DWTS Holiday Special: Emma Slater Deserves a Ringer in Season 35

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The first holiday special of Dancing with the Stars included new dances performed live, along with highlights from past Christmas shows. Several members of the current DWTS season 34 cast were in the audience cheering on former professional dancers, including actress Elaine Hendrix and Whitney Leavitt, who stars in Secret Lives of Mormon Wives and will soon be playing Roxy Hart in Chicago.

A heartwarming moment during the Dancing with the Stars holiday special showed professional dancer Emma Slater dancing again with her two most recent partners, comedian Andy Richter and actor Reginald VelJohnson. The playful choreography, with background dancers circling Andy and Reggie, highlighted how much Slater deserves a highly skilled partner in season 35.

Pro Emma Slater Has Taken Partners Far, But Not Since DWTS Season 25

Watching Andy Richter and Reginald VelJohnson sweetly and sincerely dance to “All I Want for Christmas (Is My Two Front Teeth)” was heartwarming, but it highlighted a clear issue: Emma Slater hasn’t been paired with a strong dancing partner in quite a while. Reggie, the oldest contestant this season, was well-loved by everyone, but his limited mobility was apparent.

Andy truly represented the spirit of Dancing with the Stars: beginning with limited experience, fully committing to the journey, and consistently expressing thankfulness. While his performances were charming, they also highlighted the effort Slater puts in to ensure her partners not only look good, but can also compete effectively.

Things weren’t always as they are now. In 2017, Slater won the Mirrorball trophy with NFL player Rashad Jennings, and then quickly made it back to the finals the following season with Drew Scott from the Property Brothers. These two successful seasons showed just how well she can turn someone with little experience into a strong competitor.

Although she consistently performs well and seems like a professional, she hasn’t returned to the final round of the competition. The problem isn’t her skill; it’s the partners she’s paired with, who tend to be significantly older, like John Schneider and Charles Oakley.

Donny Osmond is still the oldest person to ever win Dancing with the Stars at age 52, highlighting how uncommon it is for older celebrities to win the competition. The show isn’t giving Emma Slater a partner who is a strong match, and the next season should prioritize pairing her with someone who can really keep pace.

Slater’s Popularity On Social Media & Among The Cast Proves She Deserves A Ringer

Predicting who will win the Mirror Ball trophy is always tough, but some contestants stand out as strong contenders from the start. Robert Irwin, the winner of Dancing with the Stars season 34, was considered a likely champion as soon as he was announced as a cast member.

Robert was a young, athletic performer with a special connection to his father’s memory. Adding to the pressure and excitement, his sister Bindi had previously won the Dancing with the Stars competition ten years earlier, partnered with current judge Derek Hough. Robert’s natural charm helped him succeed and complete the full circle of family achievement.

Emma Slater has a knack for helping her partners improve, even if they don’t start as natural dancers. A great example is Andy Richter last season – he made incredible progress, exceeding everyone’s expectations, including his own. The show’s demanding rehearsals also led to Andy losing a significant amount of weight, highlighting just how physically challenging Dancing with the Stars can be.

Cheryl Slater’s influence extends beyond her dancing. She also manages the show’s social media, promotes the tour, and consistently keeps Dancing With the Stars in the spotlight. The show is a major part of her life, and her personal relationships reflect that – she was married to professional dancer Sasha Farber and is now dating fellow pro Alan Bersten, solidifying her strong ties to the DWTS community.

Despite her hard work and commitment, Slater often doesn’t get partners who are naturally strong competitors. She frequently has to work extra hard to make her partners appear skilled. It’s time for season 35 of DWTS to finally give Slater a partner who is equally talented and driven.

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2025-12-03 22:59