Alan Bersten Wiki, Bio, Networth, GF, Wife, Family & More

Brief Introduction of Alan Bersten

Alan Bersten is a highly acclaimed American professional Latin and ballroom dancer, choreographer, and television personality who has captured the hearts of audiences worldwide. He is most famously known for his role as a professional dancer on the ABC hit competition series, Dancing with the Stars. Bersten first gained significant public recognition as a contestant on season 10 of So You Think You Can Dance, where his dynamic performances and technical skills propelled him to the Top 6 for male dancers. His career reached a pinnacle in 2019 when he and his celebrity partner, Hannah Brown, won the coveted Mirrorball Trophy on season 28 of Dancing with the Stars. Renowned for his innovative choreography, infectious energy, and dedicated mentorship, Bersten has become a fan favorite and a prominent figure in the professional dance community.

Alan Bersten Overview

Early Life and Education of Alan Bersten

Alan Bersten was born on May 26, 1994, in Minnetonka, Minnesota, to Russian Jewish immigrant parents, Alex and Raisa Bersten. He is the youngest of three children, with an older brother, Gene, and a sister, Elena. Dance was an integral part of the Bersten family life from the very beginning. His parents, passionate about dance themselves, opened a dance studio and encouraged all their children to pursue the art form. Alan began his dance journey at the young age of seven, initially taught by his older brother, Gene, who is also a professional dancer and champion. Growing up in a household dedicated to dance, Alan was immersed in a disciplined and creative environment. He trained extensively and became proficient in a wide array of dance styles, including contemporary, jazz, hip-hop, Bollywood, and Broadway, in addition to his specialization in Latin and ballroom. This diverse training led him to numerous accolades during his youth, including winning the Youth Championship and Under 21 National Titles. For his formal education, Bersten attended Hopkins High School and later enrolled at the University of Minnesota.

Alan Bersten’s Career

Alan Bersten’s professional career launched into the national spotlight in 2013 when, at the age of 18, he competed on the tenth season of the Fox reality competition So You Think You Can Dance. He captivated both judges and audiences, finishing as a Top 6 male dancer. A particularly memorable performance was a blindfolded contemporary routine, a first for the show, which showcased his trust and artistry. Following the show, he joined his fellow contestants for the North American SYTYCD tour. His journey continued as he joined the world tour of the acclaimed live dance show Burn the Floor. Soon after, Bersten expanded his career into television acting with a recurring role on season six of Glee as a member of the rival show choir, Vocal Adrenaline.

In 2015, Bersten joined the cast of ABC’s Dancing with the Stars as a troupe member for season 20. He served in the troupe for several seasons, gaining valuable experience and occasionally stepping in for injured professional dancers. Notably, he danced with celebrity Paige VanZant in season 22 and Heather Morris for four weeks in season 24. His impressive performances and dedication earned him a promotion to the main professional cast for season 25 in 2017, where he was partnered with singer Debbie Gibson. Over the subsequent seasons, Bersten has been paired with a variety of celebrities, including Olympic figure skater Mirai Nagasu, model Alexis Ren, and Disney Channel star Skai Jackson, reaching the finals multiple times.

A significant milestone in Bersten’s career came during the inaugural season of Dancing with the Stars: Juniors in 2018. He served as a mentor to the winning duo, skateboarder Sky Brown and junior pro JT Church, showcasing his skills as a choreographer and coach. The crowning achievement of his career to date occurred in November 2019, when he and his partner, The Bachelorette star Hannah Brown, were crowned the champions of season 28, winning the coveted Mirrorball Trophy. He has consistently returned as a pro on the show, most recently finishing as the runner-up on season 33 with Olympic rugby player Ilona Maher.

Alan Bersten Personal Life & Family

Alan Bersten comes from a close-knit family with deep roots in the world of dance. His parents, Alex and Raisa, immigrated from Russia and fostered a love for dance in their children. His older brother, Gene Bersten, is a ballroom dance champion and studio owner who played a pivotal role in teaching Alan from a young age. His sister, Elena, is also a dancer. The siblings have a strong bond, and Alan has credited his brother for inspiring him to audition for So You Think You Can Dance. The family’s passion for dance extends to the next generation, with Alan often sharing videos of himself dancing with his young nieces, Isabella and Gabriella.

Regarding his romantic life, Alan Bersten’s relationships have often been a topic of public interest. He was previously linked to his season 27 partner, model Alexis Ren, in 2018, though their romance was brief. There were also rumors of connections with other partners, such as Paige VanZant. As of April 2025, Bersten is in a relationship with fellow Dancing with the Stars professional Emma Slater. The couple, who had been friends and colleagues for years, confirmed their romance after months of speculation. In 2018, Bersten faced a significant health scare when severe stomach pain led to a diagnosis of hyperparathyroidism caused by a tumor on one of his parathyroid glands. He underwent successful surgery to remove the gland and made a swift return to dancing. In his personal life, he is also a dog owner, having welcomed a puppy named Jeff in October 2024.

Awards and Achievements of Alan Bersten

• Winner of Dancing with the Stars Season 28 (with Hannah Brown)
• Winner of Dancing with the Stars: Juniors Season 1 (as mentor to Sky Brown and JT Church)
• Runner-up of Dancing with the Stars Season 33 (with Ilona Maher)
• Finalist on So You Think You Can Dance Season 10 (Top 6 Male)
• Winner of the Youth Championship and Under 21 National Titles in ballroom dance

Alan Bersten Net Worth and Income

Information about Alan Bersten’s exact net worth is not publicly disclosed, but as of 2025, it is estimated to be between $1 million and $3 million. His primary source of income is his role as a professional dancer and choreographer on the highly popular television series Dancing with the Stars. Professional dancers on the show reportedly earn a significant salary per season, which increases the longer they remain in the competition. Additional income is generated from his participation in the nationwide Dancing with the Stars: Live! tours, which are a major revenue stream. Bersten also earns money from other ventures, including teaching, choreography commissions, and brand partnerships on his social media platforms. He also co-founded a clothing line called FROWN with Joe Amabile, which donates a portion of its proceeds to the charity Smile Train.

Legacy and Influence

Alan Bersten has established himself as one of the most popular and recognizable professional dancers of his generation. His legacy is defined by his impressive competitive record, including his Mirrorball Trophy win, and his dynamic, athletic, and emotionally resonant choreography. He is known for his ability to connect with his celebrity partners and push them to achieve their full potential on the dance floor. As a mentor on Dancing with the Stars: Juniors, he demonstrated a passion for nurturing young talent, further solidifying his influence in the dance community. Bersten’s journey from a young competitor to a celebrated champion on a major network show serves as an inspiration for aspiring dancers. He has also used his platform to raise health awareness, openly discussing his surgery for hyperparathyroidism to encourage others to be proactive about their health. His public image is that of a dedicated, passionate, and personable artist who continues to contribute to the popularity of ballroom dance in mainstream culture.

Interesting Facts about Alan Bersten

• He started dancing at age seven and was taught by his older brother, Gene.
• Alan auditioned for So You Think You Can Dance at the last minute, buying a standby ticket to Boston only because his brother was auditioning.
• During his time on SYTYCD, he performed a memorable blindfolded contemporary piece that had never been done on the show before.
• He had a recurring role in the TV show Glee as a member of the rival choir, Vocal Adrenaline.
• In 2018, he underwent surgery to remove a tumor on his parathyroid gland after being diagnosed with hyperparathyroidism.
• Besides dancing, one of his hobbies is playing golf.
• He and his brother Gene recently acquired a dance competition in Minnesota called the Snowball Dance Competition.

Controversies

While generally viewed as a positive and encouraging professional, Alan Bersten’s intense teaching style has occasionally been a subject of discussion. In her 2021 memoir, his season 28 winning partner, Hannah Brown, described their relationship during the show as “volatile,” stating that he pushed her hard in rehearsals, often to the brink of tears. Similarly, his season 30 partner, Amanda Kloots, mentioned in a 2024 podcast that Bersten could be “very mean” to her during rehearsals, attributing it to his competitive drive and Russian dance background. In 2023, former Bachelorette and DWTS champion Kaitlyn Bristowe referred to him as “kind of a d—” and “crazy in the ballroom” on her podcast. Bersten publicly responded to Bristowe’s comments, stating he takes pride in making his partners feel comfortable and confident, and noted he had never danced with her. Bristowe later clarified her remarks, calling Bersten a close friend and suggesting that his tough approach is meant to push people to believe in themselves.

Social Media Presence

• Instagram – Approximately 539,000 to 541,000 followers.
• Twitter – Information not disclosed.
• YouTube – Information not disclosed.

Final Words about Alan Bersten

Alan Bersten continues to be a formidable and beloved presence in the world of professional dance. His career, marked by early competitive success, a triumphant Mirrorball championship, and a resilient spirit, showcases a deep dedication to his craft. He remains a key professional on Dancing with the Stars, where his creative choreography and ability to form strong partnerships are consistently celebrated. Looking to the future, Bersten appears focused on continuing his success on the show, participating in tours, and expanding his role as a dance entrepreneur alongside his brother with their new competition. His journey from a young boy learning steps from his brother in Minnesota to a celebrated champion on national television is a testament to his talent, hard work, and enduring passion for dance. The Alan Bersten biography is still being written, but his legacy as a skilled performer, a winning choreographer, and an influential figure in the dance community is already firmly established.