Alan Bersten

Alan Bersten is an American professional Latin and ballroom dancer, choreographer, and television personality best known for his tenure on Dancing with the Stars. Born in Minnetonka, Minnesota, he turned a childhood passion for movement into a career that spans reality competition, stage performance, and high-profile television production. His technical precision and ability to craft narrative-driven routines have made him one of the most recognizable faces on the show.

Bersten reached the peak of his competitive career in 2019 when he won the Mirror Ball Trophy during Season 28 alongside Hannah Brown. This victory followed his earlier success as the inaugural champion of Dancing with the Stars: Juniors in 2018 with Maddie Ziegler. Beyond his time on the dance floor, he has established himself as a sought-after choreographer for film and television projects while maintaining a strong presence on social media where he shares behind-the-scenes glimpses of his life and work. [edit]

Alan Bersten was born on May 26, 1994, in Minnetonka, a suburb of Minneapolis, Minnesota. Growing up in the Midwest provided a supportive environment where he could develop the discipline required for professional dance. Unlike many peers who attended prestigious conservatories immediately, Bersten forged his path through local studios and intense competition. He began dancing at a young age, exploring various styles before specializing in ballroom and Latin dance. His early years were marked by a deep immersion in movement, often citing his family as a grounding force throughout his development.

Before his national breakthrough, Bersten attended the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities but left shortly after to pursue dancing full-time. His first major step onto a national stage came in 2013 when he was selected as a contestant for the tenth season of So You Think You Can Dance. He advanced to the Top 20, showcasing versatility across jazz, contemporary, and hip-hop genres. This appearance caught the attention of casting directors and set the trajectory for his future career as a professional performer. [edit]

Bersten’s rise to prominence accelerated after his stint on So You Think You Can Dance. He joined the roster of Dancing with the Stars professionals in 2016, quickly establishing himself as a reliable partner for celebrities. His early seasons included notable runs with Olympic figure skater Meryl Davis and The Bachelor star Kaitlyn Bristowe, whose 2017 partnership earned critical acclaim for their energetic Jive routine.

The year 2018 marked a significant milestone when he served as a lead professional on Dancing with the Stars: Juniors. He won the inaugural season with child star Maddie Ziegler, proving his mentorship skills extended beyond adult competitors. The following year, he achieved the pinnacle of the franchise by winning the Mirror Ball Trophy in Season 28 with Hannah Brown. Their journey from nervous beginners to champions involved viral moments like their Salsa and Tango performances, which showcased both technical skill and chemistry.

From 2020 through 2026, Bersten remained a core member of the cast, partnering with stars such as Adam Rippon, Drew Carey, and Julianne Hough. He became known for creating complex, narrative-driven routines that elevated partners with varying skill levels. In 2026, he continued to choreograph and perform on Season 35 while participating in the annual summer tour, which included stops in Reno and Palm Springs. [edit]

Bersten is portrayed as the cool, collected professional, often described as witty, charming, and technically flawless. His aesthetic is modern and polished, fitting the high-production value of Dancing with the Stars. On social media, he maintains a relatable voice, sharing both the highs of performance and the lows of injury or stress. Fans appreciate his transparency regarding the physical demands of touring and his dedication to the craft. His reputation extends beyond dancing; he is seen as a collaborative team player who lifts up his celebrity partners and fellow professionals alike. [edit]

iFANN has not yet collected fame data for this person. While Alan Bersten is widely recognized within the Dancing with the Stars community, no formal global ranking exists in the current database. His fanbase is highly organized, primarily rallying under unofficial tags like #TeamBersten on social media platforms. Fans are known for creating trending hashtags, organizing streaming parties for his performances, and launching campaigns to pair him with specific celebrities. The community often refers to themselves as "Berstenites" in online forums, though this name lacks official designation from the production team. Bersten engages directly with this audience via Instagram Stories and TikTok Q&As, often answering dance technique questions and sharing behind-the-scenes content that deepens the connection between the pro and his supporters. [edit]

Despite living in Los Angeles for his career, Bersten maintains strong ties to his hometown of Minnetonka, often visiting for holidays and participating in local events. Before focusing solely on dance, he had a multi-sport background that included soccer and basketball during his youth. His choreography style is distinct for incorporating theatrical storytelling, often using props and costumes to enhance the narrative of each routine. He is part of a tight-knit group of Dancing with the Stars professionals, including Emma Slater and Val Chmerkovskiy, who frequently collaborate off-camera. A viral moment occurred in late 2025 when a kiss-cam captured a candid interaction between Bersten and host Andy Richter, which became a popular meme among fans. [edit]

Alan Bersten was raised in Minnetonka, Minnesota, by parents who supported his early interest in dance. While specific details about his siblings remain private, he often credits his family as a grounding force throughout his career. He currently lives in Los Angeles with his wife, Emma Slater. The couple has built a home together since solidifying their relationship in 2026, though they keep their personal life relatively low-key compared to their public personas. Bersten remains close to his roots, frequently returning to Minnesota for visits and community events. [edit]

Emma Slater, Hannah Brown, Maddie Ziegler, Val Chmerkovskiy, Andy Richter. [edit]

Alan Bersten's romantic history is defined by his long-standing friendship and eventual romance with fellow Dancing with the Stars professional Emma Slater. For over a decade, the two worked side-by-side as colleagues and close friends before their relationship became public knowledge. In mid-2026, they openly discussed transitioning from friends to a real-life couple. By September 2026, reports indicated they had solidified their commitment and moved in together. Their bond was hinted at publicly in December 2025 when host Andy Richter shared a kiss-cam moment with Bersten while Slater looked on. Later that year, Bersten made an NSFW confession about Slater during an interview, confirming their intimate relationship. As of 2026, they are considered one of the most popular couples within the DWTS community and have no reported children. [edit]

iFANN currently estimates Alan Bersten's net worth at approximately $1.8 million as of 2026. This figure reflects his earnings from over a decade on Dancing with the Stars, where he commands a salary estimated between $10,000 and $15,000 per episode, plus bonuses for wins. His income streams are diversified through the annual DWTS Live Tour, where he performs in cities across the country, and fees for choreographing films and other television productions. Bersten also generates revenue through social media endorsements and merchandise sales. His financial growth has been steady, driven by his consistent presence on the show and his expanding role as a choreographer for special events and segments. [edit]

Alan Bersten has secured multiple victories across the Dancing with the Stars franchise. He won the inaugural season of Dancing with the Stars: Juniors in 2018 with Maddie Ziegler and claimed the main Mirror Ball Trophy in 2019 with Hannah Brown. Additionally, he has been part of the ensemble cast that received recognition for Favorite Reality Competition Star awards. [edit]