She’s Back! Sharna Burgess Returns to DWTS After 5 Years
Sharna Burgess Returns to Dancing with the Stars for Season 35
The Big News in a Nutshell
Important: Professional dancer Sharna Burgess is coming back to the Dancing with the Stars ballroom after a five‑year break! She’ll be one of the pros in Season 35, which kicks off in mid‑September.
Need‑to‑Know Highlights
- Who’s returning: Sharna Burgess, a former Mirrorball Trophy champion.
- When she left: After Season 30 in 2021 (she danced with her fiancé, Brian Austin Green).
- Announcement: Revealed on Good Morning America (GMA) on August 24.
- More reveals coming: The rest of the celebrity contestants and pro dancers will be announced on GMA, Wednesday, September 2.
- Premiere dates: Two‑night premiere on Tuesday, September 15 and Wednesday, September 16 on ABC and Disney+ (next‑day streaming on Hulu).
Who Is Sharna Burgess?
Think of Sharna as a seasoned dance captain who knows the DWTS stage inside out.
| Detail | What It Means (ELI5) |
|---|---|
| First joined | She started as a “troupe” dancer (background dancer) in Season 13 (2011). |
| Became a pro | Got her own celebrity partner in Season 16 (2013). |
| Biggest win | Won the Mirrorball Trophy (the show’s top prize) with radio host Bobby Bones in Season 27. |
| Famous partners | Andy Dick, Antonio Brown, Nick Carter, Jesse Metcalfe, and Brian Austin Green. |
| Age | 41 (as of the announcement). |
Fun Fact: The Mirrorball Trophy is like a giant, sparkly disco ball that goes to the winning pair each season.
Other Confirmed Pros & Celebrities (So Far)
Professional Dancers
-
Witney Carson – Two‑time champion; most recently won Season 34 with Robert Irwin.
- Her partner this season: Guillermo Rodriguez (sidekick on Jimmy Kimmel Live!). Witney says he’s “so sweet… exactly what I need… someone who’s fun.”
- Sharna Burgess – Returning after five years. Her celebrity partner hasn’t been announced yet.
Celebrity Contestants (Announced)
- Ciara Miller – Star of Summer House. She’s prepping with yoga, Pilates, and plans to run for stamina.
- Maura Higgins – Alum of Love Island UK. She’s “manifesting” the show and can’t wait for the costumes.
- Jackson Olson – From the Savannah Bananas (a fun, entertaining baseball team).
Heads‑up: More celebs and pros will be revealed on GMA, September 2. Stay tuned!
Fresh Face in the Troupe
- Kamri Peterson – Former pro on Dancing with the Stars: Juniors (the kid version of the show) joins the troupe (the group of background dancers who support the main couples).
- Announced at the show’s first‑ever convention on August 2.
- Additional troupe members will be named later.
When & Where to Watch
| Event | Date | Channel / Platform |
|---|---|---|
| Two‑Night Premiere | Tuesday, Sept. 15 & Wednesday, Sept. 16 | ABC & Disney+ |
| Next‑Day Streaming | Day after each episode | Hulu |
Summary
- Sharna Burgess is back as a pro dancer for DWTS Season 35 after a five‑year hiatus.
- She’s a former champion (won with Bobby Bones) and has danced with many big names.
- Witney Carson is also returning, paired with Guillermo Rodriguez.
- Three celebrities are confirmed so far: Ciara Miller, Maura Higgins, Jackson Olson.
- Kamri Peterson joins the troupe.
- Premiere: Sept. 15 & 16 on ABC/Disney+; next day on Hulu.
- Full cast reveal: GMA, Sept. 2.
FAQ (Your Questions Answered)
Q: What is Dancing with the Stars?
A: It’s a TV competition where celebrities pair up with professional ballroom dancers. Each week they learn a new dance style, perform live, and get scored by judges. The last couple standing wins the Mirrorball Trophy.
Q: Who is Sharna Burgess?
A: An Australian‑born professional dancer who has been part of DWTS since 2011. She won Season 27 with Bobby Bones and has been a fan favorite for years.
Q: When does Season 35 start?
A: The two‑night premiere airs Tuesday, September 15 and Wednesday, September 16 on ABC and Disney+.
Q: How can I watch if I miss the live broadcast?
A: Episodes are available to stream the next day on Hulu.
Q: Will there be more cast announcements?
A: Yes! The remaining celebrity contestants and professional dancers will be revealed on Good Morning America on Wednesday, September 2.
Enjoy the sparkle, the drama, and the fancy footwork—Season 35 is shaping up to be a great one!