What Happened to Sharna Burgess?
Sharna Burgess is an Australian ballroom dancer and choreographer widely recognized for her role as a professional on "Dancing with the Stars" in both the US and Australia. After winning Season 27 of the US version and welcoming her son Zane Walker Green in 2022 with fiancé Brian Austin Green, she has continued her career as a judge on "DWTS Australia" and co-hosts a podcast, recently announcing her highly anticipated return to "Dancing with the Stars" US for Season 35 in August 2026. She is also set to star in a pre-Broadway musical in October 2026.
Quick Answer
Sharna Burgess, the acclaimed Australian ballroom dancer and "Dancing with the Stars" champion, is making a significant return to the US version of the show for Season 35, officially announced on August 24, 2026, after a five-year hiatus. Since welcoming her son Zane with fiancé Brian Austin Green in 2022, she has been active as a judge on "DWTS Australia" and co-hosts the "Penthouse with Peta" podcast. While engaged, she has clarified she is not rushing wedding plans, prioritizing family and other projects, including an upcoming pre-Broadway musical.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline15 events
Performed in Sydney Olympic Games Closing Ceremony
At the age of 15, Sharna Burgess was chosen to represent Australia at the World Championships and performed in the closing ceremony of the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games.
Joined DWTS US as Troupe Member
Burgess moved to the United States and joined the cast of "Dancing with the Stars" Season 13 as a troupe member.
Became a Professional Dancer on DWTS US
For Season 16 of "Dancing with the Stars," Sharna Burgess was promoted to a regular professional dancer, partnered with Andy Dick.
Won DWTS US Season 27
Sharna Burgess and her celebrity partner, radio personality Bobby Bones, won the Mirrorball Trophy in Season 27 of "Dancing with the Stars."
Joined DWTS Australia as a Judge
Burgess became the sole female judge for the Australian version of "Dancing with the Stars" on Network Ten, a role she continued for multiple seasons.
Began Dating Brian Austin Green
Sharna Burgess first crossed paths with actor Brian Austin Green in October 2020, and they publicly confirmed their romance by January 2021.
Last Competed as Pro on DWTS US Season 30
Sharna Burgess last competed as a professional dancer on "Dancing with the Stars" US in Season 30, where she was partnered with her then-boyfriend, Brian Austin Green.
Welcomed Son Zane Walker Green
Sharna Burgess and Brian Austin Green welcomed their first child together, a son named Zane Walker Green, who was born at 12:12 PM.
Became a U.S. Citizen
Sharna Burgess proudly celebrated becoming a U.S. citizen in October 2022, with Brian Austin Green by her side.
Announced Engagement to Brian Austin Green
Sharna Burgess and Brian Austin Green announced their engagement, with Green's children from previous relationships helping with the proposal.
Cameo on DWTS US 500th Episode
Burgess made a surprise cameo appearance on "Dancing with the Stars" during the US series' milestone 500th episode.
Clarified Wedding Rumors
Burgess clarified on the 'Whine Down with Jana Kramer' podcast that despite an Instagram post, she and Brian Austin Green have not booked a wedding venue and are not rushing to marry, enjoying family life and potentially wanting another baby first.
Co-hosts 'Penthouse with Peta' Podcast
As of August 2026, Sharna Burgess co-hosts the podcast 'Penthouse with Peta' with fellow professional dancer Peta Murgatroyd.
Announced Return to DWTS US Season 35
After a five-year hiatus, Sharna Burgess officially announced her return as a professional dancer for Season 35 of "Dancing with the Stars" US, sharing the news on 'Good Morning America' and social media.
Set to Star in 'Esther: Game of Queens' Musical
Sharna Burgess is slated to star in a pre-Broadway trial musical titled 'Esther: Game of Queens' at The George Theater in October 2026.
Follow this story
Get an email when this timeline gets a major update.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Sharna Burgess, born on June 21, 1985, in Wagga Wagga, Australia, established herself as a prominent figure in the world of ballroom dance from a young age, representing Australia at the World Championships by age 15 and performing in the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games closing ceremony. Her career took a significant turn when she joined the American reality competition series "Dancing with the Stars" (DWTS) as a troupe member in 2012, quickly advancing to a professional dancer role in 2013. Over 14 seasons, she became known for her technical precision and engaging choreography, achieving multiple runner-up finishes before ultimately winning the coveted Mirrorball Trophy in Season 27 (2018) with celebrity partner Bobby Bones.
After her win, Burgess took on a judging role for the Australian version of "Dancing with the Stars" starting in 2019, a position she held through the 2023, 2024, and 2025 seasons. Her personal life garnered significant attention when she began dating actor Brian Austin Green in October 2020. The couple's relationship blossomed, and they competed together on DWTS Season 30 in 2021. In June 2022, Burgess and Green welcomed their first child together, a son named Zane Walker Green. This new chapter in her life led her to take a hiatus from the US version of DWTS for Season 31 in 2022 to focus on motherhood.
Burgess and Green announced their engagement in September 2023. However, despite fan anticipation, Burgess clarified in July 2026 that they are not rushing wedding plans, stating that no venue has been booked and she is enjoying raising their son, even expressing a desire for another baby before marriage. Throughout her hiatus from the US ballroom, Burgess remained active, co-hosting the podcast "Penthouse with Peta" with fellow pro Peta Murgatroyd as of August 2026. She also made a surprise cameo on the 500th episode of DWTS US in November 2024.
Speculation about her full-time return to "Dancing with the Stars" US intensified in 2025 and early 2026, with Burgess openly discussing her desire to return after feeling more settled in motherhood. She had previously engaged in "temperature check" conversations with producers in 2025 but wasn't ready at the time. However, on August 24, 2026, it was officially announced that Sharna Burgess would be returning as a professional dancer for Season 35 of "Dancing with the Stars" US, marking her comeback after a five-year absence from competing. Beyond the ballroom, Burgess is also expanding her performance repertoire, with plans to star in a pre-Broadway trial musical titled "Esther: Game of Queens" in October 2026.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Sharna Burgess made different choices?