Sharna Burgess brings decades of excellence to the dance floor as a professional on Dancing with the Stars. Her athletic technique and expressive storytelling have made her a standout performer and a trusted mentor to celebrity partners.
Viewers recognize her from the iconic television ballroom format, where precision, artistry, and dramatic music interpretation define every live broadcast. This overview highlights how Sharna elevates each partnership while staying true to classic dance roots.
Season Performance Overview
| Season | Celebrity Partner | Dance Style | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Season 25 | Juan Pablo Di Pace | Cha Cha, Samba, Jive | Third Place |
| Season 26 | David Chokachi | Foxtrot, Paso Doble, Viennese Waltz | Eliminated Week 5 |
| Season 27 | Kel Mitchell | Quickstep, Argentine Tango, Contemporary | Eliminated Week 8 |
| Season 28 | James Van Der Beek | Waltz, Salsa, Broadway | Eliminated Week 4 |
| Season 29 | Bobby Bones | Foxtrot, Rumba, Hip Hop | Runners-Up | instructor
Choreography Techniques and Style
Sharna emphasizes clean lines, rhythmic precision, and musicality that matches every downbeat and syncopation. She often blends traditional steps with contemporary accents to keep performances fresh yet accessible.
In rehearsal, she breaks routines into manageable phrases, focusing on footwork, posture, and partner connection. This approach helps celebrity dancers build confidence while maintaining high technical standards under live television pressure.
Performance Highlights and Career Impact
Her most iconic DWTS moments include high-energy Broadway numbers and emotionally charged contemporary pieces that showcase vulnerability as well as strength. These performances have reinforced her reputation as a versatile choreographer capable of handling diverse genres.
Beyond the show, Sharna’s visibility has expanded through international tours, masterclasses, and brand collaborations. Her influence on competitive ballroom and televised dance continues to inspire both amateur and professional dancers worldwide.
Training Regimen and Preparation
To meet the demands of a weekly competition schedule, Sharna follows a disciplined routine that combines cardio, strength work, and flexibility training. This foundation supports stamina and injury prevention during long shooting days.
She also dedicates time to mental preparation, including visualization and music analysis, ensuring that every routine aligns with the story the couple wants to tell. Detailed counts, timing drills, and feedback sessions with fellow professionals refine each movement.
Key Takeaways for Aspiring Dancers
- Prioritize solid technique before adding stylistic flourishes.
- Develop musicality by counting beats and analyzing song structure.
- Practice with a partner to refine connection and spatial awareness.
- Stay adaptable to last minute choreography changes under pressure.
- Study multiple dance genres to expand versatility for televised formats.
FAQ
Reader questions
How does Sharna Burgess approach partnering with celebrity dancers?
She builds trust quickly by assessing each partner’s fitness level, rhythm confidence, and comfort with stage movement, then tailors choreography to highlight their strengths while maintaining ballroom authenticity.
What dance styles does she feature most on DWTS?
Sharna regularly incorporates Cha Cha, Samba, Foxtrot, Paso Doble, Jive, and contemporary styles, rotating them to match each celebrity’s personality and the weekly theme requirements.
Can viewers see her choreography process during the show?
Yes, brief rehearsal clips and judge commentary often reveal how she modifies steps for camera angles, timing, and dramatic effect while preserving technical clarity for the audience.
How does Sharna balance entertainment with technical excellence?
She designs sequences that are visually striking yet rooted in proper technique, ensuring that spins, footwork, and lifts remain safe, controlled, and aesthetically refined under live conditions.