Sharna Burgess announced her return for Season 35 of ‘Dancing With the Stars.’ This piece unpacks why she left the show, the five‑year gap, and what her comeback means for the franchise.

  • Sharna Burgess stepped away from DWTS after Season 30 in 2021.
  • Production changes, partner conflicts, and personal priorities drove her exit.
  • Her Season 35 return signals a shift in the show’s casting strategy.

Sharna Burgess’s DWTS Journey

Sharna Burgess debuted as a professional dancer in Season 16 (2013) and appeared in 14 seasons, earning her first Mirrorball Trophy with Bobby Bones in Season 27.

The First Hiatus – Seasons 28 to 30

After a new creative director was hired for Season 28, Burgess and Artem Chigvintsev were unexpectedly cut. Burgess told Entertainment Tonight that she received no clear explanation beyond “we couldn’t partner you this season.”

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Challenging Seasons 29‑30

Season 29 paired her with Jesse Metcalfe, a partnership Burgess described as “rocky,” leading to an early elimination. In Season 30, her then‑boyfriend Brian Austin Green felt the show prioritized their romance over the dance, prompting Burgess to demand elimination.

Family First – Seasons 31‑32

Following the birth of her son Zane in 2022, Burgess skipped Season 31 to focus on motherhood. She was not invited back for Season 32, which left her “shocked and tough” but not disillusioned with the series.

Return for Season 35

On August 24, Burgess announced her comeback on Good Morning America, confirming she will compete in Season 35, set to premiere on September 15.

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that Burgess’s return is a strategic move to re‑engage lapsed viewers and showcase veteran talent, potentially boosting ratings.

Dance analyst Maya Kapoor says, “Burgess’s return signals a shift in DWTS’s casting strategy toward veteran talent.”
Did You Know?: Burgess made a cameo in the 500th episode of DWTS in 2024, delighting fans with a surprise appearance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Why did Sharna Burgess leave DWTS originally?

A1: The primary reasons were a change in production leadership, difficult partner dynamics, and a desire to focus on her newborn son.

Q2: Is she aiming for the Mirrorball Trophy this season?

A2: Burgess says she’s giving it her all, but the outcome will depend on judges’ scores and audience votes.