Former “Dancing with the Stars” professional dancer Cheryl Burke felt reflective as she embraced her 41st birthday, and she took to social media to share her thoughts with her fans. As she did, she prompted a big response from her followers.
Cheryl Burke Has Worked Hard on Growth After Difficult Times
Ahead of her May 3 birthday, Burke shared a video on her TikTok page where she opened up about the past year of changes and growth in her life. She invited her TikTok followers to “get ready with me as I talk about navigating life transitions with grace.”
Burke explained, “Life transitions, whether career, moving, personal shifts, really can be daunting. I did all three in a span of one year, not too long ago. It really forces you to take a look at your life and reassess goals and values.”
The “Dancing with the Stars” alum noted she’s been working with her therapist on navigating all of this, and she’s growing in her “own ability to adopt, to grow, and to evolve.”
Burke’s post received nearly 200 comments, and a fair number of the notes were quite critical of her initial makeup-free look. Several declared that Burke was “unrecognizable” or asked, “What happened to her?”
“I don’t know what happened, but I hope you’re truly healing. Lots of love,” one fan commented.
Another TikTok user wrote, “Imagine feeling your best and being in a better place and being transparent and sharing your thoughts. Only to open up the comments and all anyone talks about is your looks. Do better people! Growth!”
Several fans commented on how much they love their freckles and encouraged her not to cover them up. Additional comments from fans noted her natural beauty.
“If I had your skin I’d probably never wear makeup. Flawless,” declared another fan.
The DWTS Alum Has Rejected Criticism on Her Looks & Weight
They said I was too heavy. Now they say I’m too thin. But what no one asked is… How do you feel? Well, I feel strong. I feel healthy. I feel me again. And guess what? My body isn’t here for your commentary. I’m not too fat. I’m not too skinny. I’m not sick. I’m just finally free. Body image policing has real consequences. For someone without support? It can be life-altering. Let’s do better. Keep your opinions out of someone else’s healing. By the way, this is what healing looks like on ME. And for the record? Makeup isn’t my armor — it’s my celebration. If that offends you, maybe it’s time you asked why… @cherylburkeofficial
The commentary on Burke’s appearance isn’t new, but her recent transformation has seemingly prompted an increase in the chatter.
In an April 23 TikTok post, Burke addressed the chatter. She wrote, “They said I was too heavy. Now they say I’m too thin. But what no one asked is… How do you feel? Well, I feel strong. I feel healthy. I feel me again.”
She continued, “And guess what? My body isn’t here for your commentary. I’m not too fat. I’m not too skinny.” Burke continued, “I’m not sick. I’m just finally free.”
In her “Get Ready With Me” video, Burke also noted, “We are our own worst enemies, and the negativity, at least in my head, can really manifest into something I never wanted. Let’s try and feel good.”
She continued, “Let’s try and feel, first of all, and try and change your mindset into more of a hopeful and encouraging inner voice and parent that child inside all of us and do so with love, compassion, and grace. Change is really hard and just know you’re not alone.” So why not embrace the transitions, the change, the uncertainties, and do so with grace and confidence?”
