I loved "Team Dick" from the first week of Dancing With the Stars. Oh sure, my heart (read: libido) lies with Ingo Rademacher (click that link, ladies. And you're welcome.), but I developed a soft spot for Sharna and Andy right away – especially after a really fantastic first-week routine that the judges were unfairly harsh about. I know it’s an “IMO” thing, but everyone who watches the show knows Len has a stick up his ass anyway. When I watch them dance, I feel happy and I'm totally rooting for Andy, who's overcoming a LOT to do what he's doing (and he was kick-ass on KROQ's Kevin & Bean last week - loved it).
Sharna Burgess grew up in Australia where despite being a tree climbing tomboy, her love for entertainment and dance was evident from a very young age. At just five years old, Sharna began training in Ballet, Jazz and gymnastics. By eight she had started Ballroom. As I’m sure you can imagine, it took off - it launched! - from there.
Sharna’s resume is peppered with awards, accoldaes, Broadway shows and big TV titles but she’s long gone unrecogfnized on DWTS. Finally and thankfully, this season, she’s been “promoted” from troupe to pro, partnered with Andy Dick, and making me smile ever since.
And I was REALLY excited that someone liked me enough to let me ask Sharna a few questions and publish them here.
1. Tell us a little about all the things you do in combination with your rigorous rehearsal and performance schedule to stay in shape!
I am a huge believer in hot yoga! I discovered it about a year ago when a friend convinced me to go. Truly it changed my body, and it SO good for you. After a long day I still want to go take class, not only does it stretch me and work me out, it's at the same time relaxing and helps me decompress.
I would love to say that I eat well all the time, but I'm human and have my cheat days too! Sometimes I'm so busy that a protein bar has to suffice so I can keep it moving. I try to make healthy snack choices, and make sure I have a high protein diet and cut out unnecessary carbs. I definitely stay away from dairy also. Dark chocolate however is my weakness.
It's SO different! I think nothing can prepare you for this experience. You don't understand the meaning of busy until you're in the middle of it! I'm loving every minute and enjoy every aspect of my role as pro. I'm blessed to have been here three seasons and already know and love the cast and crew. Andy has been an incredible first partner on the show, he has dedicated his entire mind body and soul to the competition and gives me everything he has every day. I could t ask for anything more.
3. Who are your dance heroes?
So many!!!! Gene Kelly, Fred Astaire, Cyd Charisse, and of course Michael Jackson to name a few!
4. When you want to treat yourself, what do you eat and drink?
Well... There's a few things. I'm a dark chocolate lover, and seem to every now and then crave a good old fashioned home made hamburger with the lot! I'm a healthy eater generally but when I have those treats days I well and truly go ALL IN! But I feel like that helps me keep balance, I'd go insane if I cut all the fun stuff out for good.
5. When you travel, what are some of the things you absolutely must have with you?
My iPad, my music, a note pad , and my uggs. I like to keep long trips comfortable and I find when I have so much down time I like to get creative and write out artistic concepts in my note pad .
You know what’s nice? When famous people are awesome. In my mind, Sharna and I are besties now. I hope she doesn’t mind.
Dancing with the Stars airs on ABC Mondays (tonight!) at 8/7c and Tuesdays at 9/8c
Follow Sharna on Twitter
Go #TeamDick!!!
