Brooke Burke Unveils Unprecedented Connection with Derek Hough on DWTS: A Deep Dive into Dance Floor Intimacy and Unspoken Desires

In a candid revelation that has sent ripples through the entertainment world, Brooke Burke recently opened up about the profound, almost romantic, connection she shared with her professional partner, Derek Hough, during their victorious run on Dancing with the Stars. The former Mirrorball Trophy champion admitted that her aspirations during Season 7 of the beloved ABC competition show extended beyond mere victory. Her confession, made on Cheryl Burke‘s podcast on October 8, 2023, highlighted a unique bond, suggesting that had circumstances been different, she would have “hoped for a love affair” with Derek, who was then 23 years old, while Burke was 37 and in a committed relationship with David Charvet.

The intimacy forged on the dance floor, Brooke, now 52, explained, transcended typical professional partnerships. It delved into a realm of emotional and physical closeness she had rarely experienced outside of her romantic relationships. The genesis of this intense connection, surprisingly, stemmed from an unexpected intervention by the show’s producers. Early in their partnership, sensing a lack of synchronicity or “gelling” between the celebrity and her pro, producers mandated that Brooke and Derek attend couples therapy. This unconventional requirement, meant to iron out their professional kinks, inadvertently laid the groundwork for an unparalleled personal bond, sparking a significant “crush” on Burke’s part.

“Had I not been married, I would have actually hoped we would have had a love affair,” Brooke shared during the podcast episode, offering a rare glimpse into the complex emotional landscape of competitive dance. Her words underscored the unique nature of their partnership, elaborating on how dancers become intimately intertwined. “You are intertwined with someone’s body when you’re a dancer. There is no way that I have ever been so connected—besides with a lover or a husband—than I was with Derek.” She further elucidated the intensity, questioning, “So for three months, you are in someone’s arms. Why do you think people fall in love?” This candid reflection highlights the blurred lines between professional closeness and personal affection that often emerge in high-pressure, physically intimate environments like Dancing with the Stars.

Their undeniable chemistry and deep connection ultimately propelled Brooke and Derek to victory in DWTS Season 7, culminating in them lifting the coveted Mirrorball Trophy. The emotional resonance of their partnership was palpable even to viewers, but Brooke’s recent account sheds new light on the depths of that bond. On Cheryl Burke’s podcast, she reflected on how the unique circumstances of the show fostered such an “intimate” relationship with Derek during their time as partners. This experience, she explained, was unlike any other, creating a shared journey filled with vulnerability, trust, and intense emotional investment.

Brooke delved deeper into the nature of this unique intimacy, stating, “It can be more intimate than making love in a bedroom — you’re making love on a dance floor, you feel more connected.” She elaborated on the elements that contribute to such a powerful bond: “If you have energy, you’re doing this dance and you’re in the rhythm, and then there’s trust, then you’re sharing fear, you’re doing something you’ve never done. How many times do you go through an experience with someone where they’re all you’ve got?” Her words paint a vivid picture of the intense crucible that is Dancing with the Stars, where hours of grueling rehearsals, shared triumphs, and mutual fears forge bonds that often transcend the professional realm, sometimes touching upon the very essence of human connection.

Despite the profound emotional connection, Brooke also recalled Derek’s demanding nature as a dance teacher, noting that he was “really tough.” This strictness, however, was not a deterrent; rather, it seemed to further solidify their respect and bond. “He did not love me through routines and support me, and tell me that it was amazing,” she remembered. “He was brutally honest.” This brutal honesty, coupled with the sheer physical and emotional demands of the competition, created an environment where vulnerability and trust were paramount. It was through navigating these challenges together, pushing boundaries, and facing criticism head-on that their bond deepened, moving beyond mere collaboration into a territory of profound mutual reliance and understanding.

The “tough love” approach from Derek likely played a significant role in Brooke’s growth as a dancer and their ultimate success. The rigorous training regimen, coupled with Derek’s high expectations, ensured that Brooke was continually challenged, leading to both frustration and immense satisfaction. This shared struggle and ultimate triumph created a narrative of resilience and partnership that resonated deeply with both the participants and the audience. It underscores the idea that intense challenges, when faced together, can forge bonds stronger than those formed under less demanding circumstances. The unique blend of physical proximity, shared artistic expression, and competitive pressure on Dancing with the Stars often culminates in these extraordinary, sometimes romanticized, connections.

Following their triumphant victory on DWTS, Brooke continued her personal life journey. She married David Charvet, 51, with whom she shares two of her four children. However, their relationship eventually ran its course, leading to their split in 2018 and the finalization of their divorce in 2020. Today, Brooke has found love again and is happily engaged to real estate developer Scott Rigsby, embarking on a new chapter of her life. Her reflection on her past partnership with Derek Hough serves as a testament to the powerful, sometimes unexpected, connections that can emerge from unique life experiences, even years after the fact.

Meanwhile, Derek Hough has also seen significant milestones in his personal life and career. He has solidified his status as one of the most celebrated professional dancers and choreographers, not only returning to Dancing with the Stars as a judge but also pursuing various successful projects in television and live performances. Derek recently got married to fellow dancer Hayley Erbert in a beautiful ceremony held in Monterey County, California, over the summer. While Brooke’s heartfelt confession about their past dance partnership has captivated audiences, Derek has yet to publicly react or comment on her emotional insights into their time together on the show. This silence, perhaps, underscores the deeply personal nature of Brooke’s feelings and the passage of time since their extraordinary journey together.

Brooke Burke’s recent statements about her dynamic with Derek Hough offer a fascinating glimpse into the human element of reality competition shows. They remind us that behind the glitz and glamour, behind the perfect routines and demanding scores, are individuals experiencing intense emotions, forging profound connections, and sometimes, navigating unspoken desires. The intimacy of dance, as she so eloquently described, creates an almost spiritual bond, pushing individuals into a space of vulnerability and trust that can mirror the closest of relationships. Her candidness serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring impact of shared experiences and the lingering echoes of connections made in unique, high-stakes environments like the ballroom of Dancing with the Stars, leaving fans to ponder the ‘what ifs’ of a bygone era.