Reality TV star Phaedra Parks is once again in the spotlight, but this time, it's not for her role on "The Real Housewives of Atlanta." Parks has been making headlines due to her participation in the latest season of "Dancing with the Stars" (DWTS), and fans are eagerly following her journey on the popular dance competition show. With a traffic uptick of over 10,000 searches, there's no doubt that Phaedra Parks is currently trending for all the right reasons.
From Reality TV to the Dance Floor
Phaedra Parks is best known for her time on Bravo's reality series, The Real Housewives of Atlanta (RHOA), where she showcased her sharp wit and legal expertise. A fan-favorite for many seasons, Parks left the show in 2017 but has continued to remain relevant in the entertainment industry. Now, she’s taking on a new challenge — trading her lawyer’s briefcase for dancing shoes on Dancing with the Stars.
Her participation in DWTS has reignited interest in her personal life and career, with many rooting for her to succeed in this new venture. However, as seasoned pros and former contestants have pointed out, the journey won't be easy.
Phaedra Parks' Premiere Night Performance
In her DWTS debut, Phaedra Parks teamed up with professional dancer Val Chmerkovskiy for an electrifying Cha Cha performance. The dance was highly anticipated, given Parks' vibrant personality and Chmerkovskiy's reputation as a skilled dancer. Their performance, which can be watched here, was a strong start, with Parks showing promise despite it being her first appearance on the show.
While the judges were impressed with her effort and potential, they also emphasized that there’s a lot of work ahead if Parks wants to go far in the competition. Her fans, however, were thrilled to see her bring her signature flair to the dance floor, and many are optimistic about her future performances in the season.
Cheryl Burke's Warning to Phaedra
One of the most intriguing aspects of Parks' time on Dancing with the Stars has been the advice — or perhaps, warning — she received from DWTS alum Cheryl Burke. In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Burke, a former DWTS pro and champion, offered some words of caution for the reality star. Burke expressed concern that Parks might get too caught up in the competition and the desire to win, which could result in her losing her authentic personality.
Burke emphasized that maintaining one's unique charm is crucial, stating, "I hope she’s present instead of only thinking about winning because she’s going to not have a personality otherwise." This advice is especially pertinent in the context of Phaedra's reality TV background, where her personality was a key factor in her popularity. Cheryl Burke's warning suggests that while technical skill matters, what truly sets the stars apart in DWTS is their ability to connect with the audience and judges on an emotional level.
Burke’s advice is particularly significant given the fact that Phaedra mentioned she didn’t seek advice from other Housewives who’ve competed on DWTS, as none of them had won. This decision might reflect Parks' confidence, but it also highlights the challenges ahead as she navigates the rigorous competition.
Will Phaedra’s Personality Shine Through?
Adding to the conversation, Reality Tea echoed similar sentiments in a piece that discussed Cheryl Burke’s concerns about Parks. The article noted that while Parks has always been known for her sharp personality, DWTS is a completely different ball game. Dancing requires not only physical endurance but also the ability to express emotions through movement — something that might push Parks out of her comfort zone.
Burke’s comments suggest that while Parks may have the drive to succeed, she must focus on staying true to herself and not get lost in the mechanics of the competition. After all, DWTS is as much about storytelling and personality as it is about dancing.
What to Expect Going Forward
As Phaedra Parks continues her journey on Dancing with the Stars, fans are eager to see how she’ll develop as a dancer and whether she’ll heed Burke’s advice to stay present and authentic. With the competition heating up, Parks will likely face more challenges, but her vibrant personality and strong work ethic could help her become a fan favorite on the show.
Her premiere night performance set a solid foundation, but the real test will come as the weeks progress and the dances become more complex. Parks’ ability to balance technical improvement with her signature charisma will ultimately determine how far she goes in the competition.
For now, audiences can look forward to more exciting performances and behind-the-scenes drama as Parks continues to embrace this new chapter in her career. Whether she takes home the mirrorball trophy or not, one thing is certain: Phaedra Parks knows how to keep people talking.