Sharna Burgess has made a striking return to the Dancing with the Stars (DWTS) stage, unveiling her iconic red hair during the show’s 35th season premiere on 29 September. The professional dancer, who is 41, revealed that the transformation back to “Sharna red” feels rejuvenating and significant, serving as a reminder of her former self.
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Earlier this year in June 2025, Burgess transitioned to blonde, but her recent decision to revert to her signature auburn locks has ignited excitement among her fans. In the lead-up to her performance alongside partner Tyler Cameron, Burgess shared moments from her hair transformation on TikTok, expressing her delight in reconnecting with a part of her identity that she felt faded during her time away from the dance floor.
In an interview following her performance, Burguess candidly shared her emotions about this change. “It feels good,” she stated. “There’s something about being back in this experience that allows me to remember who I was before marriage and motherhood. While I cherish those life experiences, returning to my former self feels incredible.”
Burgess first joined the popular competition series in 2011, initially as a troupe member, before advancing to professional status two years later in season 16. Over her extensive tenure on the show, she competed for 14 seasons, managing to clinch the coveted Mirrorball Trophy in 2018 while partnered with country star Bobby Bones. Her path in DWTS took an unexpected turn in 2019 when she and fellow dancer Artem Chigvintsev were reportedly not invited back for a subsequent season.
After taking a five-year break from the series, Burgess announced her comeback on Good Morning America, revealing her excitement about rejoining what she described as her “dancing family.” The announcement was met with enthusiasm from fans eager to see her return to the ballroom, with Burgess herself stating, “It feels so good to be coming home.”
Significantly, her return came at a time when she has been reflecting not just on her career but also on her personal journey. Alongside her professional commitments, Burgess has embraced the roles of a partner and a mother, experiences that she says have impacted her identity. “I feel like I’m recalling a piece of myself that I thought I had lost along the way. Discovering that side of me again feels like part of bringing back the Sharna Red,” she explained.
In 2021, Burgess made history as one half of the first real-life couple to compete together on the show, alongside then-boyfriend Brian Austin Green. Their participation garnered attention, although they finished in 13th place that season. This unique experience added yet another layer to her storied career in the world of dance.
As she embarks on this new chapter, Burgess expresses immense gratitude for her journey thus far. She highlights the collaborative spirit of DWTS, emphasising the camaraderie and shared joy between professional dancers. “The fact that I get to experience this with Tyler is a dream come true,” she remarked.
As the season progresses, fans will be keen to see how Burgess and Cameron fare while embracing her vibrant transformation. With this blend of personal growth and professional ambition, Sharna Burgess is poised to make a lasting impact in the 35th season of Dancing with the Stars. Her return not only marks a professional revival but also signifies a personal reclamation, reflecting the many facets of her vibrant personality that have always resonated with audiences.