IN CONVERSATION WITH ALAN BERSTEN

Interview by Jana Letonja

Professional dancer Alan Bersten is best known as one of the professional dancers from the pop-culture phenomenon ‘Dancing With the Stars’. From dancing his way into the hearts of fans across America, this summer Alan introduced his exciting new fitness program ‘Berst10 Fitness’. 

Alan, how would you sum up your time on ‘Dancing With the Stars’ so far?

‘Dancing With the Stars’ is truly my dream come true. I still can’t believe that I am a professional dancer on this show. I still can’t believe I won it season 28. I feel so lucky and honestly, words can’t describe how incredible it feels to be doing what I love for a living. 

Before becoming a professional dancer on the 25th season of DWTS, you’ve placed in the top 6 males’ category on the 10th season of ‘So You Think You Can Dance’. What was the biggest lesson you’ve took home from participating on that show?

I was lucky enough to be a part of ‘So You Think You Can Dance’ when I was just starting my career. While I was on it,I was so stressed and scared, but I feel like that pressure is what ensured me that I was on the right path and following my dreams. I think the biggest lesson is to do what you love. Even if you’re scared to follow your dreams, you can achieve anything.

You started dancing very young. What made you passionate about dance in the first place?

I started dancing at 7 years old. My parents made my brother, sister and I all start dancing and I can safely say I sucked. At first I was dancing because it was the right thing to do, but I quickly realized it was a way for me to express myself. I was able to communicate with my body and share happiness with people in a way I never thought possible. Dancing to me is not just an art form or a physical activity. It is the only way I know how to communicate, how to release my emotions and how to bring joy to people, and that is what I’m most passionate about. 

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Your specialites are ballrom and Latin dance. Which style is your favorite?

I think there is something so beautiful about two people dancing together. I love all styles of dance, but ballroom and Latin are my life. I think all dance I beautiful, so it’s hard to say what my favorite is or why. If I had to choose one dance, I would choose Argentine Tango because there is so much passion, sensuality and power in this dance. 

Fitness has always been an important part of your daily routine. How does your daily routine look like?

Fitness has always been a way for me to clear my mind. I love waking up and going for a run. I think being active really helps my mind reset, as well as my body. I’m not someone who ‘relaxes’ well. I like to keep moving. I go boxing, I go to the gym, I dance, but most importantly I make sure to recover and take care of my body, with ice baths and saunas. 

This summer you introduced your exciting fitness program ‘Berst10 Fitness’. What inspired your decision to launch your own fitness program? Who is it created for?

I created ‘Berst10 Fitness’ because I truly believe being physically active for even 10 minutes a day is so good for you mentally and physically. The hardest thing is starting and with ‘Berst10 Fitness’ I make starting easy. My workouts are only 10 minutes and you can do them anywhere. I created this for everyone, whether it’s your first time working out or if you’re trying to add to your current fitness routine. Working out should be fun and attainable and that’s why I created this program. 

Tell us more about the program and how does it look like.

‘Berst10 Fitness’ is an online fitness program that focuses on body weight and cardio exercises. It’s only 10 minutes and you definitely feel the burn. It’s for all levels of fitness. There are modifications for everyone, so no matter what you can participate. I guide you through the 10 minute workout and we have fun doing it. There is a weekly schedule if you’re looking for structure or you can just choose any video from the vast content library. 

When you are not dancing or doing fitness, what are you most passionate about?

That’s a hard question because dancing is my life. After the season on ‘Dancing With the Stars’, we go on tour across North America, which honestly is so special. To be able to perform live in front of thousands of people every single night makes my heart full. Looking out into the crowd and seeing someone smile because of my dancing, it’s truly unbelievable. I feel so grateful and so lucky and I just love that I get to do this every single night. I think it’s safe to say that dancing consumes my whole life. When I’m not dancing, I’m thinking about new dances and new ideas. 

What would you describe as the most defining moment of your life so far?

I think the most defining moment of my life so far has to be joining ‘Dancing With the Stars’ because it’s shown me that dreams come true. If a little boy from Minnesota, who used to watch ‘Dancing With the Stars’ at the age of 10, can make it on to the show and win it, then it’s safe to say anything is possible. There is no dream too big and this just proves it.

What are the goals for the future of your career?

I want to continue dancing and inspiring others. I think my passion is making people happy and I’m going to continue doing that any way I can. One day, I hope to have my own tour and possibly create my own show. Inspiring people to workout and reach their goals is something I take pride in, so I’m also going to continue growing ‘Berst10 Fitness’.

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talent ALAN BERSTEN @alanbersten
photographer JEFF SUTERA @jeff_sutera
stylist ORETTA CORBELLI @orettac
groomer TAYLOUR CHANEL @ The Only Agency using Solawave and NARS Cosmetics @taylourchanel @theonly.agency @solawave @narsissist
photography assistant  MAX GRAY @maxgraywilbur
editor  TIMI LETONJA @timiletonja
interview JANA LETONJA @janaletonja