Sharna Burgess is one of the most recognizable professional dance partners on the ABC hit show “Dancing With The Stars.” The 32-year-old Australian dancer and choreographer has had an extensive career on reality shows, but her debut in the United States came on DWTS season 16 where she was partnered with Andy Dick. In her ten seasons on the show, Burgess has had an impressive six Top 5 finishes. She is a two-time runner-up.
In 2018, Burgess returns to the dance floor as a professional dancer on an all-athlete edition of the show where she is paired with NFL player Josh Norman.
It is not the first time Burgess has been paired with a professional athlete, however. In previous seasons, she has partnered with Hall of Fame wide receiver Keyshawn Johnson, Pittsburgh Steelers star Antonio Brown, and former NBA player Derek Fisher.
While Burgess enjoys her time in the competition, it also has its challenges.
“The best part is being able to meet some of our incredible fans face to face, hear how much they love the show and how much it means to them. We have the most amazing and dedicated fans and seeing the smiles on their faces while we perform live is just so fulfilling,” she said in a previous interview. “The most challenging part is being away from my life for three months. I have two dogs, my home, other projects that need my attention and being on the road makes it hard to be there for those things.”
Burgess began training for her dance career at age 5 when she took up ballet and jazz. Eventually, she transitioned to ballroom dancing. It didn’t take long for Burgess to find success, representing Australia at the World Championships at age 15. She also performed in the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games closing ceremony.
You can catch Burgess on the “Dancing with the Stars: Athletes” premiere Monday, April 30 at 8/7c on ABC.