Professional dancer Sharna Burgess is returning to ABC's Dancing with the Stars for Season 35 [3].
Burgess's return marks a significant addition to the professional roster as the show seeks to maintain its viewership through the return of established fan favorites. Her presence brings back a seasoned competitor to a cast that frequently rotates its professional partners.
The 41-year-old [1] announced her return on Monday, Aug. 24 [4]. This appearance marks her first time on the program in five years [2]. Burgess previously served as a mainstay on the U.S. series, where she guided various celebrities through the competition's rigorous ballroom challenges.
While the specific celebrity pairing for Burgess has not been detailed in the announcement, her re-entry into the competition comes at a time of transition for the series. The show continues to evolve its format to attract new audiences while relying on the technical expertise of veterans like Burgess to anchor the performances.
The announcement was shared across multiple platforms, including a video update from Entertainment Tonight. Burgess will rejoin the pro cast in the ABC studios in the U.S. to begin rehearsals for the upcoming season.
Season 35 aims to blend the experience of returning professionals with new talent to create a competitive dynamic. The return of Burgess suggests a strategy by producers to leverage the existing rapport she has with the show's audience, a rapport built over several previous seasons before her hiatus [2].
“Sharna Burgess is returning to ABC's Dancing with the Stars for Season 35”
The return of a veteran professional like Sharna Burgess indicates ABC's desire to stabilize the 'Dancing with the Stars' brand by reintroducing proven talent. By bringing back a dancer with a known track record after a five-year gap, the network can attract returning viewers who followed her previous seasons, potentially boosting ratings for Season 35.
