Cheryl Burke is hanging up her dance shoes.
But he Dances with Star shoe?
He hopes to continue wearing it for a very, very long time.
On Nov. 20, the 38-year-old announced on Instagram that she was leaving her job as a pro dancer at Dancing With the Stars after nearly 17 years.
The beloved cast members have been shaking, crunching, rolling, and waltzing in front of the cameras since Season 2.
Burke will dance on the show one last time on Monday night’s season finale, which airs November 21.
“This has been one of the most difficult decisions of my life & I also believe that this is the right decision,” Burke wrote in his post.
“This is truly an experience of a lifetime. I’m looking forward to the next chapter of my career but man, is this one going to be hard to beat!
Elsewhere in his message, Burke (who worked closely this past season with Sam Champion), stated:
This show has become my 2nd family since I was 21 years old.
The cast, crew & fans have seen me through my highs & some of my lowest, & I honestly don’t know where I would be today without them.
I also knew that it was time for me to start the next phase of my career, even though dancing will always be a part of who I am. I was excited about the idea of growing, of being challenged in new ways, of having the ability to expand my commitment to mental health advocacy, focusing on my newfound love of podcasting.
I’m prepared for the uncertainty (albeit terrifying as it is) about what the future holds.
Closing the case To do had an idea of what he wanted to do in this future.
“There’s so much more I want to do, besides teaching a celebrity how to dance,” Burke told Variety this past weekend.
“Remember, this is a beautiful thing. I’m not saying it in a bad way, I’m saying it in a graceful way.”
A week ago, presiding judge Len Goodman announced his retirement… and Burke added that he hopes to take his coveted spot.
won Seasons 2 and 3, with partners Drew Lachey and Emmitt Smith, respectively.
He left at the end of Season 19, only to return to Season 23.
Stat also took off Seasons 24 and 26 before returning for the final four installments.
In total, Burke has competed in 25 seasons of the long-running program and one season of the “Junior” spin-off.
In Season 31, he and partner Sam Champion were eliminated during week three.
Burke, meanwhile, also told Variety that he’s in discussions with producers about what comes next.
“They were very aware that I wanted the chair. Not that I just wanted to, I just knew I could contribute because I’m good at ballroom dancing,” she said of Goodman’s soon-to-vacate spot on the panel.
“I don’t know where they are going with this. I know they still have a big final coming up, and they want to get through the season, but they are very aware.
“They have been very conscious maybe for a few years now. So unfortunately, the decision is not in my hands.
“I want to still be part of the family, I just want a different role on the show, just like anyone after 26 seasons has the same title.
“I think it’s important, at least for me, to feel, okay, let’s grow together as a brand and also for me as a person.
“If it’s not with the show, then I’m moving on and I’m moving on.”