Sharna Burgess Criticizes Dancing With the Stars Scoring
The professional dancer argues that judges hold contestants with dance backgrounds to higher technical expectations.
Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Dance
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Professional dancer Sharna Burgess, 41, recently shared insights regarding the scoring system of Dancing With the Stars. She noted that judges maintain different expectations for contestants based on their prior dance experience.
Why it matters
The judging process on the show frequently sparks debate as experts and fans evaluate how professional experience impacts the scoring of amateur participants. This highlights the inherent difficulty in assessing diverse talent on a singular competitive scale.
Judges operate on a 30-point scoring scale, evaluating performances based on timing, technique, and clean lines. Scores are awarded in the moment, with expectations adjusted for individuals who possess professional dance backgrounds.
The players
Sharna Burgess
She is a veteran professional dancer who previously held a judging role on the Australian edition of the competition series.
Tyler Cameron
He is a current contestant on the 35th season of Dancing With the Stars and is engaged to Tate Madden.
Tate Madden
She is the partner of television personality Tyler Cameron and became engaged to him in August 2026.
The details
Sharna Burgess, who previously served as a judge on the Australian version of the show, discussed how the current scoring system places unique pressure on certain performers. She is currently working with contestant Tyler Cameron, 33, for the ongoing 35th season of the series.
Timeline
August 2026: Tate Madden and Tyler Cameron became engaged.
October 20, 2026: Sharna Burgess and Tyler Cameron recorded the podcast.
Industry Dynamics
The discussion surrounding subjective judging mirrors wider debates within reality television competitions regarding the fairness of pitting amateurs against trained performers. These critiques highlight a shift toward demanding greater transparency in scoring as audience scrutiny intensifies.
Viewers watching the 35th season can look for how technical assessments vary when professional routines are performed by contestants with different skill sets. Understanding these judging nuances provides a clearer lens for evaluating the scoring of upcoming performances.
The takeaway
Understanding the technical criteria used by judges can help viewers better interpret the scores assigned to their favorite contestants. Fans should note that judges prioritize clean lines and timing when assessing contestants who have extensive dance backgrounds.
Further reading
For more on professional choreography and competition, visit the Dance section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Us Weekly.
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