stars — Her Insight on the Exit

After an incredible run of 26 seasons on Dancing with the Stars, Cheryl Burke announced she would be leaving the show. She said the decision was one of the hardest of her life, but felt like the right move as she looked toward the next chapter.

Physical Toll and Personal Evolution

Burke explained that part of her reason stemmed from wear and tear on her body and the intense demands of dancing and rehearsing on a weekly television show. “There is wear and tear,” she stated.
She also emphasised that she wanted to grow beyond being just a dancer on the show; her heart was pulling her toward exploring new creative, mental-health and advocacy avenues.

Career Plateau and Desire for New Roles

Another factor was Burke’s feeling that her role with the show had plateaued. She believed that beyond her role as professional dancer, she could contribute in other capacities (such as host, judge or correspondent) but didn’t feel those opportunities were being offered.
She told listeners that because the show didn’t see her evolving into those bigger roles, she felt it was time for her to move on.

Emotional Farewell and Reflecting on the Past

Although she left on her own terms, Burke admitted that the farewell was emotional and scary. She acknowledged that after such a long tenure she was stepping into a new, uncertain chapter. “The decision to leave was scary,” she shared.
She also revealed struggles with feeling “abandoned” by former co-workers after her exit, saying the community she once called family no longer felt that way.

What’s Next? A Shift in Focus

Burke emphasised that she is not retiring altogether. Instead, she is closing the chapter on being a pro dancer on the show and leaning into projects like podcasting, mental-health advocacy and other creative outlets.
While she hopes to remain connected to the DWTS franchise in some way, she’s also released the need for it to define her future.

Final Thoughts

Cheryl Burke’s departure from Dancing with the Stars reflects a rare mix of success, self-awareness and willingness to evolve. Though her exit marked the end of an era, it also signalled the beginning of her new journey — one rooted in growth, change and embracing uncertainty. For long-time fans, the hope remains that we’ll see her influence in new ways, whether on-stage, behind the scenes, or in a different medium altogether.