Cheryl Burke Calls for Enhanced Dance Education Among DWTS Judges

Cheryl Burke, the former professional dancer and longtime “Dancing with the Stars” (DWTS) veteran, has recently raised concerns regarding the dance knowledge of the show’s panel of judges. In a public statement, Burke advocated for a deeper understanding of dance styles among DWTS judges to ensure fairer evaluations and a richer experience for contestants. Burke’s call for reform underscores a broader conversation about the role of judges in reality competition shows and their influence on contestant success.

Table of Contents

Understanding the Call for Dance Expertise

For over 30 seasons, “Dancing with the Stars” has been a staple of American television, bringing together celebrities from various fields to compete in ballroom and Latin dance routines. The show’s success hinges not only on the star power of its contestants but also on the judges’ ability to assess performances with a fair and knowledgeable perspective. While the judges are often entertainment personalities in their own right, their expertise in the art of dance has become a subject of growing concern.

Cheryl Burke, who danced her way to multiple victories on DWTS and later transitioned to a role as a mentor, believes that a deeper appreciation and understanding of the nuances of different dance styles would enable the judges to provide more accurate and constructive feedback. In a series of interviews, Burke explained that the current panel, although talented in their own right, lacks the comprehensive dance training that would allow them to fully grasp the technical elements of every dance form presented on the show.

The Importance of Dance Knowledge in Judging

At the core of Burke’s argument is the idea that dance, much like any other art form, is both subjective and objective. While artistic expression is open to interpretation, technical mastery requires a solid understanding of various techniques, rhythms, and traditions within each style. For example, ballroom dances such as the Foxtrot, Tango, and Quickstep demand a strong sense of posture, timing, and partner connection, while Latin styles like the Rumba, Samba, and Cha-Cha require specific hip action and musicality.

Without a solid grasp of these foundational elements, Burke argues, the judges may inadvertently penalize contestants who are technically proficient in a style but lack the particular flair or performance qualities expected in another. This discrepancy can lead to unfair scores and misinterpretations of a dancer’s abilities.

Why This Is a Crucial Issue for Contestants

The implications of such a gap in expertise go beyond the judges’ panel—it directly impacts the contestants. When the feedback from judges is inconsistent or rooted in subjective preferences rather than technical accuracy, contestants may feel disillusioned or confused by their scores. This could harm not only their chances of advancing in the competition but also their personal growth as dancers.

For celebrities with little to no dance experience, DWTS can be an overwhelming challenge, requiring them to quickly learn complex choreography and adapt to various styles of dance. While many contestants benefit from the expertise of their professional dance partners, an inaccurate or overly harsh critique from the judges can lead to unnecessary discouragement. When the judging panel lacks the requisite understanding to provide constructive criticism, it diminishes the overall learning environment.

Examining the Current Judging Panel

The DWTS judging panel, currently led by Len Goodman (who retired in 2023), Carrie Ann Inaba, and Bruno Tonioli, has enjoyed considerable success in guiding contestants throughout the years. While all three judges are talented performers in their own right, none have extensive formal training in the broad spectrum of dance genres. Goodman, for instance, was a world-renowned ballroom dancer, but his expertise is focused primarily on competitive dance forms rather than the variety of styles on DWTS.

Len Goodman: A prominent figure in ballroom dance with years of experience as a judge on “Strictly Come Dancing” in the UK.
Carrie Ann Inaba: A former backup dancer and choreographer with experience in TV and film, but limited formal dance training in some styles.
Bruno Tonioli: A versatile dancer and choreographer, especially in Latin and ballroom, though his style may not fully extend to all forms seen on DWTS.

While these judges bring charisma and entertainment value to the show, their broad expertise in all dance styles—especially the more technical or obscure genres—can be questioned. Burke’s comments suggest that a more diverse set of judges, or at least additional training for current ones, could improve the overall credibility and fairness of the competition.

Potential Solutions: Expanding the Judges’ Knowledge Base

To address this gap, there are several potential solutions that could enhance the judges’ expertise and improve the overall quality of evaluations on DWTS:

Formal Dance Education: Judges could undergo more comprehensive training in various dance forms, perhaps through workshops or masterclasses designed specifically for them. This would give them a more nuanced understanding of the technicalities behind each performance.
Guest Judges with Specific Expertise: Another solution would be to incorporate guest judges with specialized expertise in different dance forms. For example, a guest judge with a background in contemporary dance, hip-hop, or ballet could provide a fresh perspective and offer feedback on dances that don’t fall within the traditional ballroom or Latin genres.
Collaborative Feedback: Encouraging more collaboration between judges during scoring and feedback sessions might also help create a more well-rounded perspective on performances. This could foster discussions about technique, style, and artistic expression from multiple angles, leading to more thorough evaluations.

The Broader Implications for Dance Competitions

Burke’s call for better-trained judges has implications that extend beyond “Dancing with the Stars.” As dance-based reality competitions continue to grow in popularity, the importance of informed judging becomes even more pronounced. The role of a judge is not only to score a performance but also to shape the experience of both the contestants and the audience. In order to maintain credibility and foster a learning environment for contestants, dance judges must have a solid foundation in the art form they are evaluating.

Moreover, accurate and insightful critiques could influence the way audiences perceive dance competitions in the future. As the demand for quality dance content increases, producers may need to rethink the role of judges, offering more depth in their expertise, or expanding the judging panels to include professionals with a broader range of experiences.

Conclusion: A Step Toward a More Fair and Educative Experience

Cheryl Burke’s call for more extensive dance education for the DWTS judges is a reflection of the evolving expectations of dance competition audiences. As viewers become more knowledgeable about dance techniques and styles, they demand a higher level of expertise from the judges who evaluate these performances. With a deeper understanding of dance, judges would not only provide more fair and accurate evaluations but also contribute to a more enriching and educational experience for contestants.

As DWTS continues to evolve, the integration of improved dance education for its judges may serve as a critical step toward maintaining the integrity of the competition. For contestants, this could mean a better chance to showcase their growth, while for audiences, it could offer a more authentic and immersive viewing experience.

For more on the latest updates about Dancing with the Stars and changes to the show, visit the official website. If you’re interested in the broader influence of dance education on competition judging, check out this article on Dance Informa.

See more CNET Live