Emma Slater, the beloved professional dancer from “Dancing with the Stars,” has captured hearts both on and off the dance floor with her romantic journey. After her highly publicized divorce from fellow DWTS pro Sasha Farber in 2023, fans have been eagerly following her love life developments. The British-born dancer has found love again with another colleague from the show, creating one of the most talked-about relationships in the DWTS community.
The 35-year-old professional dancer’s romantic life has been under constant scrutiny, especially given her workplace setting where personal and professional relationships often intertwine. Her journey from a married woman to a single professional new love has been both challenging and inspiring. Slater’s openness about her personal struggles, including her decision to prioritize her career and personal growth over starting a family immediately, has resonated with many fans who appreciate her authenticity.
What makes Slater’s current relationship particularly intriguing is how it developed organically within the tight-knit DWTS family. The show has a history of creating real connections between its professional dancers, and Slater’s latest romance follows this pattern. Her relationship timeline reveals a woman who has learned from past experiences and is now approaching love with a more mature perspective. The way she has handled the transition from her previous marriage to her current relationship demonstrates growth and emotional intelligence that fans admire.
Emma Slater’s Current Relationship with Alan Bersten
Emma Slater is currently dating Alan Bersten, her fellow “Dancing with the Stars” professional dancer. The couple confirmed their relationship in spectacular fashion during the DWTS Live! 2025 tour on April 19, 2025, when they shared a passionate kiss onstage in Chicago during their final performance. This moment, which fans dubbed “the greatest hard launch of all time,” came after months of speculation about their romantic connection.
The relationship between Slater and Bersten reportedly began developing in late 2024, with romance rumors first surfacing in October when fans spotted them appearing to hold hands in social media photos. An insider confirmed to US Weekly in February 2025 that the Dancing with the Stars pros were “hooking up” and that their romance was “not new, it’s ongoing.”
The Public Confirmation
Their onstage kiss during the tour’s final show was a carefully orchestrated moment that sent the audience into a frenzy. Performing to Donna Summer’s “Last Dance” while dressed in blue, the couple concluded their routine with Bersten holding Slater in his arms before setting her down and leaning in for the kiss. The moment was captured on video and quickly went viral on social media platforms, with their DWTS co-star Ezra Sosa commenting “FINALLY” on the footage.
Following the public confirmation, Bersten spoke candidly about their relationship status, telling E! News, “We’re just enjoying life together. No pressure there, but we’re just enjoying it.” He emphasized their commitment to maintaining professionalism in their work environment, stating, “We’re both professionals, so we’re going to keep it professional. I’m just excited for season 34.”
The End of Emma Slater’s Marriage to Sasha Farber
Before finding love with Bersten, Slater was married to fellow DWTS professional Sasha Farber. Their relationship was one of the show’s most celebrated love stories, beginning with their on-and-off dating from 2011 to 2014, followed by a reconciliation in 2015. Farber proposed to Slater during a live DWTS taping in October 2016 in a moment that became part of the show’s history, and they married in March 2018.
However, the couple separated in August 2022 after less than four years of marriage, with Slater filing for divorce in February 2023. The divorce was finalized in May 2024, officially ending their chapter together.
The Real Reason Behind Their Split
Slater has been remarkably open about the reasons for their divorce, revealing in a candid interview on “The Viall Files” podcast that their different timelines regarding having children were the primary factor. “It’s really the kid thing,” Slater explained. “I do want to have kids, I just don’t want to delay Sasha’s path in having kids because I know that he is ready for that.”
She elaborated that while she wants children someday, she wasn’t ready at the time and didn’t want to enter into parenthood without being completely sure. “It’s not something I take lightly, and I don’t want to enter into something that I’m not sure about because I would never do that,” she shared. Following their separation, Slater made the decision to freeze her eggs, taking control of her reproductive future.
Maintaining Professional Relationships Post-Divorce
Despite their personal split, Slater and Farber have maintained an exemplary professional relationship that serves as a model for workplace dynamics after divorce. Both continue to work together on “Dancing with the Stars” and have participated in the show’s live tours together.
Slater has consistently praised their ability to maintain their working relationship, telling media outlets, “It’s not a nightmare at all. We really are close friends. He’s somebody who’s in my life forever. It’s a true, genuine connection, and he’s the best person, just absolutely amazing.” She emphasized that “the love actually didn’t go” and described Farber as being “still like family.”
Their mature approach to co-working after divorce has been particularly impressive given the intimate nature of their profession, which requires physical closeness and emotional connection during performances. This professionalism has allowed both dancers to continue thriving in their careers while supporting each other’s personal growth.
Emma Slater’s Approach to New Love
Slater’s relationship with Bersten represents a new chapter in her romantic life, one that appears to be built on a foundation of friendship and professional respect. The couple’s decision to keep their relationship relatively private initially, followed by their public confirmation, suggests a thoughtful approach to balancing personal happiness with professional obligations.
Recent developments show the couple growing closer, with Bersten participating in the RBC Brooklyn Half marathon in mid-May 2025, where Slater was spotted cheering him on. They subsequently spent several days together in New York City, attending a Broadway show and enjoying romantic dinners. These public appearances indicate a relationship that is becoming more serious and integrated into their personal lives.
The timing of their relationship also speaks to Slater’s personal growth and readiness for new love. Having taken time to process her divorce and understand her own needs and desires, she appears to be approaching this relationship with greater self-awareness and emotional maturity.
