Emma Slater, the beloved professional dancer from “Dancing with the Stars,” has captured hearts both on and off the dance floor with her romantic journey. After her highly publicized divorce from fellow DWTS pro Sasha Farber in 2023, fans have been eagerly following her love life developments. The British-born dancer has found love again with another colleague from the show, creating one of the most talked-about relationships in the DWTS community.
The 35-year-old professional dancer’s romantic life has been under constant scrutiny, especially given her workplace setting where personal and professional relationships often intertwine. Her journey from a married woman to a single professional new love has been both challenging and inspiring. Slater’s openness about her personal struggles, including her decision to prioritize her career and personal growth over starting a family immediately, has resonated with many fans who appreciate her authenticity.
What makes Slater’s current relationship particularly intriguing is how it developed organically within the tight-knit DWTS family. The show has a history of creating real connections between its professional dancers, and Slater’s latest romance follows this pattern. Her relationship timeline reveals a woman who has learned from past experiences and is now approaching love with a more mature perspective. The way she has handled the transition from her previous marriage to her current relationship demonstrates growth and emotional intelligence that fans admire.
Emma Slater’s Current Relationship with Alan Bersten
Emma Slater and Alan Bersten (Image via Getty)
Emma Slater is currently dating Alan Bersten, her fellow “Dancing with the Stars” professional dancer. The couple confirmed their relationship in spectacular fashion during the DWTS Live! 2025 tour on April 19, 2025, when they shared a passionate kiss onstage in Chicago during their final performance. This moment, which fans dubbed “the greatest hard launch of all time,” came after months of speculation about their romantic connection.
The relationship between Slater and Bersten reportedly began developing in late 2024, with romance rumors first surfacing in October when fans spotted them appearing to hold hands in social media photos. An insider confirmed to US Weekly in February 2025 that the Dancing with the Stars pros were “hooking up” and that their romance was “not new, it’s ongoing.”
The Public Confirmation
Their onstage kiss during the tour’s final show was a carefully orchestrated moment that sent the audience into a frenzy. Performing to Donna Summer’s “Last Dance” while dressed in blue, the couple concluded their routine with Bersten holding Slater in his arms before setting her down and leaning in for the kiss. The moment was captured on video and quickly went viral on social media platforms, with their DWTS co-star Ezra Sosa commenting “FINALLY” on the footage.
Following the public confirmation, Bersten spoke candidly about their relationship status, telling E! News, “We’re just enjoying life together. No pressure there, but we’re just enjoying it.” He emphasized their commitment to maintaining professionalism in their work environment, stating, “We’re both professionals, so we’re going to keep it professional. I’m just excited for season 34.”
The End of Emma Slater’s Marriage to Sasha Farber
Before finding love with Bersten, Slater was married to fellow DWTS professional Sasha Farber. Their relationship was one of the show’s most celebrated love stories, beginning with their on-and-off dating from 2011 to 2014, followed by a reconciliation in 2015. Farber proposed to Slater during a live DWTS taping in October 2016 in a moment that became part of the show’s history, and they married in March 2018.
However, the couple separated in August 2022 after less than four years of marriage, with Slater filing for divorce in February 2023. The divorce was finalized in May 2024, officially ending their chapter together.
The Real Reason Behind Their Split
Slater has been remarkably open about the reasons for their divorce, revealing in a candid interview on “The Viall Files” podcast that their different timelines regarding having children were the primary factor. “It’s really the kid thing,” Slater explained. “I do want to have kids, I just don’t want to delay Sasha’s path in having kids because I know that he is ready for that.”
She elaborated that while she wants children someday, she wasn’t ready at the time and didn’t want to enter into parenthood without being completely sure. “It’s not something I take lightly, and I don’t want to enter into something that I’m not sure about because I would never do that,” she shared. Following their separation, Slater made the decision to freeze her eggs, taking control of her reproductive future.
Maintaining Professional Relationships Post-Divorce
Emma Slater and Alan Bersten (Image via Getty)
Despite their personal split, Slater and Farber have maintained an exemplary professional relationship that serves as a model for workplace dynamics after divorce. Both continue to work together on “Dancing with the Stars” and have participated in the show’s live tours together.
Slater has consistently praised their ability to maintain their working relationship, telling media outlets, “It’s not a nightmare at all. We really are close friends. He’s somebody who’s in my life forever. It’s a true, genuine connection, and he’s the best person, just absolutely amazing.” She emphasized that “the love actually didn’t go” and described Farber as being “still like family.”
Their mature approach to co-working after divorce has been particularly impressive given the intimate nature of their profession, which requires physical closeness and emotional connection during performances. This professionalism has allowed both dancers to continue thriving in their careers while supporting each other’s personal growth.
Emma Slater’s Approach to New Love
Emma Slater (Image via Getty)
Slater’s relationship with Bersten represents a new chapter in her romantic life, one that appears to be built on a foundation of friendship and professional respect. The couple’s decision to keep their relationship relatively private initially, followed by their public confirmation, suggests a thoughtful approach to balancing personal happiness with professional obligations.
Recent developments show the couple growing closer, with Bersten participating in the RBC Brooklyn Half marathon in mid-May 2025, where Slater was spotted cheering him on. They subsequently spent several days together in New York City, attending a Broadway show and enjoying romantic dinners. These public appearances indicate a relationship that is becoming more serious and integrated into their personal lives.
The timing of their relationship also speaks to Slater’s personal growth and readiness for new love. Having taken time to process her divorce and understand her own needs and desires, she appears to be approaching this relationship with greater self-awareness and emotional maturity.
When WNBA legend Candace Parker stepped away from professional basketball in 2024, she left behind an extraordinary legacy that extended far beyond her three championship rings and countless accolades. Behind the scenes of her illustrious career lies an equally compelling love story that has captured hearts across the sports world. Parker’s relationship with her wife, Anna Petrakova, represents one of the most inspiring romances in professional athletics—a tale of two elite athletes who found love on the basketball court and built a beautiful family together.
The 39-year-old basketball icon, who revolutionized women’s basketball with her versatility and leadership, has been married to former Russian professional basketball player Anna Petrakova since December 2019. Their relationship, which began as a friendship between teammates in Russia, evolved into a deep romantic connection that neither woman initially expected. What makes their story particularly remarkable is how they navigated the challenges of keeping their relationship private for years due to Russia’s anti-LGBTQ+ policies, before courageously sharing their love with the world.
Today, Parker and Petrakova are proud parents to three children and continue to inspire countless fans with their authentic love story. Their journey from teammates to life partners demonstrates that love often arrives in unexpected packages, challenging preconceived notions about relationships and showing the power of staying true to oneself. As Parker once reflected, sometimes what you need doesn’t come in the box you expect it to.
How Candace Parker Met Her Wife Anna Petrakova
Candace Parker and Anna Petrakova (Image via Getty)
Basketball Brought Them Together
Candace Parker first encountered Anna Petrakova in 2012 when both athletes were playing for UMMC Ekaterinburg in Russia. Like many WNBA players, Parker was competing overseas during the offseason to supplement her income, while Petrakova was playing in her home country. The two women initially met as teammates representing their respective countries at the 2012 London Olympics, where Parker helped lead Team USA to a gold medal.
Their connection began as a professional relationship built on mutual respect for each other’s basketball talents. Both women were elite athletes who understood the dedication and sacrifices required to excel in professional sports. What started as casual conversations between teammates gradually developed into a deep friendship that would eventually transform their lives.
From Friendship to Romance
The transition from friendship to romance wasn’t immediate or dramatic for Parker and Petrakova. As Parker revealed in her memoir “The Can-Do Mindset,” there was no grand romantic moment like in the movies. Instead, their relationship evolved gradually over time through small moments and shared experiences.
Parker, who was married to former NBA player Shelden Williams at the time, began to notice her heart beating differently when she was around Petrakova. The realization came during their time exploring museums in Russia, when Parker found herself looking at Petrakova in a new way. Both women initially denied their feelings to themselves for approximately three years before finally accepting their romantic connection.
Their Secret Wedding and Marriage Timeline
The Proposal in Mexico
In April 2019, Petrakova took Parker to Mexico for her birthday, setting the stage for a life-changing moment. Parker decided to propose during this trip, orchestrating a romantic proposal on a boat surrounded by about 15 family members and friends. The proposal included a special touch from Parker’s daughter Lailaa, who presented Petrakova with a cake that read “Will you marry us?”
This gesture was particularly meaningful because it emphasized that Parker and Lailaa came as a package deal. As Parker explained, Lailaa was the center of her universe, and it was important for their “dynamic duo to be upgraded to the Big Three.” The proposal perfectly captured the family-centered approach that would define their relationship moving forward.
Secret Wedding Ceremony
Candace Parker and Anna Petrakova (Image via Getty)
Parker and Petrakova tied the knot on December 14, 2019, in an intimate ceremony attended by 50 guests plus staff, all of whom were required to keep the wedding secret. The couple chose to keep their marriage private for two years, not announcing it publicly until December 2021. This decision was largely influenced by concerns about Petrakova’s safety as a Russian citizen, given Russia’s harsh anti-LGBTQ+ policies and laws.
The secrecy surrounding their wedding reflected the complex challenges faced by LGBTQ+ athletes, particularly those with international connections. Russia’s Supreme Court has ruled that the international LGBT movement is an “extremist organization,” with participation punishable by up to 12 years in jail. This legal environment made their decision to keep their relationship private a matter of personal safety rather than shame.
Building Their Family Together
Going Public with Their Love
In December 2021, exactly two years after their wedding, Parker made the courageous decision to go public with their marriage. She announced on Instagram that she had been married to Petrakova for two years and that they were expecting their first child together. This revelation was met with overwhelming support from fans, fellow athletes, and the LGBTQ+ community.
Parker’s decision to share their relationship publicly was significantly influenced by her desire to set a positive example for her daughter Lailaa. As she explained, she couldn’t tell her daughter to be proud of who she is and speak up for those she loves if she wasn’t doing the same herself. This decision represented a powerful moment of authenticity and courage in professional sports.
Their Growing Family
Parker and Petrakova are now proud parents to three children. Their family includes Lailaa Nicole Williams, Parker’s 14-year-old daughter from her previous marriage to Shelden Williams. The couple welcomed their first child together, son Airr Larry Petrakov Parker, on February 11, 2022. Their family was completed with the arrival of their second son, Hartt Summitt Petrakov Parker, on May 21, 2024.
The name “Hartt Summitt” appears to honor the late legendary women’s basketball coach Pat Summitt, reflecting the couple’s deep connection to the sport that brought them together. Parker frequently shares family moments on social media, using basketball terminology to describe their family dynamics, such as switching from “man-to-man to zone defense” with three children.
Current Relationship Status and Life Together
Candace Parker (Image via Getty)
Life After Basketball
Following Parker’s retirement from professional basketball in 2024, she has focused more intensively on family life while continuing her work as a sports analyst and commentator. She has expressed that being a wife and mother remains her top priority, and she plans to enjoy her family to the fullest during this new chapter of her life.
The couple continues to live together as a blended family, with both women actively involved in raising their three children. Their relationship serves as an inspiration to many, particularly within the LGBTQ+ community and among professional athletes who may be struggling with their own identity or relationships.
Impact and Legacy
Parker and Petrakova’s relationship has had a significant impact beyond their personal lives. Their story has opened doors for conversations about LGBTQ+ representation in professional sports and the importance of having visible role models. Parker’s openness about her marriage has provided hope and inspiration for others who may be similar journeys of self-discovery and acceptance.
Their love story challenges traditional expectations and demonstrates that authentic relationships can flourish when people are brave enough to follow their hearts. As Parker noted, neither she nor Petrakova had imagined themselves in same-sex relationships, but they allowed themselves to be open to love in whatever form it arrived.
