In a surprising revelation that has sent ripples through the dance entertainment world, Amanda Kloots, co-host of “The Talk,” has recently opened up about her challenging experience on “Dancing With the Stars” (DWTS) with professional partner Alan Bersten during the show’s 30th season in 2021.
Speaking candidly on the “Boyfriend Material with Harry Jowsey” podcast, Kloots didn’t mince words about her partnership with Bersten. “He was very mean to me,” the 42-year-old former Broadway dancer revealed, pulling back the curtain on what appeared to be a picture-perfect partnership to viewers at home.
The tension behind their seemingly smooth performances adds a new layer to their fourth-place finish in the competition. Despite Kloots’ extensive dance background, including performing with the prestigious Rockettes, the partnership faced unexpected hurdles that went beyond the usual challenges of learning new routines.
The Root of Conflict
Kloots attributed Bersten’s tough approach to his cultural background. “Growing up Russian, growing up in that dance atmosphere” shaped his teaching style, she explained. She suggested that Bersten’s high expectations stemmed from seeing “a lot of potential” in their partnership and believing they “could possibly win this thing.”
The intense atmosphere of weekly performances had a significant impact on her. Kloots disclosed that she frequently encountered severe criticism during rehearsals, claiming she frequently received verbal abuse. Rather than addressing these issues, she chose to internalize her feelings to maintain focus on their performances. “I would just keep it bottled up, and we would just be dancing, and I would just be raging inside,” she admitted.
A Silver Lining
Despite the difficulties, Kloots sees a positive outcome from their partnership. “I think Alan has grown up a lot in the last couple of years,” she reflected. In what might be her most generous assessment of their time together, she added, “I helped him become a nicer person in teaching.”
The season ultimately saw basketball player Iman Shumpert claim victory, with JoJo Siwa as runner-up and Peloton instructor Cody Rigsby taking third place. Kloots and Bersten’s fourth-place finish, while impressive, came at what appears to be a significant emotional cost.
The Bigger Picture
This revelation sheds light on the intense pressure contestants face at DWTS. In a previous interview with Katie Couric, Kloots had already hinted at the show’s challenges, calling it “exhausting both mentally and physically.” The demanding schedule required perfecting a new dance routine in just six days, with each style presenting unique technical and artistic challenges.
There were bright moments too, particularly when it came to her son Elvis, age 5, whom she shares with late husband Nick Cordero. “It was very cute because he kind of went along the journey with me,” Kloots shared, noting how her son grew to enjoy watching her performances with Bersten.
Looking Forward
While representatives for both Bersten and ABC have not responded to requests for comment, this situation highlights the ongoing discussion about teaching methods in dance and reality television. It raises important questions about the balance between pushing for excellence and maintaining a supportive learning environment.
Today, both Kloots and Bersten have moved forward in their careers. Kloots continues to thrive as a co-host on “The Talk,” while Bersten remains a professional dancer on DWTS, currently paired with Olympic rugby player Ilona Maher in the latest season.
This story serves as a reminder that even in the glittering world of reality TV dance competitions, the path to success isn’t always as smooth as it appears on camera. Sometimes, the real choreography happens offstage, as participants navigate complex interpersonal dynamics while striving for perfection under the spotlight.
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