why did cheryl burke leave dwts

Cheryl Burke left Dancing with the Stars in 2022 after 26 seasons, citing a mix of personal, physical, and professional reasons. She has since described wanting a promotion and feeling she wasn’t being considered for judging or other expanded roles, along with the wear and tear of long years of competition and rehearsals. She indicated the decision was about pursuing growth, new projects, and mental health advocacy, even though she still loves dance and considers DWTS a formative part of her life. She later returned as a guest judge in 2025, signaling a renewed but limited involvement with the show.