Ballroom Bonds: Emma Slater and Alan Bersten Navigate Romance and Rivalry on DWTS Season 35

The high-stakes world of Dancing With the Stars is known for its grueling rehearsal schedules, intense physical demands, and the emotional rollercoasters that come with chasing the coveted Mirrorball Trophy. For professional dancers Emma Slater and Alan Bersten, however, the pressures of the show’s 35th season are being navigated through a unique lens: a high-profile, supportive partnership that thrives both on and off the dance floor.

As the competition heats up following the September 15 premiere, the couple—who have been dating for over a year—find themselves in the rare position of being romantic partners while competing as rivals.

The Dynamics of Competition: A Professional Partnership

For most, competing against a significant other might create friction. For Slater and Bersten, it has become a strategic advantage. As they navigate the early weeks of Season 35—with Slater partnered with Savannah Bananas baseball star Jackson Olson, and Bersten paired with celebrity chef Giada De Laurentiis—the couple is leaning into their collaborative spirit.

"It’s actually really helpful," Slater revealed in an exclusive post-premiere interview. "We’ll watch each other’s videos, we’ll help each other choreograph, we’ll ask each other’s opinion, and we always come from a really honest, ‘let me help you’ place."

This collaborative approach is born from a deep mutual respect for their craft. Both dancers, veterans of the DWTS stage, understand the nuanced technical requirements of ballroom and Latin styles. By acting as a sounding board for one another, they are able to troubleshoot choreography, refine transitions, and provide constructive feedback that their respective partners might not receive elsewhere.

A Supportive Foundation: Beyond the Mirrorball

For the 37-year-old Slater, this season marks a new chapter in her professional and personal life. Having navigated the public dissolution of her marriage to fellow pro Sasha Farber—which concluded in 2024—Slater has been vocal about the importance of finding a partner who truly understands the idiosyncrasies of the DWTS machine.

"You have a support system," she explained. "You have a team member who knows how to go through this, ’cause this is a crazy world. So it’s very helpful."

The stress of the ballroom is well-documented; between the long hours, the constant pressure to perform, and the looming threat of elimination, contestants and pros alike often report high levels of anxiety. Having a partner like Bersten, who has spent years in the professional circuit, allows for a decompression that is grounded in empathy. It is a shared language of stress, exhaustion, and triumph that brings the couple closer together.

Chronology of a Romance: From Friends to Ballroom Partners

The relationship between Slater and Bersten did not bloom overnight. It was a gradual transition from professional friendship to a deeper, more intimate bond. The couple officially debuted their romance to the public in 2025, during the Dancing With the Stars live tour. A spontaneous, high-energy kiss on stage ignited fan speculation, which the pair soon confirmed to be the real deal.

Reflecting on their journey, Bersten, 32, admitted in a June interview that the transition felt natural and inevitable. "It’s one of those things where you just look and you’re like, ‘Why haven’t we?’" he said. "And then it’s just been so special."

Slater, who jokingly credits her signature "cha-cha moves" for catching Bersten’s eye, echoed the sentiment. The pair emphasized that their foundation of friendship has been the anchor for their romantic success. "We’ve always been really good friends, and now we have a great relationship. It feels really good," she noted.

Balancing Life in the Spotlight

Maintaining a relationship while both individuals are at the peak of a high-pressure career is no small feat. Bersten acknowledges that it requires intentional effort. The couple has learned to find "pockets of peace" amidst the chaos of travel, rehearsals, and live broadcasts.

"We get to travel a lot," Bersten shared. "And we try to enjoy the cities and the moments, the dinners and just our little dog Jeff as much as we can. And that’s what really grounds me."

This philosophy of intentionality is shared by Slater, who believes that finding joy in the small, mundane moments is the secret to enduring the high-stress environment of the show. "If you find enjoyment in that and you’re able to support each other whilst doing seemingly stressful things, it’s not so stressful," she said.

A Diverse Field: The Contenders of Season 35

The current season of Dancing With the Stars is perhaps one of the most eclectic in recent history, featuring a mix of reality stars, athletes, and screen icons. As Slater and Bersten guide their partners through the competition, they are part of a larger, highly competitive ecosystem.

The Roster of Talent

• Jackson Olson & Emma Slater: The baseball sensation is looking to transfer his athletic coordination from the diamond to the dance floor.
• Giada De Laurentiis & Alan Bersten: The culinary star is bringing her characteristic precision to the ballroom, with Bersten tasked with molding her rhythm.
• Julia Stiles & Ezra Sosa: The 10 Things I Hate About You icon is a frontrunner, bringing a classic Hollywood flair to the competition.
• Harry Shum Jr. & Jenna Johnson: With his background in professional dance and Glee, Shum Jr. represents a significant threat to the leaderboard.
• Taylor Hanson & Britt Stewart: The musician is hoping to capture the audience’s nostalgia to fuel his climb to the top.
• Tatyana Ali & Jan Ravnik: Bringing the charisma of the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air era, Ali is focused on bringing "fresh" moves to the stage.
• Jenna Dewan & Val Chmerkovskiy: A powerhouse duo that reunites the Step Up star with a veteran champion.
• Amber Glenn & Pasha Pashkov: The Olympic figure skater is expected to bring elite-level grace and poise to the ballroom.
• Ezra Frech & Daniella Karagach: A story of perseverance and athleticism, with the Paralympic star looking to defy expectations.
• Sarah Jane Nader & Hailey Bills: Following in her sister’s footsteps, Nader is bringing a fresh energy to the show.
• Connor Wood & Rylee Arnold: The social media personality is looking to turn his online influence into live-audience adoration.
• Conner Leavitt & Adele Zaikman: The reality star is continuing a family tradition on the show.
• Tyler Cameron & Sharna Burgess: The Bachelor Nation star is trading the reality dating scene for the technical rigor of the ballroom.
• Guillermo Rodriguez & Witney Carson: The late-night TV favorite is the wild card of the season, focused on learning the craft.
• Ciara Miller & Brandon Armstrong: The Summer House star has been candid about her journey to build the necessary physical stamina for the show.
• Maura Higgins & Mark Ballas: The Love Island UK alum is fulfilling a long-held dream, having famously included the show on her annual vision board.

Implications for the Season Ahead

As the competition progresses, the dynamic between Slater and Bersten will be tested. Will their supportive, collaborative nature hold up if they find themselves in the bottom two against one another? Or will their shared history only make the inevitable eliminations more difficult?

The "stingy" scores reported from the premiere episode suggest that the judges are looking for technical perfection early on. For pros like Slater and Bersten, this means the pressure to deliver flawless choreography is higher than ever. Their ability to remain objective and supportive while each is fighting for their partner’s survival will be a key storyline for the remainder of the season.

Ultimately, Dancing With the Stars is a show about evolution—not just for the celebrities learning to move, but for the professionals who must adapt their teaching styles and personal lives to the rhythm of the competition. For Emma Slater and Alan Bersten, this season is more than just a job; it is a testament to how love and professional integrity can coexist even under the brightest stage lights.

As they continue to navigate the complexities of Season 35, fans can expect to see them leaning on each other, sharing the weight of the competition, and, perhaps, finding a few moments of joy with their dog Jeff between the dress rehearsals and the final curtain calls.