Sharna Burgess is returning to the ballroom for Season 35 of Dancing With the Stars, marking her first full season competing on the show since 2021. The longtime professional dancer announced her comeback on August 24, bringing an end to a complicated five-year stretch away from the competition. Burgess has been part of 14 seasons of DWTS and won the Mirrorball Trophy with Bobby Bones. Her road back to the show, however, included cast changes, difficult partnerships and a decision to step away after becoming a mother.
A Long History With Dancing With the Stars
Burgess made her debut as a professional dancer on Dancing With the Stars in Season 16 in 2013. Over the years, she became one of the show's most recognizable pros. Before winning the Mirrorball Trophy, she reached the finals four times, finishing third with Noah Galloway and second with Nick Carter, James Hinchcliffe and Josh Norman. Her breakthrough victory came in Season 27 when she and radio personality Bobby Bones won the competition.
The Cast Shakeup That Changed Everything
After her Season 27 victory, Burgess was unexpectedly left off the Season 28 cast alongside fellow pro Artem Chigvintsev. The change came after a new creative director joined the show. Burgess later said she was told producers could not find a partner for her that season. She also pushed back against rumors that salary concerns played a role, saying her compensation was in line with other professional dancers. Although disappointed, Burgess publicly expressed gratitude for her years on the show and the opportunity to win a championship.
A Challenging Return to Competition
Burgess returned for Seasons 29 and 30, but neither experience unfolded the way she hoped. In Season 29, she partnered with Jesse Metcalfe. Burgess later described the experience as difficult and said issues arose early in the season that affected their working relationship. The pair were eliminated quickly. For Season 30, she was paired with Brian Austin Green, who was her boyfriend at the time and is now her fiancé. Burgess later revealed she became frustrated by what she viewed as an excessive focus on their personal relationship rather than Green's progress as a contestant. She said she communicated those concerns to someone involved with the show and felt uncomfortable with the direction of the storyline. The couple did not advance deep into the competition.
Motherhood Reshaped Her Priorities
After giving birth to her son, Zane, in 2022, Burgess decided not to participate in Season 31. She explained that rehearsals would have started when her son was only eight weeks old, making the timing difficult for a return to the ballroom. At the time, Burgess believed she would eventually return and said her focus was on spending those early months with her newborn.
Uncertainty Surrounding Season 32
Burgess expected a possible return after her break, but she was not included in the Season 32 cast. She later admitted the decision was difficult because it came as a surprise. While discussing her absence, Burgess said the previous several years had been complicated due to leadership changes behind the scenes. She also noted that questions and speculation continued about why she was no longer part of the professional lineup. Despite the setbacks, Burgess consistently expressed affection for the show and remained open to returning under the right circumstances.
The Road Back to Season 35
Rumors of a comeback began circulating after Burgess participated in a Dancing With the Stars fan convention earlier this year. She later revealed there had been conversations about a possible return for Season 34 in 2025. At the time, however, she did not feel ready because of family commitments and other professional opportunities. That changed this year. On August 24, Burgess officially announced she would return as a professional dancer for Season 35, marking her first competitive season since 2021.
What Comes Next
Burgess now returns to a show where she spent nearly a decade building her reputation and earning a loyal fan base. After years of uncertainty, she will once again compete for the Mirrorball Trophy, adding a new chapter to one of the most recognizable careers in Dancing With the Stars history.
FAQ
When did Sharna Burgess first join Dancing With the Stars?
She debuted as a professional dancer during Season 16 in 2013.
Did Sharna Burgess win Dancing With the Stars?
Yes. She won the Mirrorball Trophy with Bobby Bones in Season 27.
Why was Sharna Burgess absent from DWTS for several seasons?
Her absence resulted from a combination of cast changes, personal challenges and her decision to focus on motherhood after the birth of her son.
When did Sharna Burgess last compete before Season 35?
Her last competitive season was Season 30 in 2021 with Brian Austin Green.
Is Sharna Burgess returning to Dancing With the Stars?
Yes. Burgess officially announced her return as a professional dancer for Season 35.
