The pro dancer explains her decision to leave ABC's 'Dancing with the Stars', 'It was very clear the show only wanted me back as a dancer.'
- Dec 10, 2014
AceShowbiz - Cheryl Burke may be leaving "Dancing with the Stars", but she will still grace the small screen. After saying back in September that she would likely not return to the dancing competition series for the next season, it's now reported that she has scored a new gig on NBC's new variety series.
According to PEOPLE, the new project will begin in 2015. The professional dancer, who was last partnered with Antonio Sabato Jr. in season 19, will reportedly perform on the show that will still have "a competitive element."
Either ABC or NBC has not commented on the news, but Burke has explained her decision to quit "DWTS" after 10 years. "I never thought I'd be able to walk away," she said. "But after a decade of something, it's time for me to move on and try something different, to be challenged, to feel inspired. 'Dancing with the Stars' will always be a part of my life. Dancing is what I've done since I was a little girl. But it was very clear the show only wanted me back as a dancer. They weren't interested in using me for other things and letting me grow."
She continued, "Instead of teaching people how to dance, I need to be taught something. I need to feed my brain with other knowledge. This was a perfect opportunity. My contract was very restrictive on 'Dancing with the Stars' so I couldn't do anything else. I've been waiting to add to my resume now for years."
Asked whether she would return as a judge, the 30-year-old dancer said it would be hard for her to do it. "They are my friends. I'm blunt and very honest. We all take it personally. It would be very hard for me to judge my friends," she reasoned.
