Dancing With The Stars duo Cody Rigsby and Cheryl Burke will dance solo and virtually on Monday night after they were both diagnosed with breakthrough cases of COVID-19. Cheryl announced her positive case last week, followed by Peloton instructor Cody just a few days later. The pair is determined to stay in the competition.
One day before the live taping of the September 27 episode of DWTS, Cheryl tested positive for COVID-19 with a breakthrough case. She explained that she was fully vaccinated but began feeling run-down and went for a COVID-19 test. She tested positive, which meant that she and Cody had to quarantine from the ballroom because he had been in close contact with her during rehearsals. They continued in the competition and were judged on their rehearsal footage during the live show. They received a score of 24 out of 40 for their salsa dance to "Don't Go Yet" by Camila Cabello. The original plan for Week 3 was that Cheryl would coach Cody via Zoom while he danced with a substitute partner. However, Cody later tested positive for a breakthrough case of COVID-19 as well, forcing him into quarantine. He revealed on Instagram that he had suffered from a case earlier this year and was now fully vaccinated. He said he had more mild symptoms than the first time and attributed it to the vaccine.
In an interview with Good Morning America, as shared on Twitter, Cody and Cheryl revealed that they will be allowed to dance solo and virtually from their homes in New York and Los Angeles, respectively. Cheryl said via video, "We are gonna be doing it from the comfort of our own home. Look at that, I've turned our living room into a ballroom." She panned the room to show the makeshift workspace. Cody and Cheryl will be monitored to be sure that they are well enough to dance. This will be the first time that a couple is in completely separately rooms during a routine.
This week is especially meaningful for Cody, who was very much looking forward to Week 3 because the show will be celebrating the artistry of Britney Spears. He said, "I'm feeling okay, but I'm so excited to dance for Britney week on Dancing With The Stars, one way or the other." The partners will perform a jazz routine, perfect for a couple dancing apart because it does not require any clasped hand movements. Precise timing will be the challenge for this dance.
Dancing With The Stars is entering uncharted territory with this virtual dance, but the pandemic has taught the world that technology allows people to do things remotely that were never thought possible before. Although Cody and Cheryl will dance apart, their commitment to each other and the show proves that they are never alone. This will be a dance like no other.
Dancing With the Stars airs Mondays at 8pm on ABC.
Source: Good Morning America/Twitter