Stepping Off the Stage: The Real Story Behind Cheryl Burke’s Podcast Break

Over the years, professional dancer Cheryl Burke has become a household name among fans of reality television. From her iconic performances on Dancing with the Stars to her brief yet memorable tenure on Dance Moms, Burke has steadily crafted a public image as a passionate, talented, and outspoken figure in the world of dance. In her most recent endeavor, she ventured into the world of podcasting with an iHeart production called “Sex, Lies, and Spray Tans.” However, in a surprising turn of events, the beloved Dancing with the Stars alumna recently announced the suspension—“for now”—of her revealing and sometimes controversial podcast.

In this article, we’ll take a detailed look at Cheryl Burke’s career, the contents of her highly discussed podcast, and the circumstances that prompted her to suspend the show. We will also touch upon the challenges she’s faced, including misconceptions about her relationship with Dancing with the Stars, her reflections on her journey, and the outpouring of support from fans that influenced her decision.

Cheryl Burke: From Aspiring Dancer to Reality TV Star

Cheryl Burke’s journey to stardom began long before her name became synonymous with the glitz and glamour of Dancing with the Stars. Born in 1984 in San Francisco, she displayed a passion for dance at an early age. Burke trained in ballet, ballroom, and Latin styles, honing her craft through rigorous practice and competition. By the time she was in her early 20s, she was already a well-known competitor on the professional dance circuit.

However, Burke’s big breakthrough came in 2006 when she joined Dancing with the Stars in its second season. The show itself had launched the year prior, quickly becoming a prime-time sensation for viewers eager to watch celebrities transform into dancers under the guidance of skilled pros. As one of these professional coaches, Burke stood out for her charismatic presence and teaching style. Audiences were captivated by her ability to seamlessly fuse technical prowess with stage personality. Burke would go on to become a long-running staple of the show, participating in numerous seasons over a span of nearly two decades.

While Dancing with the Stars has been a primary platform for Burke’s talents, it wasn’t her only reality TV appearance. In 2017, Burke stepped in to replace dance instructor Abby Lee Miller on the Lifetime series Dance Moms. Though her stint on that show was relatively short-lived, her role demonstrated her versatility and willingness to tackle new challenges in the reality television landscape.

The Launch of “Sex, Lies, and Spray Tans”

Given her background in dance and her years working with celebrities, it was perhaps a natural progression for Burke to create a podcast delving into the behind-the-scenes dynamics of Dancing with the Stars. Thus, “Sex, Lies, and Spray Tans” was born. Produced in conjunction with iHeart, the podcast promised to pull back the curtain on what really goes on backstage—everything from insider gossip to the surprising rigors that professionals face while training celebrity contestants.

The title itself hinted at the show’s slightly provocative angle: “Sex” for the romantic or flirtatious entanglements rumored to occur among pros and celebrities, “Lies” for the behind-the-scenes secrets that rarely see the light of day, and “Spray Tans” for the cosmetic transformations that are a quintessential part of televised ballroom dancing. Weekly episodes featured guest appearances from former Dancing with the Stars cast members, including both professional dancers and celebrity contestants who recounted their experiences under the bright lights. Topics ranged from the intricacies of choreographing a dance in less than a week to how the show shapes participants’ personal lives.

While Dancing with the Stars airs on ABC, some fans mistakenly refer to it as part of the “NBC series” lineup—possibly due to confusion with other talent-based shows. Nonetheless, the popularity of Cheryl Burke’s podcast transcended this mix-up, gathering a loyal audience eager to hear her unfiltered take on life behind the mirror ball. Burke’s straightforward, genuine demeanor and her history on the show gave the podcast considerable credibility.

Controversies and Revelations

One of the podcast’s more sensational topics centered around rumors of so-called “showmances”—the relationships or flirtations that can develop when a professional dancer spends months in close proximity to a celebrity partner. Dancing with the Stars has a long history of spawning romances, both real and rumored, and Burke did not shy away from discussing these tales. Instead, she shed light on the complexities of such relationships, noting how they can be driven by real passion or strategic showmanship designed to entice viewers.

Additionally, Burke delved into long-standing rivalries and disagreements among the cast. Over the show’s many seasons, friction has inevitably arisen between certain pros or between a pro and their celebrity partner. The podcast provided a platform for past issues and tension points to be openly discussed, challenging the carefully curated narratives usually presented to the public.

Perhaps one of the more shocking revelations that garnered headlines was the arrest of professional dancer Artem Chigvintsev, who was reportedly taken into custody last summer on suspicion of domestic violence. While details of that incident remain complex and largely unverified by official sources, Burke’s willingness to address it in an episode of “Sex, Lies, and Spray Tans” underscored her commitment to telling stories from an unvarnished, real-life perspective. Some listeners applauded Burke’s bravery in bringing up difficult topics, while others questioned whether such discussions risked perpetuating rumors.

Misinterpretations and the Drive to Suspend

The podcast’s raw, sometimes shocking revelations sparked conversation—and controversy—across social media and tabloids. According to Burke, one common misinterpretation was that the podcast was designed to “take down” Dancing with the Stars. The notion that she harbored resentment or ill will toward the show that propelled her to fame was something she has consistently refuted.

In an emotional Instagram Reel, Burke explicitly addressed these misconceptions:

“To anyone who may have misinterpreted this podcast or questioned my love for the show that shaped me, I encourage you to listen to the episodes,” she said. “My heart has always been in the right place, and I’ve seen so many of your comments affirming that.”

Burke went on to emphasize her deep gratitude for Dancing with the Stars, highlighting the significant role it played in her personal growth as a performer and as a media personality. Though the podcast shed light on certain behind-the-scenes tensions, Burke insists that it was never her intent to tarnish the reputation of the show or its pros.

Still, the swirling rumors and negative headlines might have taken their toll. On her Instagram, Burke announced that while the podcast had been an “incredible journey,” she was making the bittersweet decision to suspend it—for now. Although Burke did not cite a specific reason, observers speculate that the negative press and misinterpretations surrounding “Sex, Lies, and Spray Tans” contributed significantly to her decision.

Fan Reactions and Ongoing Support

Burke’s fans have proven to be fiercely loyal, rallying behind her in the wake of her suspension announcement. By the time Burke posted her statement, social media was flooded with messages praising her courage, honesty, and transparency. Many wrote that they appreciated her willingness to discuss both the glamorous and not-so-glamorous sides of Dancing with the Stars, and to celebrate the human stories that unfolded behind the scenes.

In acknowledging this support, Burke posted:

“To my amazing listeners and loyal fans, you’ve been the heart of this podcast. Your unwavering support pushed me to keep going, even when the headlines tried to twist my words. I will never forget where I came from, and my love for that chapter of my life will never waver. Any negative perceptions about me in the headlines could not be further from the truth. This podcast was always about truth, connection, and storytelling — not taking anything down.”

This statement further clarified her stance that she never aimed to harm Dancing with the Stars or any of the individuals associated with it. Instead, she simply sought to facilitate candid conversations about a show and an industry that she knows intimately.

Reflections on “Taking a Break”

For podcast enthusiasts, Burke’s decision to suspend “Sex, Lies, and Spray Tans” might feel abrupt. However, it’s important to note that in the entertainment industry, especially within the realm of reality television, such moments of reflection and pause are not unusual. Creative professionals often step away from high-pressure projects to recalibrate, especially when the work fosters controversy that overshadows its initial intentions.

Burke’s timing is intriguing: she made her exit from Dancing with the Stars after participating up to the show’s 31st season finale in November 2022. Soon thereafter, she dedicated herself to the podcast, as if exploring an avenue for continuing her connection with fans and delving into behind-the-scenes narratives. Now, she is effectively pressing pause on that medium as well—at least for the time being.

It remains unclear whether Burke plans to return to the podcast after some downtime or whether she will refocus her energy on new projects. In the Instagram announcement, she described the choice as “bittersweet,” hinting that she found immense value and personal satisfaction in hosting the show. Given her track record of resilience and innovation, there’s a solid chance that fans haven’t heard the last of “Sex, Lies, and Spray Tans.”

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Cheryl Burke?

Cheryl Burke’s career is a testament to her adaptability. After all, she pivoted from live ballroom performance on Dancing with the Stars to teaching younger dancers on Dance Moms, and then to the role of a podcast host discussing provocative industry secrets. As she steps back from “Sex, Lies, and Spray Tans,” fans are left wondering what her next venture might be.

Could Burke transition into a full-time television host? She has plenty of on-camera experience, and Dancing with the Stars fans have long admired her quick wit and genuine enthusiasm. Alternatively, she may focus on advocacy or philanthropic endeavors—her honesty about personal issues like body image and mental health has resonated with many, potentially opening doors to new forms of outreach.

Another possibility is that Burke will spend this hiatus developing a second season or a rebranded version of the podcast with a revised focus, ensuring that any misconceptions about her intentions are addressed from the start. She could also write a memoir detailing her experiences in dance competitions and her nearly two decades in reality television, giving fans an even more in-depth look at what goes on behind the scenes.

Whatever the case, one thing is clear: Cheryl Burke doesn’t shy away from transformations. She has continually reinvented herself, forging a path that mixes dance, television, and personal storytelling. Her suspension of “Sex, Lies, and Spray Tans” might mark the end of a chapter, but history suggests it won’t be the final page in the story she’s writing.

In Conclusion

Cheryl Burke’s decision to suspend her iHeart podcast, “Sex, Lies, and Spray Tans,” marks a significant moment in her ongoing journey as an entertainer, storyteller, and truth-seeker. The podcast gave listeners a raw, unfiltered glimpse into the hidden corners of Dancing with the Stars—a show that shaped Burke’s career and paved the way for her wider success. While fans might lament the abrupt pause, Burke’s thoughtful statement and unwavering love for the show signal that her intentions were never to damage its reputation.

Indeed, Burke’s willingness to tackle controversial topics is a testament to her commitment to authenticity. Despite the swirl of negative headlines and misconceptions, her supporters have stood by her side, applauding her candor. Now, with this chapter on hold, all eyes turn to what Burke will do next. Whether she returns to the realm of podcasting in a new form, writes a tell-all memoir, or appears in another reality television capacity, it’s safe to assume that Cheryl Burke’s story—like her dance routines—will continue to captivate audiences.

After all, it’s not just her skill on the dance floor that has made her a star; it’s her resilience, openness, and innate understanding of the human connection that takes place when the music starts and the spotlight shines. As fans and followers eagerly await further news, we can only hope that this temporary suspension is simply the prelude to another transformative act in the ever-evolving life and career of Cheryl Burke.