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Sharna Burgess of DWTS

Sharna Burgess of DWTS

Firey “Dancing With the Stars” Pro is hot on our radar. Between her stellar partnership this season with James Hinchcliffe and the suspense around her recent injury, Sharna is the dance darling we are rooting for and hope to see back on the DWTS floor soon! We chatted with the ballroom vixen about DWTS, who she’d love to partner with on future seasons and how to get that dancer bod of hers.

Cover Image: Ryan West

1. When did you realize dance was it for you?
I was really young when my parents put me in dance, around 4 or 5. I started with jazz and ballet, then later moved into ballroom dancing. I actually remember my first jazz performance. At the end of the dance, we finished in a line and I was somewhere in the middle. I stood there so proud, taking in all the cheering and applause that I did not notice all the other kids exit. Eventually the cheering got louder and kind of became laughter. There I was…just me.. with my hands on my hips and a massive smile on my face, assuming it was all for me! I think I knew the moment I stepped on stage. That this was my love.

2. Who were your biggest inspirations growing up?

I had dance idols like Michael Jackson, Cyd Charisse, Fred Astaire, Gene Kelly. Beyond that though, my mum was always a strong woman that I admire. She has definitely been an inspiration for me.

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Photo Credit: Ryan West

3. Dance bods are always #goals. Give us some insight on what a “day in the life of Sharna” looks like in terms of diet and excseise. 

I always start with black coffee and my vitamins. Throughout the day what I eat always changes. I can easily get bored with food, however I made a conscious decision to cut out sugar, bread, and pasteurized dairy about a year ago. AND to up my water intake to 3 liters a day. I make sure my snacks are things like raw almonds and cranberries, raw veggies with hummus, or a piece of fruit. Little adjustments like that are game changers. For work outs, I swear by hot yoga and reformer Pilates. If I am not dancing and need cardio I do interval training on the treadmill.

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Photo Credit: Vince Trupsin

4. Which celebrity would you love to partner with on upcoming seasons of DWTS?
I do not really know! I always say Hugh Jackman because …well seriously why not!! But if I am being serious… I just enjoy working with people that want to give it their all, that want to grow and learn and leave it all on the floor, they are the people that make me love showing up everyday.

5. What advice would you give to aspiring dancers?
My best advice has two parts to it. It is a difficult field to be successful in, so if it is what want most the minute you wake up to the minute you go to sleep, if it is what you dream about, then never ever give up. It is not just about talent, it is about hard work, blood sweat and many many tears. Part 2 is this, plan your life for after dance, you can not dance forever, eventually you will have to find another way to pay the bills because well… That is life…your education is just as important as your technique.

6. You and James have had a great season, what are you enoying the most working with him?
I am just enjoying all the fun we have. This is a very different dynamic for me. I feel like I have known James forever! We joke and laugh all the time, but we work incredibly hard too. James is the kind of partner I can see being my best friend for a long time after this.

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Photo Credit: Vince Trupsin