The dance floor just got hotter! Alan Bersten, a beloved professional dancer on Dancing With the Stars (DWTS), has set tongues wagging with a jaw-dropping moment during the 2025 DWTS Live Tour. On April 19, 2025, Bersten and fellow pro Emma Slater confirmed their long-rumored romance with a passionate onstage kiss, sending fans into a frenzy. The crowd erupted as Bersten, holding Slater in his arms during a routine, leaned in for the smooch, officially hard-launching their relationship. This sizzling development caps months of speculation, with fans spotting chemistry between the pair since late 2023. But there’s more to Bersten than romance—his recent tour performances and podcast appearances prove he’s a force to be reckoned with. Let’s dive into why Alan Bersten is the name on everyone’s lips.
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Alan Bersten and Emma Slater: A Romance Ignites
The DWTS tour’s final show was a game-changer. After a year of whispers, Bersten and Slater sealed their status as a couple with that unforgettable kiss. Fans had been piecing together clues—hand-holding in London, cozy TikToks, and a December 2023 tour photo where Slater’s hand rested affectionately on Bersten’s chest. An October 2024 report even claimed they’d been “hooking up” for a while. Their onstage moment wasn’t just a performance; it was a declaration. Social media exploded, with fans posting, “Emma and Alan kissed on stage! Their stans are living for this!” The romance adds a new layer to Bersten’s journey, especially since Slater was previously married to DWTS pro Sasha Farber, who’s now dating The Bachelor star Jenn Tran.
Alan Bersten’s Tour Highlights: Dancing with Ilona Maher
Beyond the romance, Alan Bersten has been dazzling audiences on the DWTS Live Tour. Paired with Season 33 runner-up Ilona Maher, he’s brought electrifying energy to the stage. Their chemistry, described as “sibling-like” by fans, shone through in performances that earned standing ovations. Maher, an Olympic rugby star, joined the tour as a guest, and Bersten couldn’t hide his excitement. In a sneak peek for Maher’s podcast, House of Maher, he gushed about their partnership, saying, “Ilona brought such joy to every routine.” Their tour dances, including a crowd-pleasing jive to “Shake a Tail Feather,” showcased Bersten’s knack for highlighting his partner’s strengths. Fans are already begging for more, with some pitching them for The Amazing Race.
Key Tour Moments for Alan Bersten and Ilona Maher:
- Jive Joy: Their “Shake a Tail Feather” routine was a tour highlight, blending humor and precision.
- Podcast Buzz: Bersten’s House of Maher appearance teased fun behind-the-scenes stories.
- Fan Love: Social media posts hailed their “underrated” Season 33 partnership.
A Disciplined Dancer: Bersten’s Lifestyle Shift
Off the dance floor, Bersten’s commitment to health has caught attention. During the tour, he and Slater adopted the carnivore diet, cooking with travel-sized electric pans in makeshift kitchens outside tour buses. Slater shared on Instagram, “Alan’s doing it too—it’s an adventure!” Bersten, who discovered the diet on TikTok, has followed it for nearly a year, crediting it for boosted energy. This discipline mirrors his approach to dance, where he’s known for pushing partners to shine. His former partner Amanda Kloots recently clarified podcast comments about Bersten being “mean,” saying, “We laughed, cried, and built an incredible partnership.” This grit and camaraderie define Bersten’s appeal.
From Season 33 to Future Stardom
Bersten’s Season 33 run with Maher was a standout. They earned three perfect tens and finished second, just behind Joey Graziadei and Jenna Johnson. Their freestyle to “Femininomenon” was a fan favorite, blending Maher’s strength with Bersten’s choreography flair. Posts on X buzzed with praise, with one fan writing, “Alan and Ilona were robbed of the Mirrorball!” Bersten’s ninth consecutive DWTS season proved his staying power. He’s also been linked to past partners like Alexis Ren, but his focus remains on dance and growth. With the tour wrapped, fans are curious: Will he return for Season 34 or explore new ventures like Maher’s rumored Bachelorette stint?
Why Alan Bersten Keeps Us Hooked
What makes Alan Bersten so captivating? It’s his ability to balance heart and hustle. The onstage kiss with Slater showed his romantic side, while his tour performances with Maher highlighted his professionalism. His diet journey reveals a man dedicated to self-improvement, and his fan interactions—liking posts and sharing rehearsal glimpses—keep him relatable. Bersten’s story isn’t just about dance; it’s about connection, resilience, and chasing dreams. As one fan tweeted, “Alan’s the full package—talent, charm, and that smile!” Whether he’s sparking romance rumors or stealing the show, Bersten’s star is only rising. Keep your eyes on him—there’s more to come.