'Dancing With the Stars' 2016: Cheryl Burke Left Because Of New Dance Styles? [VIDEO]
Cheryl Burke recently opened up about why she chose to leave Dancing With the Stars in 2014.
Burke was the pro to have in the early seasons of Dancing With the Stars, winning seasons 2 and 3 with her celebrity partners. She would also place in the finals several times throughout her stint on the show.
Though as the show went on, newer styles of dance were introduced that Burke wasn't as familiar with, which was part of what went into her leaving after season 18.
"I think 'DWTS' - they opened my eyes. Part of the reason I left was because I felt insecure about not knowing these different styles of dance they started introducing to the show," Burke admitted in a new interview with Us Weekly. "And I didn't really know what I was doing, and if I don't know what I'm doing, how am I going to teach my celebrity what they're supposed to be doing?"
Burke is now creating a new stage show in Japan told entirely through movement, and a few past DWTS contestants are involved too. Season 6 champion Kristi Yamaguchi, season 18 champion Meryl Davis and season 18 standout Charlie White will all be part of the show, titled Love on the Floor.
"It's very artistic and very unique, but love is such a universal theme, I believe it could be shown anywhere in the world because everyone has gone through it," Burke said. "Whether you're from Tokyo or India or the U.S., you'll be able to take away something from this. It doesn't have to involve singers or actors, it just tells a story through movement."
Even though Burke has officially moved on from Dancing With the Stars, it still holds a special place in her heart for getting her to this place.
"I wouldn't be here if I hadn't done 'DWTS', and I love 'DWTS'," Burke said. "But everything is meant to be. 'DWTS' has given me a platform to be able to do something like this."
Dancing With the Stars returns for season 23 on Monday, Sept. 12 at 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC.
