Emma Slater has been a professional dancer on “Dancing With the Stars” for over a decade, making her first appearance on the ballroom floor on season 17 in 2013.
Slater won a coveted mirrorball trophy during season 24, and she has continued to be loved by viewers, especially last season, when she partnered with comedian Andy Richter. The two stole hearts as the pair continued to advance, despite Richter not being the greatest dancer.
Recently, Slater faced rumors that she might leave the show due to her age. Now 37, she’s proving that nothing can hold her back, unless the producers decide otherwise.
Emma Slater Denies Rumors She’s Leaving DWTS Because She’s the ‘Old Girl’
DisneyEmma Slater is shutting down “Dancing With the Stars” exit rumors. Appearing on SiriusXM’s “The Three Questions with Andy Richter” (her season 33 celebrity partner), Slater shared that she would love to compete on the show “as long as I can go for,” adding, “I have had the most incredible career.”
Slater brought up her future on the show when someone “came up” to her to ask if she was going to retire given her history on DWTS that spans over a decade.
“I could see how a rumor like that would be starting, because they’re looking at me like she’s the old girl,” she told Richter.
She then explained that she would love to leave the show when it feels right for her. “I would like it to be on my decision, I think. But I’ve decided that I’m going to expect to be there, and if and when they say I’m not invited anymore, I’ll conquer that when it happens. You put limitations on yourself saying, ‘Well, how many years do I have?’ I’m just gonna keep going,” she added.
Slater first joined the series in season 17, partnering with Bill Engvall. She would eventually win her first mirrorball trophy during season 24, when she was partnered with Rashad Jennings. Last season, she was partnered with Richter, and the pair placed 7th.
Slater Opens up About Continuing Her DWTS Journey Beyond the Dancefloor
GettyEven if Slater decides that she no longer wants to compete on “Dancing With the Stars,” she still wants to be involved in the beloved series in some way.
Speaking to Richter on his podcast, the professional dancer doesn’t want to become a dancer-turned-judge like Derek Hough, or a host like Julianne Hough, but sees herself working behind the scenes.
Sharing that she hopes to “stick around” after she makes her exit, Slater believes she could work as a producer.
“The brand is doing so well, and I like to produce. So maybe I’ll be — like, make me a producer or something,” she said.
Slater is Dating DWTS Pro Alan Bersten
GettyHopefully, fans will get to see both Slater and Alan Bersten back on the ballroom floor for season 35 of “Dancing With the Stars.” Rumors that the pro dancers were a couple finally came to light on the final night of the “DWTS: Live! 2025 Tour,” when the pair danced together and sealed their performance with a kiss in April 2025.
At the time, Bersten told E! News, “We’re just enjoying life together. No pressure there, but we’re just enjoying it.”
On Instagram, fans can see the duo still going strong, having gone on vacations together where they’ve met each other’s families, and currently working side-by-side on the “DWTS: Live! 2026 Tour.”
In a January post, Slater shared photos of their performances during the tour and sweetly captioned it, “Hello baby @alanbersten ❤️🫶🏻 feels amazing to be dancing with you.”
Fans are still waiting for the official reveal of the pros and contestants for the upcoming season 35.
