Dancing With the Stars Pros Cheryl Burke and Val Chmerkovskiy Advocate for Diverse and Inclusive Casting
Cheryl Burke, a former Dancing With the Stars pro, shared her thoughts on the show's future casting choices. She expressed her desire to see a more diverse range of celebrities on the show, including mental health gurus like Jay Shetty. Burke emphasized the importance of mixing things up to keep the show fresh and engaging.
While Burke is open to new and different celebrity contestants, she believes that politicians should be excluded from the show. She feels that politics can be a sensitive topic and that Dancing With the Stars should remain a feel-good show that brings people together. Burke previously danced with former congressman Tom DeLay and hopes to see fewer politicians on the show in the future.
Val Chmerkovskiy, another Dancing With the Stars pro, echoed Burke's sentiments about avoiding political figures on the show. He emphasized the show's ability to unite people from different backgrounds and political beliefs through the joy of dance. Chmerkovskiy sees Dancing With the Stars as a platform for bringing people together in a positive and inclusive way.
Despite her departure from the show, Burke remains dedicated to her personal growth and well-being. While fans were hoping to see her at DWTS Con 2026, a fan convention and live show, Burke revealed that she wouldn't be able to attend this year. She acknowledged the excitement among fans for the event and expressed gratitude for their support.
In conclusion, Cheryl Burke and Val Chmerkovskiy both advocate for a diverse and inclusive casting approach for Dancing With the Stars. They believe in the show's ability to bring people together and create a positive, uplifting experience for viewers. While Burke won't be attending DWTS Con 2026 this year, she remains appreciative of the fans' enthusiasm and support for the show.