Cheryl Burke is getting a run for her money, as she called her virtual performance with her “Dancing With The Stars” partner Cody Rigsby “one of the hardest things.”
The professional dancer told PEOPLE that orchestrating that routine has been an exciting challenge despite being on the show since the start.
The 37-year-old and her co-star were the first people on the “DWTS” show to have a remote performance.
Her Tough Performance
On Last Monday’s episode, the two-time champion of the show had to stay away from the set after testing positive for the breakthrough COVID-19.
Burke exclusively spoke to PEOPLE about performing the jazz routine, which was one of the hardest things she has ever had to do.
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The model expressed she was grateful to have remained in the competition virtually that week, despite everything that had happened in the past few days.
Burke said though a remote performance had its advantages, it was the hardest thing she has ever had to do.
Dancing From Home
The Blast had previously reported that Rigsby revealed he had also contracted COVID-19 days after his co-partner was diagnosed.
It would be the “Peloton” instructor’s second case of the virus. Yet, their condition did not put a cap on their time on the show.
The dance duo was allowed to compete virtually, from the safety of their own homes, while viewers wondered how they would pull off such a task.
An unfazed Rigsby said he was feeling okay and excited to perform for Britney week on “DWTS” one way or another.
The star noted that the crazy universe sometimes “throws things in your lap,” and you have to go with the flow of it.
Burke told GMA that she had transformed her living room into a ballroom in preparation for the big day.
Contestants were to perform a dance routine to Britney Spears songs in the ballroom. The bike trainer and his professional dance co-star participated from home.
Their COVID-19 Debacle
In October, The Blast also shared that tough times were at play for Rigsby who tested positive for the virus 19 days after his female partner.
At the time, the professional dancer’s symptoms were becoming progressively worse.
The “DWTS” contestant announced his condition via Instagram on September 30, explaining that this was his second case despite being fully vaccinated.
Rigsby added that his symptoms were mild thanks to the work of the antibodies.
Burke also confirmed her situation via Instagram on September 27, saying she was going into a minimum of 10-day isolation while the show’s 30th season aired.
The pair’s virtual performance earned them a rating of 24 over 40, securing their position on the show while co-participants Martin Kove and dance partner Britt Stewart were evicted.
The model remotely communicated to the public that she was proud of Rigsby, who worked so hard that week, and she hoped to be back in the ballroom soon.
