Alan Bersten Bio: Age, Career, DWTS, Partner & More
Alan Bersten is an American professional dancer, choreographer, and television personality. He became widely known through competitive ballroom dancing and television.
He gained major recognition after joining Dancing with the Stars (DWTS) as a professional dancer. Since then, Alan has become one of the show’s most recognizable professionals.
His journey began long before his television success. He started dancing as a child and developed strong skills in Latin and ballroom styles.
Today, fans know Alan for his energetic performances, creative choreography, and competitive spirit. His career also includes television appearances, tours, and dance mentoring.
In 2026, Alan returned for another season of Dancing with the Stars. He is partnered with celebrity chef Giada De Laurentiis for Season 35.
Alan Bersten Quick Facts
- Full name: Alan Vlad Bersten
- Date of birth: May 26, 1994
- Age: 32 years old in 2026
- Birthplace: Minnetonka, Minnesota, United States
- Profession: Professional dancer and choreographer
- Dance styles: Latin and ballroom
- Known for: Dancing with the Stars
- DWTS debut: Season 20 troupe
- First professional season: Season 25
- DWTS championship: Season 28
- 2026 partner: Giada De Laurentiis
- Height: Approximately 6 feet
- Years active: 2013–present
Early Life and Family
Alan Bersten was born on May 26, 1994, in Minnetonka, Minnesota. He grew up in a family that supported his interest in dance.
Alan started dancing when he was seven years old. His older brother helped introduce him to the sport.
His family encouraged him to continue training as his passion developed. Therefore, dance quickly became an important part of his childhood.
Alan trained extensively in ballroom and Latin dancing. He spent many hours practicing instead of following a typical childhood routine.
That dedication eventually shaped his professional ambitions. He realized that competitive dancing could become more than a childhood hobby.
Alan attended Hopkins High School and graduated in 2012. He later attended the University of Minnesota, according to biographical sources.
Alan Bersten’s Dance Career
Alan began building his professional career through competitive dancing and television opportunities. His first major television breakthrough came through So You Think You Can Dance.
He competed during Season 10 in 2013. The experience introduced him to a much larger American television audience.
Although he did not win the competition, the show helped establish his reputation. More importantly, it opened doors for future television opportunities.
Alan continued developing his choreography and performance skills. He eventually became part of the Dancing with the Stars family.
His journey demonstrates how competitive experience can lead to broader opportunities. He combined technical training with strong performance skills.
Alan Bersten on Dancing with the Stars
Alan joined Dancing with the Stars as a troupe member during Season 20. He later earned promotion to professional dancer.
He officially became a DWTS professional during Season 25 in 2017. His first celebrity partner was singer and actress Debbie Gibson.
Alan quickly established himself as a serious competitor. He consistently brought athletic movement and energetic choreography to the ballroom.
His biggest breakthrough came during Season 28. He partnered with The Bachelorette star Hannah Brown.
The pair reached the finale and won the Mirrorball Trophy in 2019. That victory became one of the defining achievements of Alan’s career.
Winning the championship elevated his profile across entertainment and dance circles. It also established him as a leading DWTS professional.
Alan Bersten’s DWTS Partners and Results
Alan has worked with several celebrities throughout his DWTS career. Each partnership has presented different challenges and opportunities.
During Season 25, he danced with Debbie Gibson. The pair finished in 12th place.
He then partnered with figure skater Mirai Nagasu during Season 26. They reached fourth place.
During Season 27, Alan danced with model Alexis Ren. They also finished fourth overall.
His biggest success arrived with Hannah Brown in Season 28. The pair captured the Mirrorball Trophy.
Alan later partnered with Skai Jackson during Season 29. They finished fifth.
During Season 30, he danced with television personality Amanda Kloots. The pair reached the finale and finished fourth.
Alan partnered with singer Jessie James Decker during Season 31. They finished tenth.
During Season 32, Alan danced with actress and singer Jamie Lynn Spears. They finished 13th.
His Season 33 partnership with Olympic rugby player Ilona Maher became another major highlight. The pair reached the finale and finished second.
During Season 34, Alan partnered with actress Elaine Hendrix. They reached the finale and finished fifth.
These results show Alan’s consistency across different seasons. They also demonstrate his ability to adapt to different celebrity personalities and skill levels.
Alan Bersten and Ilona Maher
Alan’s partnership with Ilona Maher became especially popular among DWTS viewers.
Maher brought an athletic background and a strong personality to the ballroom. Alan helped her translate those qualities into dance performances.
The pair reached the Season 33 finale in November 2024. They ultimately finished second place.
Their freestyle became one of their most memorable performances. The judges rewarded their finale routine with a perfect score.
Their partnership also attracted attention because of Maher’s message about confidence and self-expression. Alan helped create routines that matched her personality.
The experience strengthened Alan’s reputation as a supportive professional partner.
Alan Bersten in Dancing with the Stars Season 35
Alan returned to the ballroom for Dancing with the Stars Season 35 in 2026.
This time, he is partnered with celebrity chef and television personality Giada De Laurentiis.
ABC officially lists Bersten and De Laurentiis among the Season 35 cast. The new season premieres on September 15, 2026.
The partnership brings together two entertainers from very different worlds. Alan specializes in ballroom dancing, while Giada built her career around food and television.
Their early rehearsals have already generated attention. Giada described the initial days as physically and emotionally challenging.
However, Alan has praised her dedication and progress during training. The pair have also connected through their shared entertainment careers.
Giada has even helped Alan learn how to make bagels. Their friendship adds another interesting element to their DWTS journey.
Alan Bersten’s Dance Style
Alan specializes in Latin and ballroom dancing. His performances often combine technical precision with dramatic presentation.
He also emphasizes choreography that reflects his celebrity partner’s personality. This approach allows each routine to feel different.
His athletic background helps him execute demanding choreography. Meanwhile, his television experience helps him understand performance and storytelling.
Alan also brings humor and energy to many performances. Those qualities have helped him connect with audiences beyond traditional dance fans.
Alan Bersten as a Choreographer
Alan has expanded his career beyond performing. He has also worked as a choreographer for television projects.
His choreography experience allows him to create routines for different performers. He understands how to combine movement, music, storytelling, and visual presentation.
His television credits include work connected with dance and entertainment. He also appeared in projects such as Dancing with the Stars: Juniors.
Therefore, Alan’s career extends beyond competing for Mirrorball Trophies. He continues to develop himself as a creative professional.
Alan Bersten’s Personality and Work Ethic
Alan’s success comes from years of discipline and consistent training. Professional ballroom dancing demands physical strength, flexibility, timing, and endurance.
He also needs strong communication skills when working with celebrity partners. Each partner enters the competition with different abilities and expectations.
Alan has shown that he can adapt to those differences. His long DWTS career reflects that flexibility.
Moreover, his competitive experience helps him handle pressure. Live television requires dancers to perform despite nerves, injuries, and demanding schedules.
Alan Bersten’s Personal Life
Alan’s personal life has attracted attention because of his relationships with people connected to entertainment.
He previously received significant attention for his relationship with model Alexis Ren. The pair met while competing on Dancing with the Stars.
In 2025, reports also linked Alan romantically with fellow DWTS professional Emma Slater. Their relationship attracted considerable attention from fans and entertainment media.
However, Alan generally keeps much of his private life away from the spotlight. His professional achievements remain the central focus of his public career.
Alan Bersten’s Achievements
Alan has built an impressive record since entering television dance competitions.
His most important achievement remains winning the Season 28 Mirrorball Trophy with Hannah Brown.
He has also reached multiple DWTS finales with different celebrity partners. His second-place finish with Ilona Maher further strengthened his competitive record.
His career also includes choreography, television appearances, touring, and mentoring.
These accomplishments show his growth from a young Minnesota dancer into a national television personality.
What Is Alan Bersten Doing Now?
In 2026, Alan remains active as a professional dancer on Dancing with the Stars.
His current focus centers on Season 35 and his partnership with Giada De Laurentiis.
The season features 16 celebrity contestants competing for the Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy. The cast includes actors, athletes, musicians, reality stars, and television personalities.
Alan’s experience could prove valuable during the competition. He has already worked with celebrities from many different professional backgrounds.
Therefore, fans will watch closely to see how his partnership with Giada develops.
Frequently Asked Questions About Alan Bersten
How old is Alan Bersten?
Alan Bersten is 32 years old in 2026. He was born on May 26, 1994, in Minnetonka, Minnesota.
Where is Alan Bersten from?
Alan Bersten comes from Minnetonka, Minnesota, United States. He grew up there and started dancing at seven.
When did Alan Bersten join Dancing with the Stars?
Alan first appeared as a troupe member during Season 20. He became a professional dancer during Season 25 in 2017.
Who is Alan Bersten partnered with in 2026?
Alan Bersten is partnered with Giada De Laurentiis for DWTS Season 35.
Did Alan Bersten win Dancing with the Stars?
Yes. Alan won Season 28 with Hannah Brown in 2019.
Who was Alan Bersten’s partner in 2024?
Alan partnered with Olympic rugby player Ilona Maher during Season 33. They finished second in the finale.
What dance styles does Alan Bersten specialize in?
Alan specializes mainly in Latin and ballroom dancing. His performances also incorporate different choreography styles.
Is Alan Bersten a choreographer?
Yes. Alan works as both a professional dancer and choreographer. His television career includes choreography-related credits.
Alan Bersten’s Legacy in Ballroom Dancing
Alan Bersten has built his career through dedication, competition, and television exposure. His journey began with childhood dance training in Minnesota.
He then competed on So You Think You Can Dance before joining Dancing with the Stars.
His 2019 Mirrorball victory with Hannah Brown remains his biggest competitive achievement. However, his later partnerships have continued to strengthen his reputation.
His second-place finish with Ilona Maher showed his ability to create memorable performances. His 2026 partnership with Giada De Laurentiis offers another opportunity.
Ultimately, Alan represents a new generation of television ballroom professionals. He combines technical ability, entertainment skills, choreography, and strong partnership qualities.
As Dancing with the Stars Season 35 begins, viewers will once again see his talent tested. His experience could make him one of the professionals to watch throughout the competition.
