Cheryl Burke of Dancing with the Stars with special guest Genya Mazo perform at Mohegan Sun.
story & photos
by Alexis Ann
Cheryl Burke of Dancing With The Stars and special guest, Genya Mazo, made a trip to Mohegan Sun for a dazzling performance, signing and meeting with fans and the Resident Good News on January 28th. This upfront-and-personal interactive event hosted by the Mohegan Shops kicks off the all-new Reality Check.
“There’s no better way to start something new,” said Shirley of Massachusetts, an avid fan of Dancing With The Stars, who was at the Sun with her husband celebrating their 55th wedding anniversary. Shirley was thrilled to luck out with a first row view of two-time Dancing With The Stars champion, Cheryl Burke, and her dancing partner since childhood, Genya Mazo. Like Shirley, enthusiastic fans, young and mature, gathered to watch the dancing and the opportunity to interact with Cheryl.
“What did you eat today?” asked a member of the audience.
The 25-years young, perfect ten, Cheryl answers, “Egg whites and a salad.”
When I asked about her diet during our meet ‘n greet, she told me, “No soda. I eat healthy foods. I exercise and feel good.” When Cheryl isn’t dancing, she does Jazzercize, Brikim Yoga and runs on a treadmill.
On the other hand, her partner, Genya Mazo, dancing since the age of three, doesn’t have to watch his weight. “I eat at Taco Bell, McDonald’s and Johnny Rockets and once in a while, I have a salad.”
Cheryl added, “He’s a guy… they don’t have to watch it.”
Genya became the National Pre-teen Champion of Belarus at the age of six. Today, Genya is one of the most talented competitive dancers of his era, winning the U.S. National Championship, World Rising Star Championship and the International Latin Championship. He appeared on several Dancing With The Stars episodes and performed on three Dancing With The Stars Tours.
A woman in business, Cheryl owns three dance studios in California and her own clothing line. Her success in television and dancing offers her worldwide exposure, including talk show appearances and a role on The Disney Channel’s The Suite Life with Zack and Cody.
“I loved to dance as a little kid,” answered Cheryl, when asked about why she became a dancer. “I started competing at the age of 12.”
Cheryl first partnered with 98 Degrees singer Drew Lachey in the second season of the hit reality show and again with all-time great Cowboys running back Emmitt Smith in the third season. Not only has she seen success on tv, but she also won several championships including the 2005 Ohio Star Ball Rising Star Latin Championship, the 2005 San Francisco Open Latin Championship and the 2005 World Cup Professional Rising Star Latin Championship and several UK Championships.
