Cheryl Burke’s Return to the Ballroom — But This Time from the Other Side

 (Cheryl Burke Returns to ‘Dancing with the Stars’ as Guest Judge After Three-Year Absence)

Cheryl Burke is coming back to Dancing with the Stars, but not the way fans remember her. After three years away from the ballroom, she’s not lacing up her dance shoes this time—she’s taking a seat at the judges’ table for the Season 34 Halloween special. For Cheryl, who’s spent almost 20 years tied to this show, it’s a pretty big moment. It’s personal, it’s professional, and honestly, it feels like she’s closing one chapter and opening another.

Let’s break down what her return really means and why it’s more than just another guest-judge spot.

Cheryl’s Journey: Dancer, Champion, and Now Judge

Cheryl’s history with DWTS is legendary. She came in early and quickly became one of the faces of the show. Over 26 seasons, she snagged two Mirrorball trophies—one with Drew Lachey, another with Emmitt Smith—and built a reputation as one of the most respected pros out there.

When she stepped away in 2022, it wasn’t just a career move. She’d grown up on the show, called it her “second family,” and admitted she couldn’t imagine who she’d be without it. But after years of grueling seasons, she wanted to try something new—podcasting, mental health advocacy, just living outside the ballroom grind. She needed a change.

So now, coming back as a guest judge isn’t just a gig. It’s about honoring her legacy, showing how she’s changed, and reconnecting with a huge part of her life.

What’s New This Time Around?

1. She’s Judging, Not Dancing

Instead of sweating it out with a celeb partner, Cheryl will join Carrie Ann Inaba, Bruno Tonioli, and Derek Hough at the judges’ table. She’s excited but admits it’s a strange feeling. For her, it’s an honor to be invited back to share what she’s learned after so many years on the floor.

2. She’s Bringing a Dancer’s Eye to Judging

Cheryl knows exactly what it feels like to stand in front of those judges, waiting for feedback—good or bad. She’s talked about focusing on authenticity, technique, and the emotion behind each performance. She wants to keep it real and stick to what she knows best: ballroom.

3. There’s Real Emotion Here

This isn’t just another night on TV. The show is hitting some big milestones, and for Cheryl, it’s a reunion—bittersweet, even. She hasn’t kept in touch with many of the other pros, except for the occasional text to Emma Slater, so it’s a real reminder of how much things have changed. She’s called it “special” and “emotional,” and you can tell it means a lot.

Why Her Return Matters

For Cheryl

She gets to come back to a place that shaped her, but this time she’s guiding rather than competing. It’s a nod to everything she’s done on the show, and a chance for fans to see her in a new light. It also fits into her bigger story—leaving, growing, and then coming back on her own terms.

For Dancing with the Stars

Having Cheryl on the judges’ panel instantly boosts its credibility, especially when it comes to ballroom technique. It also shows that the show values its past—and isn’t afraid to bring old favorites back in meaningful ways. Old and new fans both get something out of it.

For the Dance World and Fans

Cheryl’s move from pro to judge is proof that careers can evolve—one day you’re the competitor, the next you’re the expert. It highlights the importance of real technique and passion in a show that sometimes leans into spectacle. And for anyone dreaming of a dance career, she’s proof that the journey doesn’t have to end at center stage.

What to Watch For

Cheryl’s already mentioned she’s a little nervous about the fast pace—judges don’t get much time to talk, and she’s used to thinking things through. Will she adapt? We’ll see. She’s also clear she’ll stick to ballroom when giving feedback, leaving jazz and contemporary to others. And, of course, there’s the nostalgia factor. Expect some emotional moments, maybe a few flashbacks, and plenty of reminders of how much DWTS has meant to her.

Fans have mixed feelings—some are curious about her new look, others are still talking about past seasons and old drama—but one thing’s clear: Cheryl Burke’s return is more than a guest appearance. It’s a new chapter in a story that’s still unfolding.