Emma Slater was born on December 25, 1988, in Sutton Coldfield, England. She grew up in the town of Tamworth, Staffordshire with her twin sister Kelly. Emma’s parents, Robin and Julie Slater, have kept a low profile, focusing on raising their daughters away from the public eye. Growing up with a twin and supportive family played an important role in Emma’s early life, especially as she developed her passion for dance.
Quick Bio
| Full Name | Emma Louise Slater |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | December 25, 1988 |
| Age | 36 years (as of 2025) |
| Birthplace | Sutton Coldfield, England |
| Height | 5 ft 5 in (165 cm) |
| Weight | Approx. 54 kg (119 lbs) |
| Profession | Professional dancer, choreographer |
| Known For | Dancing with the Stars |
| Major Achievement | DWTS Season 24 Champion |
| Net Worth | Estimated $300,000 |
| Marital Status | Divorced (formerly married to Sasha Farber) |
| Current Relationship | Dating Alan Bersten |
| Social Media | Instagram: @theemmaslater |
Dance Beginnings and Training
Emma began dancing at a very young age, starting ballet and jazz classes before focusing on ballroom and Latin styles by the age of 10. Her dedication led her to attend the prestigious Novelli Stage School. Emma’s natural talent quickly emerged as she began competing in various dance championships. She notably won the British Under-21 Latin American Championship twice, in 2005 and 2006. These early successes paved the way for her future career in professional dance.
Stage and Screen Career
By her mid-teens, Emma was already performing professionally. She toured internationally with shows such as Simply Ballroom, Dirty Dancing, and Burn the Floor. At just 15 years old, she appeared in George Michael’s music video “Round Here,” as well as in the fitness video Latinasize. Emma also contributed to the soundtrack of the hit movie Mamma Mia! in 2008, appearing as a dancer and singer. These experiences helped Emma gain confidence and polish her performance skills on stage and screen.
Breakthrough on Dancing with the Stars
Emma joined the American reality dance competition Dancing with the Stars (DWTS) in 2012 as a member of the troupe, performing in group dances and finales. After three seasons, she was promoted to professional partner in Season 17, where she paired with comedian Bill Engvall. The pair made it all the way to the semifinals, finishing in 4th place — a remarkable achievement for Emma’s first season as a lead pro. This marked the beginning of her rise in the DWTS community.
Memorable DWTS Partnerships
Throughout her DWTS career, Emma has partnered with many celebrities across various seasons. Her most notable success came in Season 24 (2017) when she won the Mirrorball Trophy with NFL player Rashad Jennings. This victory made Emma the first British professional to win the competition. Other notable partners include Billy Dee Williams, Michael Waltrip, Redfoo, Hayes Grier, and Drew Scott, showcasing her versatility and ability to work with different personalities and skill levels.
Dance Style and Teaching Approach
Emma is widely praised for her clean technique, creativity, and ability to connect emotionally with both her partners and the audience. Fans admire her patience and encouragement, qualities that help celebrities improve and feel confident on the dance floor. Her choreography is known to be expressive and elegant, often highlighting her partners’ strengths. Emma’s dedication to teaching and performing makes her a respected figure among peers and fans alike.
Physical Appearance and Fitness
Emma stands about 5 feet 5 inches (165 cm) tall and maintains a toned, athletic figure through a mix of dance training, yoga, and barre workouts. She has openly shared her fitness journey, including how practices like Power Yoga and Xtend Barre helped her recover from injuries and stay strong on tour. Her lean physique, graceful movements, and radiant smile have made her a favorite among DWTS audiences.
Personal Life and Relationships
Emma’s relationship with fellow DWTS pro Sasha Farber has been a significant part of her personal story. The two started dating in 2011, briefly split in 2014, but reconciled and got engaged live on DWTS in October 2016. They married in March 2018 and became U.S. citizens together in December 2020. However, in April 2022, Emma and Sasha separated amicably and finalized their divorce by mid-2023. Since then, Emma has been open about moving forward while focusing on her career and well-being.
Recent Developments and New Romance
In 2025, Emma confirmed a new relationship with Dancing with the Stars professional dancer Alan Bersten after fans noticed their chemistry during the DWTS live tour. An onstage kiss during the tour’s finale drew widespread attention and affectionate support from fans and colleagues alike. Despite the public display of affection, both have expressed commitment to maintaining professionalism in upcoming DWTS seasons.
Social Media Presence
Emma is active on social media, especially Instagram, where she posts dance clips, fitness tips, travel photos, and glimpses into her daily life. Her account (@theemmaslater) boasts nearly 900,000 followers, demonstrating her popularity and ability to connect authentically with fans worldwide. She uses her platform to inspire others through positivity, dance, and wellness.
Fun Facts
- Emma’s twin sister Kelly designs many of her stunning DWTS costumes, making their collaboration a family affair.
- She has appeared in numerous theatrical dance productions around the world before her DWTS fame.
- Emma was a part of choreography for music superstar Usher at the Billboard Music Awards in Las Vegas.
- Despite her busy schedule, Emma dedicates time to charity work and dance education programs.
Net Worth and Business Ventures
As of 2025, Emma Slater’s net worth is estimated around $300,000, primarily earned through her long-running role on DWTS, live tours, choreography gigs, and dance workshops. In recent years, Emma has ventured into real estate, earning a license in 2020 and investing in property, signaling a smart expansion beyond dancing. She continues to build a sustainable career combining her passions and entrepreneurial spirit.
Conclusion
Emma Slater’s journey from a small town in England to international dance stages and the glittering floors of Dancing with the Stars is a story of passion, perseverance, and grace. Now in her mid-thirties, Emma continues to evolve as a dancer, teacher, and public figure. Her engaging personality, dedication to her craft, and inspiring personal story have won her a loyal fanbase. Whether on TV, stage, or social media, Emma Slater remains a shining example of talent and heart in the dance world.
FAQ’S
1: How old is Emma Slater?
Emma Slater was born on December 25, 1988, which makes her 36 years old as of 2025.
2: What is Emma Slater known for?
She is best known as a professional dancer and choreographer on Dancing with the Stars, where she won Season 24 with Rashad Jennings.
3: Is Emma Slater married?
Emma was married to fellow DWTS pro Sasha Farber but they divorced in 2023. She is currently in a relationship with dancer Alan Bersten.
4: How tall is Emma Slater?
Emma stands approximately 5 feet 5 inches (165 cm) tall.
5: What is Emma Slater’s estimated net worth?
Her net worth is estimated to be around $300,000, earned through her dance career and business ventures like real estate.
