If you’ve spent any time watching Dancing with the Stars over the last few years, you’ve definitely seen Alan Bersten. He’s the guy who always seems to have way too much energy, even at 8:00 AM on a Tuesday rehearsal. People usually know him for that massive grin or the way he managed to turn The Bachelorette’s Hannah Brown into a Mirrorball champion. But honestly, most fans have no idea where he actually started.
So, where is Alan Bersten from? It’s not Hollywood. It’s not even a big dance hub like New York or Miami.
Alan Bersten is a product of Minnetonka, Minnesota. Yeah, the Land of 10,000 Lakes. He grew up in the suburbs of Minneapolis, which isn't exactly the first place you think of when you imagine world-class Latin ballroom training. But for Alan, it was the perfect launchpad.
The Minnesota Connection and Those Russian Roots
Alan was born on May 26, 1994. Growing up in Minnetonka, he wasn't just some kid who happened to find a dance studio. His background is a bit more layered than that. His parents are Russian Jewish immigrants, and if you know anything about Eastern European culture, you know that ballroom dancing is basically a sport. It’s serious business.
His parents wanted their kids to stay active, so they threw the older siblings into dance classes first. Alan, being the youngest of three, basically just tagged along. He started when he was seven.
It wasn't some immediate love affair, though. He’s mentioned in interviews that he basically just did it because his brother and sister did. His older brother, Gene Bersten, actually became his mentor. Gene and his wife, Elena, own a studio called Dance With Us America in Edina, Minnesota. That’s where Alan really cut his teeth. Think of it as a family business, but with more sequins and spray tans.
School Days and High School Life
While he was becoming a national-level dancer, he was also just a regular kid at Hopkins High School. He graduated in 2012. Imagine being in gym class with a guy who’s secretly a Youth National Champion in Latin dance. Kinda wild, right? After high school, he stayed local for a bit, attending the University of Minnesota.
But the Midwest couldn't hold him for long once the TV cameras started calling.
From Minnetonka to So You Think You Can Dance
The big break didn't happen on Dancing with the Stars. It happened on So You Think You Can Dance (Season 10) back in 2013. He was only 18.
Here’s a detail most people forget: he actually auditioned against his brother, Gene. It was this whole dramatic "brother vs. brother" storyline. The judges had to choose between them for the final spot in the Top 20. They went with Alan. It was probably bittersweet, but it’s what put him on the map. He finished in the Top 6 for the guys, which is no small feat for a ballroom specialist on a show that usually favors contemporary or hip-hop dancers.
The DWTS Journey: More Than Just a Pro
After the SYTYCD tour and a stint with the world-renowned dance company Burn the Floor, Alan landed a spot in the DWTS troupe in 2015. He spent years in the background. Basically, he was the guy doing the opening numbers and filling in when a pro got hurt.
He finally got his "pro" promotion in Season 25. Since then, he’s been a staple of the show.
- Season 28: He won the whole thing with Hannah Brown.
- DWTS Juniors: He mentored Sky Brown to a win.
- Season 34 (2025): He recently wrapped up a massive run with actress Elaine Hendrix, where they finished in 5th place.
Why His Background Actually Matters
When you watch Alan dance, you can see that Midwestern "nice" mixed with that intense Russian training. He’s not just a performer; he’s an athlete who grew up in a culture where you don't do things halfway.
He’s also been incredibly open about his personal life, which has made fans connect with him even more. In 2018, while on the DWTS tour, he dealt with a major health scare. He had a tumor on his parathyroid gland—hyperparathyroidism. He had surgery and was back on stage in a week. That’s that Minnesota grit.
What He’s Doing Now (2026)
Right now, Alan is living in Los Angeles—that's where the show is filmed, obviously—but he’s constantly on the road. As of January 2026, he’s gearing up for the Dancing with the Stars: Live! 2026 tour. He’s also been making headlines for his relationship with fellow pro Emma Slater. Fans have been obsessed with their "pro-mance" since they went public in 2025.
Beyond the stage, he’s leaned into fitness. He has his own program called Bers10, and he’s a co-founder of a mental health initiative called Frown. He’s definitely trying to be more than just "the guy who dances on TV."
🔗 Read more: Maggie Q Naked Pictures: Why the Actress Bares All for Activism
Actionable Insights for Fans
If you're a fan of Alan or just curious about how to follow his career more closely, here’s how you can stay in the loop:
- Check the Tour Dates: The 2026 DWTS Live tour is hitting dozens of cities starting this month. If you’re in the Midwest, he usually makes a point to have a "homecoming" show in Minneapolis.
- Follow the Family Studio: If you’re actually in Minnesota and want to learn how to dance like a pro, Dance With Us America in Edina is still run by his family. It’s a legitimate championship-caliber studio.
- Watch the Old Footage: Go back and look at his Season 10 SYTYCD audition. Seeing him dance next to his brother Gene gives you a lot of context for why he’s so technically sound.
Alan Bersten might be a Hollywood star now, but he’s still very much that kid from Minnetonka who just wanted to keep up with his older siblings.