Emma Slater and Alan Bersten posing together
Reality TV

Emma Slater Opens Up About Dating Alan Bersten While Competing on Dancing With the Stars

The DWTS pro reveals how her year-long romance with fellow dancer Alan Bersten plays out behind the scenes in the ballroom.

By Rae MitchellPublished Updated 2 min read

*Dancing With the Stars* pro Emma Slater is setting the record straight on what it is really like to share the ballroom stage with her real-life partner. The professional dancer has been quietly building a romance with fellow pro Alan Bersten for more than a year, and the couple continues to manage both romance and competition as another intense season of the hit dance show unfolds. While going head-to-head on live television might strain some relationships, Slater insists that competing against Bersten is natural for them. The pair have spent years working alongside each other in the franchise, which has given them a deep understanding of the high-pressure environment that comes with weekly live routines.

Are Emma Slater and Alan Bersten dating?

Watch

Clips tied to this story.

TikTokTikTok clip

Yes, Emma Slater and Alan Bersten are officially dating and have been together for over a year. The ballroom favorites turned their longtime friendship and professional collaboration into a romantic connection off the dance floor. Their shared background on the show has helped them navigate the unique demands of reality television together. Slater explained in a recent interview that their bond only makes the competition more fun. Rather than letting the stress of rehearsals and elimination nights create friction, the duo uses their relationship as a built-in support system while chasing the Mirrorball Trophy.

Emma Slater speaking about Dancing With the Stars scores
Emma Slater speaking about Dancing With the Stars scores

How do Emma and Alan balance romance and competition on DWTS?

According to Slater, the key to making their dynamic work during production is clear boundaries and unconditional support. Even though they are trying to outscore each other on the leaderboard every single week, their personal connection always comes first when the music stops. Having a partner who completely understands the grueling rehearsal schedule, the physical toll, and the emotional highs and lows of the show is a major advantage. Slater noted that they leave their rivalry on the dance floor and step back into couple mode as soon as the cameras stop rolling. As the current season progresses, fans can expect to see both pros pushing their celebrity partners to the limit. But no matter who walks away with the top prize this year, Slater and Bersten are focused on supporting each other through every routine, rehearsal, and result show.

The photos · 5

Emma Slater and Alan Bersten posing together
DWTS' Emma Slater Details Reason Behind Bizarre Move During Waltz
Emma Slater speaking about Dancing With the Stars scores
Emma Slater performing a dance routine on a baseball field with Jackson Olson and the Savannah Bananas.
Emma Slater and Jackson Olson Dancing With the Stars announcement

The backstory

Verified moments, in order.

Emma Slater’s Ballroom Life: The Breakthrough, the Win and the Split

Dancing With the Stars gives Emma Slater a national platform, a mirrorball trophy and a workplace intertwined with her marriage. These are the milestones behind her story.

  1. The ballroom door opens

    Emma Slater — The ballroom door opens

    Slater joins Dancing With the Stars as a troupe dancer, performing in the ensemble before getting a celebrity partner of her own.

  2. Her first partner takes her to the final

    Emma Slater — Her first partner takes her to the final

    Promoted to the professional partner lineup for season 17, Slater pairs with comedian Bill Engvall. They reach the final and finish fourth, establishing her beyond the show's troupe.

  3. Sasha Farber proposes on live television

    Emma Slater — Sasha Farber proposes on live television

    Fellow Dancing With the Stars pro Sasha Farber proposes to Slater during a live broadcast after they perform together. She accepts, putting their relationship at the center of the ballroom.

  4. The first mirrorball

    Emma Slater — The first mirrorball

    Slater wins season 24 with NFL player Rashad Jennings. It is her first Dancing With the Stars championship as a professional partner.

  5. 2018-03-25

    She marries a fellow pro

    Slater and Farber marry in Los Angeles. Their wedding brings together fellow Dancing With the Stars performers, joining their off-camera lives as both continue careers on the show.

  6. 2023-02

    The marriage reaches a legal turning point

    Emma Slater — The marriage reaches a legal turning point

    Slater files for divorce from Farber, citing irreconcilable differences, after their separation in 2022. The split ends their marriage, not their connection to Dancing With the Stars: both remain part of its professional lineup.

More like this

Get the pop news brief

One daily email. The biggest celebrity, music and TV stories, no filler.

Reader reaction

No comments yet — be the first to weigh in.

People also ask

Are Emma Slater and Alan Bersten together?
Yes, the Dancing With the Stars pros have been dating for more than a year.
Do Emma Slater and Alan Bersten compete against each other on DWTS?
Yes, both pros compete on the show with different celebrity partners while supporting each other off camera.