In the Heated Ballroom: Unmasking the Secrets Behind Derek Hough and Brooke Burke's Couples Therapy Journey on ‘Dancing With the Stars’

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Winning the mirrorball trophy on Dancing With the Stars season 7 was no walk in the park for Derek Hough and Brooke Burke. They had to overcome obstacles and seek professional help through couples therapy before finding their rhythm.

"We lacked connection and synergy. We encountered various challenges," Brooke, 52, revealed on the October 9 episode of the "Sex, Lies, and Spray Tans With Cheryl Burke" podcast.

"Derek was drained due to his nightly album recordings," she elaborated. "I had a 3-month-old baby and I was completely exhausted – staying awake all night and training all day. Despite my passion for dance, I lacked formal training, resulting in physical depletion. Additionally, hormonal changes added to the mix." (Burke and her ex, David Charvet, had welcomed their fourth child, son Shaya, earlier that year.)

At the age of 23, Derek achieved victory on the ABC competition show alongside Brooke in 2008. Despite their 14-year age difference, their communication was hindered by Derek's lack of confidence, as he had never won the trophy before. Recognizing the need for improvement, they sought help through a life coach therapy session, although it was not aired despite its genuine and valuable nature, according to Brooke.

Brooke expressed that she continues to hold the advice they received during the session in high regard. She emphasized the significance of what they learned and how it has become an integral part of her life. Specifically, she shared that the life coach imparted a valuable lesson during a particular challenge that she now consistently applies. According to Brooke, the life coach emphasized the importance of approaching each other with sincerity.

To promote honesty and authenticity between the partners, the counselor encouraged them to respond truthfully when asking each other, "How are you?" in the morning.

"She urged me to express my exhaustion, the lack of energy to be present, the long sleepless nights with my crying baby, the longing for my family, my overwhelming fear, the unfamiliarity of the routine, the unkindness I was facing, and my own struggle. Brooke reflected on the power of encountering someone who embodies truth and honesty."

"Another valuable insight she shared was, 'Your goal isn't to win this.' And we didn't have that expectation," the native of Connecticut continued. "[Derek] was filled with fear and self-doubt. He simply hoped to stay as long as possible. Winning the mirrorball trophy wasn't our objective."

Without explicitly stating it, Derek's lack of enthusiasm was evident to Brooke. She was not wholeheartedly invested either due to the constant pain from her foot injury.

"I understood his mindset. I knew he wasn't aiming for victory. For both of us, it was an opportunity to experience a different side of America," she expressed. "I believe he joined because being a dancer on the show was a significant achievement for him. I don't think people participate in Dancing With the Stars with the sole intention of winning the Mirrorball Trophy – it's an unattainable goal. You don't even consider it a possibility. So, the life coach advised us, 'Since you're both here and committed, you might as well go all out to win.' And that made us pause and reconsider."

Both of them fully focused and emerged as winners that season. "Leaving that experience, I had a newfound confidence that I can achieve anything," Brooke shared, reflecting on the intense commitment and success. "It completely transformed my entire life."

For Derek, this victory was merely the beginning of a remarkable series of six wins before his transition to a judging role in 2020. Meanwhile, Brooke cohosted DWTS from season 10 to season 17.

In this article

Brooke Burke

Derek Hough

Dancing With The Stars