The Truth Behind 'Dancing With The Stars' Partners' Chemistry and Dating Rumors

The Dancing With the Stars contestants often showcase such a strong connection while dancing that fans can't help but wonder if their bond carries over into real life.

In September 2022, when DWTS host Alfonso Ribeiro asked Emma Slater about her relationship with her season 31 partner, Trevor Donovan, she replied, "We truly get along and have amazing chemistry, which definitely made this dance much easier. But when Alfonso asked that question, I was relieved that you answered because I couldn't."

Donovan attributed it to his background in acting.

"In many of the films I work on, I play the romantic lead, which often involves intimate scenes," he explained to Us during that time. "You find yourself in a situation where you may be working closely with someone who is married, someone you've just met, or you're not in a relationship with. In order to portray that intimacy convincingly, we had the advantage of knowing each other for a few weeks, becoming friends, and breaking down any barriers to feel comfortable."

Scroll through to see all the DWTS couples who have defended their chemistry as merely part of the performance:

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Every Time ‘Dancing With The Stars’ Partners Have Defended Their Chemistry and Denied Dating Rumors

Numerous Dancing With the Stars participants share an undeniable connection while performing, leading fans to wonder if these relationships extend beyond the dance floor.

Emma Slater expressed in September 2022 that she and her season 31 partner Trevor Donovan have an excellent rapport and chemistry, making their dances significantly more effortless. When DWTS host Alfonso Ribeiro inquired about their relationship, Slater was relieved when Donovan interjected, as she was unable to answer.

Donovan attributed it to his acting background. "In many of the movies I've done, I usually play the role of the romantic lead, which involves several intimate scenes," he explained to Us. "Sometimes, I have to portray a strong connection with someone who might already be married, someone I just met, or someone with whom I'm not in a relationship. It's a challenge, but fortunately, we've spent a few weeks getting to know each other, which helped us develop a friendship and break down any barriers, making us comfortable with the on-screen intimacy."

Scroll through to see all the DWTS couples who have defended their chemistry as merely part of the performance:

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Mauricio Umansky and Emma Slater

The season 32 partners sparked speculation of a romance in October 2023 when they were seen holding hands during a dinner outing. Even Umansky's estranged wife, Kyle Richards, admitted feeling hurt upon seeing the photos. (Richards and Umansky had separated in July 2023 after being married for two decades.)

Ultimately, Umansky and Slater put an end to the rumors, with Umansky clarifying on his Instagram Story on October 26, "Just to be clear, we are not dating. We have been dancing together for six weeks, four hours a day, every single day."

Slater, who divorced Sasha Farber in 2022, expressed that participating in DWTS involves a demanding journey and often leads to the development of intimate connections with partners.

"We share common traits," Slater remarked. "Our relationship is incredibly supportive. The previous week was a rollercoaster of emotions... We truly rely on one another, and it's truly remarkable. It's a wonderful aspect."

Credit: ABC/Andrew Eccles

Trevor Donovan and Emma Slater

The choreographer was blindsided when Ribeiro asked if her chemistry with the Sun Records actor was more than just acting.

In an interview after the show, Slater expressed that the strong connection witnessed by the audience was a deliberate aspect of the dance routine. She emphasized the importance of storytelling and explained that they had chosen a song, "Always on my Mind," that she personally loved and believed in Trevor's dance skills. Slater also acknowledged their exceptional chemistry and the effort she put in to create an environment where they could be authentic and expressive. As a result, they were able to bring the desired intensity to the performance, which was essential for this particular dance and left a satisfying feeling in the moment.

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Bonner Bolton and Sharna Burgess

In March 2017, the sizzling Cha Cha performance by the duo drew inspiration from the rodeo. During this captivating routine, Bolton openly confessed that he could easily become unfocused if he gazed at his partner for an extended period. Following the performance, the champion bull rider expressed to journalists, "She's undeniably stunning."

Burgess, nevertheless, maintained that it was merely a display of entertainment skills.

"I am a professional! No, no, our bond is strong, and we thoroughly enjoy ourselves, but our main focus is excelling in this competition," she stated at that moment. "I am determined to continue dancing to showcase his story, introduce him to the world, and guide him to the final. That is our main goal! I believe people are exaggerating the significance of our undeniable chemistry."

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Meryl Davis and Maksim Chmerkovskiy

While Chmerkovskiy and Davis displayed a compelling dynamic on season 18 of DWTS, certain fans were convinced that there was a hidden connection between them. Nevertheless, during a May 2014 interview with Glamour, the talented ice dancer shut down such speculation and put an end to the rumors.

She expressed, "We're not in a romantic relationship. Our connection is incredible, our friendship is remarkable, but beyond that, your personal life is entirely up to you." Smirnoff, Chmerkovskiy's former fiancée, shared her opinion with Us, stating that she believed their chemistry was nothing more than "excellent acting."

“When you're dancing, you aim to captivate your audience with a compelling narrative. It's crucial to make them truly believe in the authenticity of your performance," shared the former DWTS participant. "And that's exactly what Maks and Meryl accomplished."

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Kelly Monaco and Val Chmerkovskiy

Val and Monaco locked lips on a November 2012 episode of the reality competition series, with Monaco, originally from Ukraine, flaunting a speedo.

Post the impressive routine, the former General Hospital star assured Us that the kiss had been meticulously orchestrated. "It was thoroughly planned as part of the choreography! We had numerous options, but we deemed this most fitting and selected it," she clarified.

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James Maslow and Peta Murgatroyd

Former DWTS cohost Erin Andrews asked Maslow and Murgatroyd if they were dating in real life during an April 2014 episode of the show.

"May I just express this? Could you inform us about your current dating situation? I am hoping for a baby from the Dancing With the Stars experience," she remarked.

"Having a baby while actively dancing is not feasible, okay? So, that scenario is highly unlikely," responded the former member of Big Time Rush, following a brief, uncomfortable pause.

Murgatroyd had previously disclosed going on a single date with the actor in a pre-taped package.

"At the moment, we're maintaining a professional relationship," Maslow stated in his own clip. "Would I consider going on another date with her? Absolutely, she's really awesome. However, at present, our focus is on one thing – winning."

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Robert Herjavec and Kym Johnson

During a broadcast of the dancing competition in May 2015, the couple embraced for a passionate kiss. Johnson clarified backstage that it was simply a momentary element of their dance routine. Herjavec supported her statement by asserting that as professional dancers, they were fully absorbed in the performance.

Despite initially claiming otherwise, the Shark Tank personality and ballroom dancer publicly acknowledged their romantic relationship in September 2015. They sealed their commitment in holy matrimony in July 2015 and joyfully welcomed their adorable twins, Hudson and Haven, into the world in April 2018.

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Janel Parrish and Val Chmerkovskiy

Val and Parrish were evasive when questioned about their chemistry in season 19 of DWTS. In October 2014, they went as far as undergoing a lie detector test on Access Hollywood to address queries about their relationship. When Val was asked if he ever envisioned the Pretty Little Liars alum in his dreams, he humorously replied, "Not a dream, more like a few nightmares."