DWTS’ Alan Bersten Reveals the Moment He Realized He and Emma Slater Could Be More Than Friends
Alan Bersten is opening up about the moment he realized his friendship with Dancing With the Stars partner Emma Slater could turn into something more. Speaking at the 33rd Annual Race to Erase MS Gala on June 5, Bersten said the shift felt natural, as if the answer had been obvious all along. He described the realization as one of those rare moments when two people look at each other and wonder why they had not taken the next step sooner.
Bersten said the transition from friends to partners has been especially meaningful. He shared that the connection they built over time made the relationship feel genuine and comfortable, adding that it has been “so special.” Slater responded with humor, joking that it may have been her dance skills, specifically her “cha cha moves,” that first caught his attention. Her comment underscored the playful dynamic the two share while reflecting how their bond has deepened beyond the dance floor.
Slater also spoke warmly about their relationship, explaining that they have always been close and that their current romance feels like a natural extension of that friendship. According to her, the relationship feels good because it is grounded in trust and familiarity. The pair’s comments suggest that their connection developed gradually, built on years of working together and spending time as friends before taking things to a romantic level.
The couple recently finished the Dancing With the Stars tour, but their packed schedules have not left much room for long breaks. Even so, Bersten said they make a point of finding small, meaningful moments together whenever possible. He noted that traveling for work gives them opportunities to explore different cities, enjoy dinners together, and spend time with their dog, Jeff. Those shared experiences, he said, help keep him grounded amid the demands of their busy lives.
Bersten’s remarks offer a glimpse into how the two balance life in the spotlight with a relationship that appears both playful and steady. Their story reflects a familiar theme in entertainment: professional partnerships evolving into something personal after time spent building mutual respect and chemistry. In their case, that chemistry has become part of a larger story of friendship, timing and shared experiences.
As they continue moving between appearances, performances and travel, Bersten and Slater seem focused on making room for each other in the middle of demanding careers. Their relationship appears to be growing not through grand gestures, but through consistency, companionship and the everyday moments they create together.
