Former Dancing With the Stars pro Sharna Burgess teased a possible return to ABC‘s Emmy-nominated competition show for the first-ever DWTS Con in Palm Springs over the weekend.
In an interview with Us Weekly, Sharna revealed there is mutual interest between her and producers to get her back in the Ballroom. “We actually discussed it last year, and it was by no means a ‘Please come back.’ It wasn’t a hard offer on the table, but there was definitely a temperature check.”
Though DWTS producers showed interest in bringing Sharna back for season 34, the former pro “wasn’t ready” yet. She explained, “My son was not in school yet, and I was building on other things. I’ve been acting and doing a lot of other stuff, too.”
DWTS Con was just what Sharna needed:
“When I woke up that morning — a little over less than a year ago — I was like, ‘I need dance back in my life.’ If they were to ask me this year, I would absolutely say yes. Especially after this experience [at DWTS Con].” Sharna found herself invigorated after seeing the support for the show. “I can’t tell you how happy my heart, my soul, and my body are doing this. And I think I still have a lot more to give.”
Over the years, the roster of professional dancers has changed many times, paving the way for some all-star comebacks. If Sharna is only brought in at the expense of another pro getting kicked off, she’s not interested.
“The cast is incredible and I would never, ever, ever want to take someone’s spot. I would never want to get a position, which means someone else doesn’t have one. I love all of the women on that cast. They’re so powerful. They’re so different. I think they’re inspiring millions across the country, too. So, if there isn’t a spot that I could be extra, I will forever be in the audience cheering them on.”
The schedule:
Sharna pointed out that the vigorous DWTS schedule has its drawbacks. “If I were to choose to do the show, I would get less time with my kids, but maybe that also fills my cup so much that I can come back after three months and be even more present for my kids. It’s finding that balance, right?”
“I think the mom version of me would have a whole different experience on Dancing With the Stars, too. It’s opened up my creativity, my heart, my sense of play, and I think it would be a different version of me that came back if I ever got the chance.”
Home is in the ballroom:
“My heart is full. My soul is fed. It’s really beautiful being back here with everyone. You know, the last time I really danced my butt off was before I had Zane, and so I loved being deep in that space of motherhood, but about a year ago, I peeked up my little head, and I was like, ‘Oh, I miss that part of me so much.’ And I said to the universe, I was like, ‘I want more dance back in my life.’ And thankfully, she provided, man. Deena Katz called me. I got to do the Disney Upfronts with everyone, and had a tango show with Artem [Chigvintsev], and now I get to do this.”
Sharna said being present for DWTS events felt like “coming home,” adding, “This convention, this weekend, truly felt like coming home. Not just to the cast and the crew, but also the fans, people that I’ve known for over 10 years — for nearly 15 years — of doing Dancing With the Stars, getting to reconnect with them and also meet some of the new fan base that are so passionate about it, and it’s been a really wonderful experience.”
Dancing With the Stars returns to ABC with a two-hour premiere and a second two-hour episode later that week, starting Tuesday, September 15.
