'DWTS' Pro Cheryl Burke Calls Remote Performance with Cody Rigsby 'One of the Hardest Things'

The longtimeDWTSpro, who is quarantining after testing positive for a breakthrough COVID-19 case last Sunday, spoke to PEOPLE exclusively shortly before performing a jazz routine from home.

Calling the remote performance “one of the hardest things” she’s “ever” had to do, Burke told PEOPLE, “I’m just really grateful that despite everything that’s happened in the last several days, we’ve been able to pivot and stay in the competition virtually for this week.”

Burke, who was fully vaccinated, added, “We’ve been given a really unique opportunity and challenge for Britney week and while it may seem like performing remotely has its advantages, I will say this is one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do!”

Burke, who has been part of the show since season 2 in 2006, called the first-ever remote performance an “exciting challenge.”

Cheryl Burke.Kelsey McNeal/ABC via Getty

“For someone who has been on the show since the beginning, orchestrating this performance has been an exciting challenge,” she said. “It’s something that has never been done on the show and to top it all off — dancing solo is actually a first for me!”

The two-timeDWTSchamp had her work cut out for her, having to scrap her original choreography, which she said was “putting us days behind the other couples.”

“And then the extra pressure and work of having to build ballrooms in our living rooms — I’ve been a one-woman show from the lights, to the sound, to the cameras, to hair and makeup,” Burke explained.

Emphasizing that she’s “forever grateful for this opportunity” to still be in the competition and perform, Burke gave a special acknowledgment to theDWTScrew “who have put in countless hours to make this work and for their patience and holding my hand through this process.”

Next week,Dancing with the Starswill air on Monday and Tuesday on NBC for a two-night special celebrating Disney heroes and villains.

source: people.com