SHARNA Burgess grew up as a tree-climbing tomboy in Wagga, worlds apart from her current life today as a dancing superstar in Los Angeles.
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The 27-year-old has been living her dreams after landing a gig as a professional dancer on the US version of Dancing with the Stars.
Currently in its 16th season, the Americans seem to love the celebrity dancing competition more than the Aussies.
She is partnered with eccentric and controversial comedian Andy Dick, meaning every day brings surprises and unusual moments.
Regularly appearing on US talk shows, Sharna has become a star in her own right and recently danced alongside pop singer Taylor Swift.
Sharna has by no means woken up overnight to land such a coveted role, though.
First starting ballet, jazz and gymnastics at age five, her passion and dedication saw her go on to perform at the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games.
In 2006, she toured the world with dancing show Burn The Floor, which sold four million tickets across 160 cities.
She also choreographed Hollywood blockbuster Street Dance 2 3D.
Although she has many fans these days, one of her biggest is her Wagga grandmother Gwynne.
Gwynne said each week they would hook up the computer to the big-screen television so they could watch Sharna dance on American television.
"She's doing a mighty job, she has a partner she's teaching for the show (Andy Dick) and he used to be a drug addict and an alcoholic but he's given it all up to learn to dance," Gwynne said.
"We feel so proud of her; she's a beautiful girl and so talented."
Gwynne said Sharna had visited them in Wagga for Christmas.
"We love it when she comes back," she said.
"We get a bit upset when she leaves but we can watch her on the computer."
Sharna's father is Ray, who lives in Wagga, and her mother is Lucy, who is currently living in Melbourne.
While growing up in Wagga, Sharna was trained by Les Foley, who is currently working at Mina's Dance Academy.