Sharna Burgess transitioned from a celebrated professional dancer on the American edition of Dancing with the Stars to a central judging role on Channel 7’s Dancing With The Stars Australia in 2024. For the 2025 season, her outlook centered on solidifying her position on the expert panel, expanding her broadcast commentary, and balancing her dual-country media commitments.
Evolution of Sharna Burgess’s Career: From Pro Dancer to Key Judge
Sharna Burgess built an international reputation as one of ballroom dancing's premier choreographers and performers. Born in Wagga Wagga, New South Wales, Burgess spent over a decade as a staple pro on the United States version of Dancing with the Stars (ABC/Disney+), winning the coveted Mirrorball Trophy in Season 27 alongside celebrity partner Bobby Bones. Her technical precision, emotive choreography, and direct communication style established her as a standout fan favorite in the global television dance landscape.
In 2024, Channel 7 announced a major update to the judging panel for Dancing With The Stars Australia (Season 21). Burgess stepped into a permanent judging role, replacing long-standing judges while joining veteran commentators Craig Revel Horwood, Helen Richey, and Mark Wilson. Her transition from the ballroom floor to the official judging desk marked a pivotal moment in her career, bringing fresh, contemporary ballroom experience directly to the Australian broadcasting landscape.
The transition reflected a broader trend within international talent formats: elevating recent professional competitors into judging roles to bridge the gap between classic technique and modern audience expectations. Burgess's background allowed her to critique contestants with recent practical insight, offering precise technical advice on posture, musicality, footwork, and emotional connection.
Key Dynamics Influencing Burgess’s Role on Australian DWTS
- Key Drivers of Sharna Burgess's Australian DWTS Role
- Judging Dynamics
- Technical Ballroom Authority
- Synergy with Craig Revel Horwood
- Modern Contestant Mentorship
- Logistical Factors
- International Travel (US/AU)
- Family Commitments (Brian Austin Green)
- Dual-Market Media Strategy
- Judging Dynamics
1. Panel Synergy and Judging Identity
The dynamic between judges on live performance shows determines much of the broadcast's energy. Burgess established a distinct voice on the Australian panel:
- Constructive Technicality: Unlike judges who rely on shock value or rigid traditionalism, Burgess focuses on practical, actionable feedback tailored to non-professional dancers.
- Balanced Energy: Her warm, encouraging tone balances the sharp, critical commentary of Craig Revel Horwood, creating a complementary structure for the judging panel.
- Modern Relevance: Having choreographed under contemporary rules, lighting setups, and track selections in the U.S. version, Burgess evaluates how classic ballroom steps translate into modern televised entertainment.
2. Network Investment and Viewer Reception
Channel 7’s decision to bring Burgess home to judge Australian television yielded strong viewer engagement and critical praise during the 2024 season. Australian network executives value talent with both domestic authenticity and international star power. Burgess's successful first season established her as a key pillar for the network's flagship reality entertainment programming.
3. Logistical Realities and Dual-Market Commitments
Maintaining an active media career in both the United States and Australia requires complex schedule coordination. Burgess resides primarily in the United States with her partner, actor Brian Austin Green, and their family. Because Australian Dancing With The Stars operates on a condensed production schedule—typically filming across concentrated blocks in Sydney or Melbourne—Burgess can manage production commitments in Australia without giving up her U.S.-based projects, podcasting endeavors, and development ventures.
Detailed Comparative Matrix: Sharna Burgess’s Roles Across Franchises
To understand how her role has developed and where her career trajectory leads, the table below outlines her contributions across different eras and formats of the franchise.
| Feature / Metric | US Dancing with the Stars (Pro Era) | Australian DWTS (2024 Debut Season) | Australian DWTS (2025 Outlook) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Capacity | Professional Partner & Choreographer | Expert Panel Judge | Lead Expert Judge & Guest Feature |
| Key Responsibility | Daily training, routine choreography, live execution | Live routine scoring, technical critique, contestant feedback | Panel anchor, prospective guest performance/co-hosting segments |
| Network / Platform | ABC / Disney+ (USA) | Channel 7 / 7plus (Australia) | Channel 7 / 7plus (Australia) |
| Production Format | Live weekly broadcasts (10–11 weeks) | Pre-taped / Block production (5–7 weeks) | Block production / Streamlined event television |
| Critique Focus | N/A (Received judging critiques) | Technical execution, emotional delivery, posture | Advanced musicality, performance growth, audience connection |
| Primary Audience Base | North American market | Australian domestic & catch-up streaming | Australian domestic, international digital audience |
Strategic Analysis: The 2025 Role Trajectory
- 2024 Season
- Panel Debut & Initial Critical Praise
- 2025 Outlook
- Core Judging Role
- Lead technical authority
- Panel anchor alongside veterans
- Primary contestant mentor
- Expanded Network Presence
- Guest hosting opportunities
- Feature choreographic segments
- Cross-promotional appearances
- Core Judging Role
Expanding Beyond the Desk
While judging remains her primary function, television networks routinely leverage prominent judges for expanded broadcast segments. In 2025, industry analysts noted potential pathways for Burgess within the network:
- Special Guest Choreography: Performing in opening numbers or pro-dance showcases, leveraging her championship-level skills for event television specials.
- Co-Hosting & Red Carpet Coverage: Utilizing her polished live broadcast skill set for behind-the-scenes reporting, digital spin-offs, or host-stand-in roles during network events.
- Contestant Mentorship Segments: Stepping into rehearsal studios for masterclass packages, helping celebrity participants refine their technique before major milestone nights (e.g., Semi-Finals or Grand Finals).
Impact on Competition Standards
Burgess’s presence on the panel elevated technical standards across the competition. Because she spent over twelve seasons designing routines under modern television constraints, her scoring reflects a detailed understanding of the physical toll and technical difficulty involved in learning styles like the Argentine Tango, Paso Doble, or Viennese Waltz in a matter of days. This perspective provides celebrity contestants with clear guidance on how to secure higher scores week over week.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Sharna Burgess’s official role on Australian Dancing With The Stars?
Sharna Burgess served as a main expert judge on the panel for Channel 7’s Dancing With The Stars Australia, bringing technical expertise from her years as a champion professional dancer and choreographer.
Did Sharna Burgess leave American Dancing with the Stars permanently?
Burgess stepped back from competing as a full-time professional dancer on the U.S. edition, focusing instead on judging roles, media projects, podcasting, and family. However, she maintains close ties with the U.S. franchise and has expressed open interest in returning for special appearances or judging roles if timing permits.
Who sat alongside Sharna Burgess on the Australian DWTS judging panel?
In her inaugural judging season on Channel 7, Burgess shared the desk with veteran judges Craig Revel Horwood, Helen Richey, and Mark Wilson, creating a four-person panel combining local ballroom heritage with international theater expertise.
How does filming Australian DWTS fit into her U.S.-based family life?
Australian Dancing With The Stars generally films in concentrated blocks over several weeks rather than a three-month live season. This block-shooting structure allows Burgess to travel to Australia for production and return to her primary residence in the United States without extended family separation.
Has Sharna Burgess ever won Dancing with the Stars as a dancer?
Yes. Sharna Burgess won Season 27 of the American Dancing with the Stars in 2018 alongside radio personality Bobby Bones. She also reached the finals multiple times with celebrity partners including Nick Carter, James Hinchcliffe, and Josh Norman.
Final Summary and Key Takeaways
Sharna Burgess’s role on Australian Dancing with the Stars represents a natural, strategic evolution in her career. Moving from the high-intensity environment of pro-partner choreography to the authoritative position of panel judge has solidified her status as a versatile broadcast personality. Her deep practical knowledge, combined with strong panel chemistry alongside Craig Revel Horwood and Helen Richey, established her as an indispensable part of Channel 7's entertainment roster.
For viewers, industry analysts, and fans of ballroom dance, Burgess's continued presence on the Australian panel guarantees accurate technical commentary, modern choreographic insight, and a supportive bridge between celebrity contestants and rigorous ballroom tradition.
