Cheryl Burke spoke about her anxiety regarding the balance between her role on Dancing With The Stars and sobriety in a video that was shared to her Instagram account on Tuesday.
The 37-year-old professional dancer was seen discussing the conflicting feelings she was experiencing while heading to a taping in the clip, and she was very forthcoming about her emotional state prior to performing in the program.
The new season of the hit ABC dancing competition series initially premiered on Monday and features the talents of numerous figures from the entertainment industry.
Being honest: Cheryl Burke expressed that she was feeling anxious and nervous prior to a taping of Dancing With The Stars in a video that was shared to her Instagram account on Tuesday
Burke began the video by explicitly stating that she was anxious about taking to the stage and expressed that she would overcome her fear by the start of filming.
‘If I said to you that I was just so excited and not nervous, that would be a lie…hopefully by 5 pm when we shoot in LA that’s not the case, but I am nervous, I am insecure and I am scared,’ she stated.
The professional dancer then noted that, although she was doing well without alcohol, she was still anxious about the new season of the program.
‘Since being sober…I’m so clearheaded, and I am really honestly grateful for this opportunity, but to say that I don’t have these insecurities, my body dysmorphia, my feeling of wanting to throw up or finding the nearest exit is definitely alive,’ she said.
Not holding back: In the video, the professional dancer told her followers that ‘if I said to you that I was just so excited and not nervous, that would be a lie’
Silver lining: The performer did clarify that she felt ‘so clearheaded’ after becoming sober; she is seen performing with Ray Lewis in 2019
Burke clarified that she was still enjoying her time on the hit dancing competition series and that she was not preparing to leave anytime soon.
‘I do this because I love it and no matter what I say, whatever you guys hear in the press, if I’m retiring or whatever, that for me isn’t definitive,’ she remarked.
The performer then reminded herself that, although she was not necessarily in peak physical and emotional condition all the time, she was still grateful to perform.
‘Yes, my body hurts, yes, my mental state at times may not be up to par sometimes to what this show expects, but at the end of the day I have to remember to put everything into perspective,’ she expressed.
Passionate: Burke expressed that she remained on the hit dancing competition program ‘because I love it’; she is pictured in 2019
Burke added that the program ‘is just a dance show, but after doing it for so many seasons all…every single person wants to do is be able to succeed, whatever that is.’
The reality television personality then noted that she had been holding herself to unreasonable standards in the past and that she was working to move past those thoughts.
‘It’s not about winning, it’s honestly not about winning, it’s about my celebrity…the pressure I put on myself sometimes is so intense and it’s just not realistic,’ she said.
Burke then thanked her followers for being supportive of her work on the program, stating: ‘I just wanted to let you guys know that I’m human…thank you for your positive support and comments, I truly do love you and take that to heart.
Working hard: The performer also expressed that the pressure that she placed on herself to perform well was ‘so intense and…just not realistic’; she is seen with AJ McLean in 2020
The dancer also wrote a lengthy message in her post’s caption where she reiterated that the issues that went on behind the scenes were very real.
‘Doing this show sober has really made me realize my every insecurity and the amount of pressure I put on myself, which is tough. Just wanted to be honest with you all because I know sometimes it can look like this stuff is easy for us,’ she wrote.
Burke then noted that she was excited for the upcoming taping, as she noted: ‘that being said, I love my partner and love all of you so it’s going to be a great night. Thanks for always supporting and get those voting fingers ready for tonight!’
Being realistic: She also wrote a short message in her post’s caption where she noted that ‘I know sometimes it can look like this stuff is easy for us’; she is seen in 2020
The performer first appeared on Dancing With The Stars during its second season, which she won alongside Nick Lachey.
She pulled off a back-to-back win in the program’s third run of episodes, and she shared the mirror ball with Emmitt Smith.
Burke has remained a constant presence on the show, and she has appeared in most of its seasons, including the current set of shows where she is partnered with fitness instructor Cody Rigsby.
Other entertainment industry figures who are taking part in the program’s recently-premiered 30th season include Brian Austin Green, JoJo Siwa and Mel C.
Mainstay: Burke has been featured in many seasons of the hit program, and she is currently partnered with fitness instructor Cody Rigsby