The glittering ballroom of Dancing With the Stars has officially opened its doors for its milestone 35th season, bringing high-stakes competition, unexpected pairings, and behind-the-scenes romance to millions of viewers. Among the most talked-about dynamics of the new season is the unique intersection of professional competition and personal partnership shared by veteran pro Emma Slater and fellow professional dancer Alan Bersten. As the competition heats up following a tightly contested premiere episode on September 15, Slater and Bersten are navigating the rare and complex challenge of competing against one another while maintaining a deeply supportive relationship that has captivated the show’s devoted fanbase.
The 35th season of the long-running reality competition series launched with a star-studded roster, featuring celebrities ranging from culinary icons and Olympic athletes to reality television staples and internet personalities. Slater is currently partnered with Savannah Bananas baseball sensation Jackson Olson, while Bersten is taking on the ballroom alongside acclaimed celebrity chef Giada De Laurentiis. Despite finding themselves on opposite sides of the judges’ table and competing for the coveted Mirrorball Trophy, the couple—who have been together for over a year—maintains that their relationship is an asset rather than a hindrance to their respective campaigns.
A Behind-the-Scenes Partnership Built on Mutual Support
Speaking exclusively to E! News following the live season premiere, Slater shed light on how she and Bersten manage the inherent pressures of the grueling competition schedule. Rather than viewing each other as adversaries, the pair utilize their shared expertise to elevate their respective choreography and ease the immense psychological toll of the show.
It is actually really helpful, Slater explained during her post-show interview. We will watch each other videos, we will help each other choreograph, we will ask each other opinion, and we always come from a really honest, let me help you place.
For Slater, a 37-year-old veteran of the franchise whose high-profile marriage and subsequent amicable divorce from fellow DWTS pro Sasha Farber concluded in 2024, having a partner who intimately understands the singular demands of the ballroom is invaluable. The chaotic schedule, physical exhaustion, and intense public scrutiny create an environment unlike any other in television.
You have a support, Slater elaborated. You have a team member who knows how to go through this, cause this is a crazy world. So it is very helpful.
Bersten, 32, echoed these sentiments, noting that their romance evolved naturally from a foundation of deep professional respect and friendship. The couple first publicly confirmed their relationship when they shared a spontaneous kiss onstage during the Dancing With the Stars live tour in early 2025. Reflecting on the evolution of their connection during a joint interview earlier in the year, Bersten admitted that transitioning from close friends to romantic partners felt inevitable.
It is one of those things where you just look and you are like, ‘Why haven’t we?’, he shared. And then it has just been so special.
Slater lightheartedly attributed the spark to her signature Latin styling, joking that it was her cha-cha moves that ultimately caught his eye.
Balancing High-Stakes Careers With Domestic Life
Maintaining a high-visibility romance while dedicating upwards of ten hours a day to dance rehearsals requires meticulous time management. Bersten acknowledged that while balancing their hectic schedules demands extra effort, the couple actively carves out intentional moments to ground themselves outside of the studio.
We get to travel a lot, Bersten shared regarding their routine. 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 is what really grounds me.
Slater emphasized that finding joy in the small moments transforms potentially stressful endeavors into manageable, even enjoyable, experiences. If you find enjoyment in that and you are able to support each other whilst doing seemingly stressful things, it is not so stressful, she noted.
Season 35 Cast and the Road Ahead
The premiere of Season 35 has introduced one of the most diverse and competitive lineups in the history of the franchise. The roster features a wide array of talent from sports, entertainment, and digital media, setting the stage for a fiercely contested race to the finale. Among the pairings drawing early attention are:
- Julia Stiles and Ezra Sosa: The acclaimed star of 10 Things I Hate About You brings theatrical grace to the ballroom, paired with fan-favorite pro Ezra Sosa.
- Giada De Laurentiis and Alan Bersten: The renowned celebrity chef is turning up the heat in the kitchen and the ballroom under Bersten’s expert guidance.
- Harry Shum Jr. and Jenna Johnson: Known for his exceptional musicality in Glee, Shum brings professional-level dance abilities directly to the competition.
- Taylor Hanson and Britt Stewart: The iconic ’90s musician is aiming to translate his stage presence into high-scoring routines.
- Tatyana Ali and Jan Ravnik: The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air alumna is bringing fresh, dynamic energy to the competition floor.
- Jenna Dewan and Val Chmerkovskiy: Twenty years after her breakout role in the dance film Step Up, Dewan is returning to her roots to face the ultimate ballroom challenge.
- Amber Glenn and Pasha Pashkov: Fresh off her historic accomplishments as a 2026 Olympic figure skater, Glenn is transitioning her ice skills to hardwood floors.
- Ezra Frech and Daniella Karagach: The Team USA Paralympic track and field athlete is showcasing extraordinary athleticism and determination.
- Sarah Jane Nader and Hailey Bills: Continuing her family’s legacy following sister Brooks Nader’s Season 33 run, Nader is making her own mark on the series.
- Connor Wood and Rylee Arnold: The comedian, widely recognized online as Fibula, is leveraging his charismatic presence to win over the audience.
- Conner Leavitt and Adele Zaikman: Following in the footsteps of his wife Whitney Leavitt, the Secret Lives of Mormon Wives star is diving headfirst into the ballroom experience.
- Tyler Cameron and Sharna Burgess: The prominent Bachelor Nation personality is trading roses for rumbas in pursuit of the trophy.
- Jackson Olson and Emma Slater: The charismatic Savannah Bananas baseball player is stepping up to the plate with Slater, aiming to bring diamond-level energy to the dance floor.
- Guillermo Rodriguez and Witney Carson: The beloved Jimmy Kimmel Live! fixture is entertaining viewers with his signature humor and newfound dance skills.
- Ciara Miller and Brandon Armstrong: The Summer House star has been open about the grueling physical demands of the show, noting the intense stamina required to endure ballroom training.
- Maura Higgins and Mark Ballas: The Love Island UK alum manifested her spot on the show through meticulous vision-board planning, dedicating extensive space to her ultimate goal of competing.
Broader Implications and Audience Reception
As the judges hand down scores that competitors have already begun labeling as notably stringent during the opening weeks, the psychological resilience of the cast will be tested as never before. In a competition where fractions of a point can mean the difference between elimination and advancement, the emotional anchor provided by supportive partners—both professional and romantic—often dictates who survives the mid-season attrition.
For Slater and Bersten, their ability to compartmentalize the pressures of judging while remaining collaborative partners highlights a mature approach to reality television competition. As Season 35 progresses, audiences will be watching closely to see whether this behind-the-scenes synergy translates into high leaderboard placements for Jackson Olson and Giada De Laurentiis, or if the internal rivalry will introduce new twists to an already unpredictable season.
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