Filipina wins in ‘Dancing with the Stars’

Filipina wins in ‘Dancing with the Stars’

An interview with Cheryl Bautista Burke

How did they (Dancing with the Stars) discover you?

“Someone recommended me for the first season. What were your fondest memories the last time you
went to the Philippines? “Oh, we went to Cebu and I love the white sand and everything was just beautiful. I remember we also went to my mom’s relatives in Nueva Ecija. That was interesting, actually, to see where my mom came from.”

What’s like the median age to be competing in the professional division (Cheryl I believe at age 20, is the youngest professional) before a typical ballroom dancer retire?

“For a woman, it would probably at the age of 31 or 32. For a man, he can go on up to 38 to 40, it depends what he earned, of course. It really depends upon your shape and how much energy you have. Ifhe’s been doing it for a long time, he can get tired”. For me, I’ll probably retire 10 years from now. Have a family, have a school or maybe, bigger than that, or have my own tv show.

Forgive me for asking, but how do you divide your time between career and your love-life?

No, I don’t have time right now. I did have a boyfriend, he was my dancing partner, actually, but it did not work out. He’s from New York. Now, I’m just having fun and I don’t even have time to go out.

What are the pros and cons of being a ballroom dancer/ Champ?

“The fact is, if you want to be a Champion and you have to strive for that, you will have no time for yourself. You’re stuck to this dance world. If you meet someone, you become friends but because of the long hours of practice you are stuck to this dance world. It’s like you know everybody there and you go out with them once in a while but you really have to focus. You have to sacrifice your nightlife. The pros is being able to reach your goal and you feel like you’ve achieved something at the end of the day. That’s the best thing you can have.”

Is there such any truth about having “two left feet”?

“Yes, I think there is (laughs)! There are people who are naturally gifted and talented – like Stacey and Drew. But of course, you can make them improve it, but it takes a little bit of talent. I’m a perfectionist so it’s hard for me sometimes to be patient but I’ve been learning to be more patient to accomplished things.”

How would you define yourself?

“I’m a very down to earth person and very determined. Once I want something, I’ll get it no matter what it takes. Some people might cross that I’m stuck up or spoiled but I’m actually shy and quiet. They might think I’m somebody else. During the first episodes, people thought “Oh, she’s so mean to Drew,” but really, when I’m in the studio, I’m very strict. I do what I want to do. I want to get the job done. But outside the studio I’m a very normal person.”

Who is your role model?

“My role model is my mother, actually! I admire how hard-working and determined she is. She came from nothing, from a poor family, and look where she is now (her mom is the President/CEO of one of the top staffing agency for nurses in San Francisco but still finds time to compete as a Pro-Am ballroom dancer). It just proves to me that all the hard work, if you focus on your work, keep going and never give up and you’ll be successful in life.”

What’s the best advice your mom has given you?

“She told me to follow my dreams, never give up. Whatever you do, you always strive for the best and just keep working hard, no matter what it takes. No matter how you get frustrated that day, just keep on going and push yourself until you reach your goals.”

Was your mom strict to you when you were younger?

“My mom has never restricted me with regards to whom to date or not. She’s let me do what I want. But she’s given me advice. I can have a love life but makes sure my career comes first. At school, she made me do my homework all the time, and then show it to her. I can only go with my friends’ house over the weekend.

I can only talk on the phone until 9:00 p.m. or I have a bedtime at 9:30, stuff like that.”
How are your relationship with your family now that you’re quite achieved something at a younger age (she’s just 20) How are your siblings? Anybody else in your family is inclined to BD?

“No, not at all… my stepsister (my older sister) has been really focused on school. My middle sister is a really good singer and she also wants to be an actress. My real father and my mom got divorced when I was about four. Now I have a stepfather. He’s really such a great person and a father to me. I love him like my true father.”