Cheryl Burke: Dancing Queen and Book Author

First time when I saw Cheryl was on ABC's show "Dancing with the Stars."

Cheryl Burke was born in May 3, 1984 in California.

Her father was Irish and Russian and her mother Filipino. Her parents separated at the age of 2 and she become very quite, felt alone as a little girl. Her mother is always been supportive of her dancing and that is one true love that she have to this day. At age four, she began taking ballet lessons and performing.

Cheryl then began ballroom dancing and decided to change her focus. She trained in both standard ballroom and Latin dances. She began competing at age 13. She won twice on a ABC's American version of Dancing with the Stars. First time with member of the band 98 Degrees,Drew Lachey and second championship with Emmitt Smith, retired football player.

In 2011, she released her autobiography, "Dancing Lessons" , describing how she and her step sister, at age 5, were molested by a retired mailman.

The molester was sentenced to 20 years in prison and was recently released. Burke said that she is fearful of him as well as when she sees a mail carrier.It is really interesting book, taking you through confessions of her life, very powerful messages. She decided to write about her dark times when she was just a little girl going through abuse because she want to help somebody going through similar situation. It was very difficult to write about it but she said that is was therapeutic. Burke also wants to let everybody know that if you have hopes and dreams in life you can really go anywhere.

And quoting from her book:

"If someone had told me four years ago that I'd be writing a book about my like, I would have flat-out exclaimed, " You're crazy!" I was a competitive ballroom dancer living in Harlem and struggling to make ends meet. If you had asked me whether I was happy with my life, I probably would have said that I was. After all, I was making a living doing what I loved. But if you had asked me if I had an interesting life, I would have had to say no."

In a recent interview by People magazine Cheryl said: " I am so ready for love!"
She also said about past relationships have always gone from 0 to 60. "It goes from 'nice to meet you' and then he's my boyfriend, we talk about kids and marriage, and then we break up six days later. I can't wait to meet the guy that I take things slow with. I can't wait to go on a first date for the first time in my life." When you look at this beautiful girl you would say she would not have any problems finding love, but she is not very happy finding what she is looking for.
Cheryl is exited about next season "Dancing with the Stars." I can't wait to see her!
How about you?

Source:

People magazine, "Dancing Lessons" book, wiki