Cheryl Burke, a veteran professional dancer on ABC’s Dancing with the Stars, speaks out against facial transformation rumors, emphasizing self-acceptance and body positivity in response to criticism over her appearance.
Cheryl Burke, a veteran professional dancer on ABC‘s Dancing with the Stars, has fired back at fans who speculated that she underwent a ‘face transplant‘ after her recent appearance on the show. The 40-year-old pro, known for her iconic partnership with former Bachelor contestants like Jason Mesnick and Sean Lowe, took to social media to address the rumors head-on.
Cheryl Burke is a Canadian-American professional dancer, choreographer, and television personality.
Born on May 3, 1983, in San Francisco, California, Burke began dancing at the age of two.
She rose to fame as a professional dancer on the ABC reality TV show 'Dancing with the Stars' (2005-2017).
Burke has also appeared on other TV shows and has worked as a choreographer for various performances.
Burke’s Response: A Message of Self-Acceptance
Self-love is the practice of treating oneself with kindness, compassion, and acceptance.
It involves recognizing one's worth and value as an individual and making choices that promote emotional and physical well-being.
Research shows that self-love can improve mental health, increase resilience, and enhance overall quality of life.
Practicing self-care activities such as meditation, exercise, and spending time in nature can help cultivate a positive self-image and foster self-love.
In a now-deleted tweet, Burke wrote, ‘I’m tired of people saying I’ve gotten a ‘face transplant’ or that I’ve had work done. Let me tell you, I am exactly who I’ve always been – a strong, capable, and beautiful woman with a few laugh lines and some wisdom etched on my face.‘ The dancer went on to emphasize the importance of self-acceptance and body positivity.

Self-acceptance is the practice of acknowledging and embracing one's thoughts, feelings, and experiences without judgment.
It involves recognizing that individuals are unique and imperfect, and that it's okay to make mistakes.
Research suggests that self-acceptance is linked to improved mental health, increased resilience, and better relationships.
In fact, studies have shown that people who practice self-acceptance tend to have higher self-esteem and life satisfaction.
By letting go of self-criticism and embracing imperfection, individuals can cultivate a more compassionate and authentic sense of self.
The Impact of Body Shaming
Burke’s response comes as part of a larger conversation around body shaming and the pressure to conform to societal beauty standards. As someone who has spent years in the public eye, Burke has faced her share of criticism and scrutiny. However, she remains committed to promoting self-love and acceptance.
A Message of Empowerment
For Burke, the decision to speak out against the rumors was a way to take back control and reclaim her narrative. ‘I’m not afraid to be myself, flaws and all, ‘ she said in an interview with People Magazine. ‘I want young women everywhere to know that they are just as beautiful, just as strong, and just as worthy of love and respect – regardless of their physical appearance.