Sharna Burgess

Early Life and Dance Beginnings

Sharna Burgess was born in Wagga Wagga, a city in New South Wales, Australia. From a young age, she demonstrated a passion for performing, often staging shows for family and guests. Her enthusiasm for dance and gymnastics led her to begin formal training at age five. By eight, she was already competing in dance competitions, and by the age of fifteen, she had been selected to represent Australia in international competitions in both Latin and Standard styles of ballroom dancing.

One of her early career highlights occurred in 2000 when she performed at the closing ceremony of the Sydney Olympic Games, a moment that underscored her ambitions in dance from an early stage.

Career Development and International Success

At the age of 18, Sharna relocated to London to further pursue her professional dance career. She began performing in the stage production Simply Ballroom, which led to her being cast in the internationally acclaimed dance show Burn the Floor. The production toured over 150 cities worldwide, and Sharna remained a core member of the ensemble for six years. The show’s global success significantly expanded her visibility and eventually led to its Broadway debut, in which she participated.

Sharna’s performance on Broadway caught the attention of producers from the American TV series Dancing with the Stars. She joined the show as a professional dancer in Season 13, marking a pivotal point in her rise to international fame.

Dancing with the Stars

Throughout her time on Dancing with the Stars, Sharna partnered with a wide variety of celebrities, showcasing her versatility and choreography skills. Her early celebrity partners included comedian Andy Dick and retired NFL player and sportscaster Keyshawn Johnson.

In Season 18, she danced with Olympic ice dancer Charlie White. Notably, in Season 20, Sharna partnered with war veteran and motivational speaker Noah Galloway, who lost both his left arm and leg in combat. Their emotional and inspiring performances earned them third place and widespread acclaim from viewers and judges alike.

In a later season, she was paired with Backstreet Boys member Nick Carter. The duo advanced to the finals, ultimately finishing as runners-up. Their chemistry and performances were consistently praised by judges and embraced by their fanbase.