Dancing Divas Unite: Emma Slater Reveals the Secret to Her Remarkable Bond with Ex Sasha Farber on ‘Dancing With the Stars’

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For Dancing With the Stars pros Emma Slater and Sasha Farber, working with an ex is like having a superpower. 

When asked about how she felt competing against her former flame on season 32 of the dance competition series, Slater, 34, assured E! News on Thursday, October 5, that it was not a nightmare. She expressed her unwavering support for Sasha and mentioned that she loves seeing him and Alyson Hannigan together on the show. Slater emphasized that they wholeheartedly support each other and are even willing to assist one another with their respective dances. According to her, the sense of competition is nonexistent between them.

In August 2022, we reported that the couple had separated in April after more than four years of marriage. According to a source, they have been living separately for several months now and have stopped wearing their wedding rings. The situation has been challenging for them as they still deeply care for each other and were together for a long time.

Six months later, Slater initiated the divorce process, citing "irreconcilable differences" as the reason for the split, based on documents obtained by Us. In a later episode of the "Viall Files" podcast in August, the Australian native discussed the reasons behind the breakup. He mentioned that although they still consider each other family, they are currently in different phases of their lives.

"I have to admit, it's the issue of having children," she confessed to host Nick Viall. "It's intriguing because I do want to start a family, but I don't want to hinder Sasha's plans of having children because I know he's ready for that. I don't want to delve too much into his thoughts on this matter because that's personal to him, but it all boils down to the topic of kids."

Slater further elaborated that she and Farber had discussed family planning throughout their relationship, but she felt a "resistance" in recent years. "That's where the real conflict and difficulty lies," she said. "It's not about him. He's always been himself. It's me who has struggled to understand why I feel differently."

Despite ending their romantic relationship, Slater and Farber have continued their collaboration as choreographers on DWTS, and they have consistently shown support for each other. Slater expressed her admiration for Farber and his partner Selma Blair after their deeply emotional performance during season 31.

"My face was soaked with tears. It's an indescribable feeling," she shared with Us and other journalists in September 2022. "Looking at her, I can't help but see her as an incredible inspiration. She is pure magic to me. She's fearlessly facing her fears. I can only imagine how much inspiration she brings to others. I feel fortunate to have her on the show."

Slater came into the spotlight due to her association with Trevor Donovan, her partner in season 31. The duo gained attention for their sensual rumba performance in the second week of the competition. Donovan, who is 50 years old, attributed their intense chemistry to their strong "communication foundation." In an interview with Us in September 2022, he praised Slater for her ability to guide and teach him, acknowledging his lack of experience. He also expressed gratitude for her patience and direction, stating that their partnership was progressing well.

Slater expressed agreement, stating, "We have a great relationship. Rehearsals go by quickly because we genuinely get along and have excellent chemistry. This made this dance much easier. When Alfonso asked that question, I was relieved that you answered because I couldn't."

In the 32nd season of DWTS, which debuted last month, Slater is paired with Mauricio Umansky from Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, who has recently separated from his wife Kyle Richards. Farber, on the other hand, is dancing with Hannigan, who is 49 years old.

In this article

Emma Slater

Sasha Farber

Dancing With The Stars