Emma Slater and Sasha Farber: A Graceful Post-Divorce Reunion

In a heartwarming moment that defies the typical post-divorce narrative, Dancing With the Stars professionals Emma Slater and Sasha Farber were recently spotted sharing a friendly embrace backstage during the September 23 episode of the hit ABC show. The interaction, captured on TikTok by a fan, showed the former couple’s continued warmth toward one another despite their 2023 divorce. After their hug, Farber casually mentioned to Slater that her mail had been delivered to his house—a mundane but touching reminder of their intertwined lives. This moment sparked discussion among fans, with many expressing relief and admiration at the maturity displayed by both dancers. “I did not find this awkward at all,” commented one viewer. “I was actually relieved to see that they are so friendly with each other still.” Another fan noted the deep connection that remains after their lengthy relationship: “They were together since 2011, they’ll always have a huge part of their lives be each other!”

Their love story began in 2011, marking the start of a relationship that would see them become one of Dancing With the Stars’ most beloved couples. Despite a brief separation around 2014, their romance blossomed in the spotlight of the ballroom competition. In a particularly memorable moment that delighted fans, Farber proposed to Slater during a 2016 episode of the show, creating one of the program’s most romantic moments. The couple married two years later, seemingly cementing their fairytale dance partnership both on and off the floor. However, after nearly four years of marriage, their paths diverged, leading to Slater officially filing for divorce in February 2023, citing irreconcilable differences. Though their romantic relationship ended, their professional connection and friendship endured, demonstrating that the end of a marriage doesn’t necessarily mean the end of caring.

When Slater finally addressed their separation on the “Viall Files” podcast, she revealed the nuanced and mature nature of their split. “We’re still like family, so it isn’t really like the love is not there, it’s actually not that at all,” she explained, highlighting that their breakup wasn’t due to a lack of affection. “We’re just at potentially two different places. But the hard part was that the love actually didn’t go [away].” The primary issue, Slater disclosed, centered around their differing timelines for starting a family. “It’s really the kid thing. It’s interesting because I do want to have kids, I just don’t want to delay Sasha’s path in having kids because I know that he is ready for that.” This candid revelation offers a glimpse into the complex and often bittersweet decisions couples must make when their individual life goals no longer align, even when love remains.

The current season of Dancing With the Stars finds Slater partnered with comedian Andy Richter, showcasing her continued professional success on the show that has been central to her career. While Farber isn’t competing as a professional dancer this season, he maintains his connection to the DWTS family by hosting the show’s social media coverage. This arrangement allows both dancers to maintain their professional relationships with the program while navigating their new dynamic as colleagues rather than spouses. Their ability to work in the same environment demonstrates remarkable emotional intelligence and professionalism, setting an example for how former couples can continue to thrive in shared spaces without awkwardness or animosity.

Both Slater and Farber have moved forward in their personal lives while maintaining respect for their shared history. In October 2024, sources revealed that Slater had begun a relationship with fellow Dancing With the Stars professional Alan Bersten. Their romance later became public when they shared a kiss during the 2025 DWTS Live Tour, confirming what fans had suspected. Farber, meanwhile, dated former Bachelorette Jenn Tran after being paired with her on the show, though Us Weekly confirmed in June that their relationship had ended after one year. These new chapters in their romantic lives highlight how both dancers have continued to pursue happiness while preserving the mutual respect established during their marriage.

The interaction between Slater and Farber represents something increasingly rare in celebrity breakups: genuine amicability and enduring fondness. In an entertainment landscape often dominated by bitter divorces and public feuds, their warm exchange offers a refreshing alternative narrative. Their story reminds us that relationships, even when they don’t last forever, can still result in lasting connections based on shared experiences and mutual respect. As they continue their individual journeys on and off the dance floor, Slater and Farber demonstrate that sometimes the most graceful moves happen not during a performance, but in how we handle life’s transitions. Their ability to maintain kindness and professionalism toward one another speaks volumes about their characters and offers an inspiring example of how to honor a relationship even after its romantic conclusion.