She might not have won the coveted Mirror ball trophy on the latest season of Dancing with the Stars, but professional dancer Cheryl Burke is a champion in and out of the ballroom.
The 28-year-old (who has a birthday coming up on Friday) was partnered with comedian D.L. Hughley on Season 16 of the hit show, and even though they were eliminated in Week 5, we were certainly impressed by their moves on the dance floor.
Burke is also doing her part to help those with bladder control issues, by taking part in the Great American Try On campaign by trying on Depend Silhouette for women.
“I wanted to inspire women and let them know that no one needs to feel ashamed no matter what they are going through,” she says.
Because of her participation, Depend will donate $50,000 to Dress for Success, an organization that helps low-income women with career development.
We had a chance to chat with Burke and got the scoop on what happens behind the scenes on Dancing with the Stars:
1. What was your favorite memory from this season of DWTS?
There are so many moments that stand out for me but the most lasting impression I’ll have from this season is that moment D.L. realized that dancing was fun and not a medieval torture device.
2. What was the biggest challenge you faced in the ballroom?
I don’t have a typical dancer’s body so I’ve been classified and stereotyped my whole life.
3. What’s one thing people might be surprised to learn about D.L. Hughley?
D.L., while being super funny, is also extremely compassionate and a great dad.
4. What’s one lesson you’ve learned from dancing that has helped you in real life?
Confidence. Dancing has giving this very shy girl confidence!
5. What’s one goal you would like to accomplish in the next five years?
I would love to write a children’s book, a book about self-esteem targeted at tweens.
