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The Five Shocking Ways Cheryl Burke Has Transformed Since Leaving DWTS (2025 Update)

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The Cheryl Burke we knew from 26 seasons of *Dancing with the Stars* is gone, replaced by a new, radically candid, and business-focused professional who has undergone a profound transformation both personally and professionally. As of late 2024 and heading into 2025, the two-time Mirrorball champion has traded the ballroom floor for a producer's chair and a public platform dedicated to mental wellness, making her "then and now" story one of the most compelling celebrity evolutions in recent memory. This deep dive reveals how the dancer, who became a household name over two decades, has completely redefined her identity, career, and personal life following her emotional retirement from the ABC competition series.

Cheryl Burke: A Deep-Dive Biography and Career Milestones

Cheryl Stephanie Burke, born on May 3, 1984, in San Mateo County, California, began her journey into dance at a remarkably young age. Her foundational years were spent mastering ballet, a pursuit she started at just four years old at the Menlo Park Academy of Dance.

However, her career trajectory changed dramatically at the age of 11 when she transitioned from classical ballet to ballroom dancing, a move that would ultimately define her global fame.

Burke quickly excelled in the competitive ballroom circuit, opening her first dance studio in 2008 after purchasing the Metronome Dance Center in San Francisco, where she had trained as a young girl.

Her big break came with the debut of ABC's *Dancing with the Stars* (DWTS). She joined the show in its second season and became the first professional dancer to win the competition twice, securing victories with celebrity partners Drew Lachey and Emmitt Smith.

Over the next 17 years, Burke became synonymous with the show, appearing for an astounding 26 seasons before announcing her retirement in 2022, citing a need to move into the "next phase of her career" and focus on her mental health.

  • Full Name: Cheryl Stephanie Burke
  • Born: May 3, 1984 (Age 40 as of 2024)
  • Birthplace: San Mateo County, California, U.S.
  • Parents: Stephen Louis Burke and Sherri Bautista
  • Key Career Milestone: First professional dancer to win *Dancing with the Stars* twice.
  • DWTS Tenure: 26 seasons (2006–2022).
  • Marital Status: Divorced from Matthew Lawrence (2022).
  • Estimated Net Worth (2025): $3–4 Million.

From Ballroom Pro to Power Producer: Cheryl's Career Evolution

The transition from a full-time professional dancer to a new career path is often fraught with difficulty, a reality Burke herself acknowledged, admitting to an "identity crisis" post-DWTS.

However, her "now" career has swiftly taken a new, powerful direction, moving her behind the camera and into the world of production and development.

The Groundbreaking ABC First-Look Deal

In a major career pivot that solidified her post-DWTS status, Cheryl Burke signed a first-look development deal with ABC.

This deal allows her to develop a range of entertainment projects for the network, including both scripted and unscripted series, podcasts, and various special formats.

This move is a significant step away from the dance floor, positioning her as a creative force and producer within the network that made her famous.

Stepping Away from the Mic: The Podcast Pause

For a time, Burke maintained her connection with the dance world through her popular podcast, *Sex, Lies, and Spray Tans*, a title that perfectly encapsulated the behind-the-scenes drama of ballroom life.

However, in a "bittersweet decision," Burke announced in 2024 that she was pausing the podcast to fully dedicate her time and energy to her new production projects with ABC.

This decision underscores her commitment to her new role, choosing a long-term production career over her established media ventures.

The Guest Judge Comeback

While her full-time dancing career is over, Burke has not entirely severed ties with her roots. She made a welcomed return to *Dancing with the Stars* as a guest judge for the show's Halloween Night episode.

This return, which came after a three-year retirement from the competition, was a nostalgic moment for fans and a testament to her enduring legacy on the show.

The Deeply Personal Transformation: Mental Health, Sobriety, and Self-Worth

Perhaps the most striking difference between the "then" and "now" Cheryl Burke is her radical transparency regarding her personal struggles, especially her focus on mental health and sobriety.

The pressure of the spotlight and the grueling DWTS schedule had long masked deeper issues, but her retirement has allowed her to prioritize her well-being.

Candidness on Body Dysmorphia and Weight Loss

In 2024, Burke openly discussed her struggles with body dysmorphia, a condition that has impacted her self-perception throughout her career.

While fans have noted a visible physical transformation, including noticeable weight loss and speculation about plastic surgery (such as a slimmer nose and face shape), Burke stressed that her focus is on mental health, not just physical appearance.

She used her platform to highlight the importance of self-love and self-acceptance, pushing back against the societal obsession with thinness.

The Aftermath of Divorce and Choosing Celibacy

Burke's personal life underwent a massive upheaval with her divorce from actor Matthew Lawrence, which was finalized in 2022 after three years of marriage.

In a candid 2024 interview, Burke shared her perspective on why the marriage failed, a level of openness she rarely displayed during her DWTS tenure.

Crucially, she revealed that she has been celibate since the divorce, a conscious choice to rebuild her "self-love, self-respect, and self-worth" before entering a new relationship.

This deliberate period of singledom and self-reflection marks a significant shift from her previous public relationships.

Sobriety and a New Lease on Life

Another cornerstone of her "now" identity is her commitment to sobriety. Burke has been open about her journey, using her platform to discuss the challenges and triumphs of maintaining an alcohol-free lifestyle.

Her decision to leave DWTS was partly driven by her commitment to mental health, which includes prioritizing her sobriety and overall well-being.

This new, authentic focus on self-improvement and mental clarity is the engine driving her entire career pivot, from the production deal to her public advocacy.

What the Future Holds for the Transformed Star

The Cheryl Burke of the past, defined by the glitter and intensity of the ballroom, has given way to a multi-hyphenate professional focused on producing content and advocating for mental health.

Her first-look deal with ABC is expected to yield new television projects in the coming years, potentially giving her a voice in the entertainment landscape far beyond the confines of reality competition.

By stepping away from the dance floor, she has found a new stage for authenticity, using her experiences with divorce, body image, and sobriety to connect with a wider audience.

The transformation is not just physical or professional; it is a profound journey of self-discovery, proving that even after 26 seasons, the story of Cheryl Burke is only just beginning.

cheryl burke then and now
cheryl burke then and now

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