Photo Credit: Getty Images
Cheryl Burke, best known for her Dancing with the Stars stint, is embarking on a new chapter in her life—one that focuses on celibacy, self-worth, and healing. Since her divorce from Matthew Lawrence in February 2022, the 40-year-old dancer has intentionally stepped back from dating and sex.
On a recent visit to iHeart Radio’s I Do, Part 2 podcast, Burke confessed she hadn’t gone on a date in over a year and had chosen to remain celibate. “I’m not dating, and I’m not deciding to date,” she said. While she admitted to still being drawn to men, she emphasized it doesn’t mean they “deserve” her.
Burke’s decision to be celibate isn’t just not having relationships—it’s a more personal process of self-love. The professional ballet dancer, who has publicly spoken about her struggles with addiction and trauma, referred to herself as a “sober woman” dedicated to loving and respecting herself. She confessed that in the past, physical intimacy led her to fall in love too quickly, which wasn’t always in the best health. “The point is, you have sex with me and I fall for you really quickly,” she stated. “So, like, this is a bad thing, isn’t it?
For Burke, this period of celibacy has also been a time of self-reflection on past experiences and working through personal trauma. She openly shared that her history of being sexually abused as a child had impacted her ability to be truly intimate. Through self-work and therapy, she is now coming to terms with these deeply embedded issues, seeing how her background has shaped her approach to relationships.
In addition to personal healing, Burke has also criticized society’s unrealistic expectations of relationships and intimacy. “None of it is real,” she said of one-night stands, and of letting physical intimacy in past relationships leave her emotionally drained. By breaking with these cycles, she is prioritizing her well-being and prioritizing her own worth.
While Burke is not against dating in the future, she is currently not interested in becoming involved in a relationship. What she is focusing on now is inner healing, self-esteem, and personal development. Arriving in the vein of artists such as recording artist Mýa, who also promoted celibacy, Burke is going to encourage people to embrace respect for oneself and thoughtful thinking in their own lives.
In an era where bliss is generally equated with love, Cheryl Burke’s story is a refreshing reminder that true satisfaction lies within.
