Cheryl Burke

“With dancing, it just brings out more flexibility, more core strength, and you definitely get a great workout.”

“When I work out I always focus on activating my core so I'm engaging at all times no matter if I'm doing yoga or if I'm on the treadmill.”

“I did ballet at the Menlo Park Academy of Dance from age 4 to 11, but then I switched to ballroom, and I've been doing that ever since.”

“It sounds crazy, but I'm so married to my work that I rarely meet new people.”

“At the end of the day, dancing is something that brings people together.”

“I wanted to eat what I wanted but I made sure that portion control was basically half of what I normally would eat.”

“I dance in a three-and-a-half-inch stiletto heel - but it took me a while to get to that level. You really have to be careful not to break your ankle or twist your ankle.”

“I've always wanted to start my clothing line.”

“You've got to tune out the other people and tune in to what's going on inside. Love yourself. Nourish your body.”

“Sometimes people can get lost within the crowd, but we have to remember that ballroom dancing is an intimate sport where people look into your story and not the other way around. It's so important to just stay focused as a couple and that you don't let your adrenaline get the best of you by dancing too fast to the music or whatever.”

“You have to embrace your body, whether it's curvy or whatever you may be. You have to embrace who you are. Beauty comes from the inside not out.”

“I've always been kind of a play-by-the-rules girl; I tend to like things structured, predictable, and sometimes even a little boring.”

“Let's face it, not everyone is going to have long and lean legs. But everyone can have legs that look long and lean for their body type with the right exercises.”

“I like to wear layers - pants, tank tops, jackets - when I work out.”

“I live by green tea with lemon and honey.”

“I was able to start building my confidence and know that I don't need anybody to be happy.”

“I tried everything from basketball to volleyball to soccer, but dancing was the only thing I never complained about.”

“It's important to me to have a healthy tan with so much skin showing.”

“I always wear fake lashes - they just look so darn good on camera!”

“I've been lucky enough that some designers let me borrow their dresses to wear to events. And companies such as So Low and Tart have given me items to wear to rehearse in. I wish I could take more credit for the clothes that I get to wear!”