After 14 seasons competing on "Dancing With The Stars," pro Cheryl Burke is ready for some changes.
toofab's Lawrence Yee caught up with the 28-year-old dancer and Sargento spokesperson on Tuesday, where she addressed rumors about the popular ABC competition show and her new gig.
Check out the interview below:
toofab: There are reports "Dancing With the Stars" is looking for more BAD dancers this season to boost ratings. What do you think?
Cheryl: I don't think we need bad dancers. The beauty of the show is to see someone with no dance experience and see the journey they go through. Last season [the "All-Stars" edition] everyone was already so good so it wasn't as fun [to watch].
toofab: You've been paired with athletes (Emmitt Smith) and entertainers with dance backgrounds (Drew Lachey) and people with none (Tom DeLay). Which partnerships are more challenging? Athletes are known to be perfectionists.
Cheryl: I've been competing since I was 13. I always been trained, same with athletes. You don't have to walk on eggshells with them. Our show is a competition, and if you can't take direction, you shouldn't be on it.
toofab: Who would your dream partner be?
Cheryl: A male soccer player or male tennis player.
toofab: Like a Gerard Pique or Tom Djokovich?
Cheryl: [Laughs] I'd love to do an all-athlete season.
toofab: What other changes should the show should go through?
Cheryl: I love our judges so much but adding another judge would be interesting. Also, the stage is not intimate enough. Dance is intimate. When [the producers] made it bigger, people couldn't relate to what's going on.
toofab: Your former castmate Julianne Hough has a movie ("Safe Haven") coming out. Any desire to go into acting?
Cheryl: I'm not very passionate about acting. I'd like to create my own type of reality and variety show [and be creative]. I never found that with acting.
toofab: Tell us about your new gig with Sargento Cheese.
Cheryl: It's a great source of high quality protein. Even when i'm on hiatus [from "DWTS"], I'm snacking on protein. I eat an even amount of protein and carbs.
toofab: What flavors are your favorites?
Cheryl: I love the Reduced Fat Colby-Jack Snack and String Cheese with blueberries.
toofab: What are your tips for eating healthy?
Cheryl: First, eat when you're hungry. I eat three meals a day and snack regularly.
Second, stay hydrated. People mistake that they're hungry when they're just thirsty.
Third, do something you love. I love to dance. You'll stay active and enjoy it.
You can catch Cheryl on "Dancing With the Stars" when the show returns in March and learn more about Sargento products here.
