Cheryl Burke

Growing up in San Francisco, CA, Cheryl Burke came from a family who all loved to dance. At just four years old, she began taking ballet lessons and performed throughout the Bay area until she was 10. It was at that time that she discovered that ballroom: “… wasn’t just for old people” and decided to change her focus. She hung up her ballet shoes and began training in both standard and Latin. By 13, Burke was competing and traveling all over the world. Some of her achievements included being the 2005 World Cup Professional Rising Star, Latin Champion in UK Championships and fourth in the U.S. “Under 21’s.” One of the better known professionals on "Dancing with the Stars" (ABC, 2005- ), Burke is the only the first of two-time winners of "DWTS." She and her partner singer Drew Lachey stole the show on season two and sensationally won the competition. During season three, Burke was partnered with football legend Emmitt Smith, and together they won the competition. Unfortunately, third time was not the charm during season four, with Burke only making it to the semi-finals with actor Ian Ziering, coming in 4th place. She and her next partner, Vegas legend Wayne Newton, fared even worse, leaving the competition early on during season five.