Sasha Farber Returns to Dancing With the Stars in New Role
In an unexpected twist for Dancing With the Stars fans, Sasha Farber is making his return to the beloved dance competition show—just not in the capacity many had hoped. While the veteran dancer won’t be competing as a professional partner this season, ABC announced via Instagram on Monday, September 15, that Farber will take on a special role during the season 34 premiere. The 41-year-old dancer will host live backstage coverage on TikTok during the opening night on Tuesday, September 16, giving viewers an intimate behind-the-scenes look at the ballroom magic. Farber himself expressed enthusiasm about this new opportunity, commenting on the announcement: “Can’t wait to showwwwww you guys around the ballroom and take you backstage!!!!!!!!!” His excitement was matched by fans who, while disappointed not to see him on the dance floor, were grateful he would still be part of the DWTS family in some capacity.
The news comes as a consolation prize for Farber’s dedicated followers who were dismayed when ABC revealed the professional dancer lineup for season 34 earlier this month—a list that notably excluded Farber, who has been with the show since 2013. Farber had already addressed his absence from the roster in a touching TikTok video last month, showing remarkable grace and humor in the face of disappointment. “It is a beautiful day today. Guys, the Dancing With the Stars cast announcement was today. Wow, so many good names,” he said in the video. “Who are you going to vote for? I mean, I know who I’m going to vote for. I know who you’re not going to vote for—that’s me. But that’s OK.” The dancer took the opportunity to thank his supporters, saying, “Thank you all so much for all your incredible messages. I read them all, I see it all, I adore you. I definitely don’t deserve you because you guys are amazing. I love you.”
Fellow DWTS professional Val Chmerkovskiy offered some perspective on Farber’s situation when speaking exclusively to Us Weekly at the VMAs. Chmerkovskiy, who will be partnered with social media star Alix Earle this season, explained that the decision wasn’t “personal” but rather “the nature of the business.” This insight offers a glimpse into the show’s casting process, which can often be unpredictable for the professional dancers. The rotating nature of the pro lineup means that even seasoned veterans like Farber can find themselves sitting out a season, sometimes learning of their status at the last possible moment. The pairings between celebrities and professionals depend on various factors including height compatibility and personality matches, making each season’s lineup a complex puzzle for producers to solve.
Adding another layer of complexity to Farber’s situation is the presence of his ex-wife, Emma Slater, who will be returning as a professional dancer partnered with comedian Andy Richter. Farber and Slater finalized their divorce in May 2024, and Slater has since begun a relationship with fellow DWTS pro Alan Bersten, who will be dancing with actress Elaine Hendrix this season. Despite these potentially awkward personal dynamics, Farber’s willingness to remain involved with the show demonstrates his professionalism and genuine love for the DWTS community. His new backstage role will allow him to maintain his connection with the show while giving fans unique access to moments they might otherwise miss on the broadcast.
Season 34 boasts an impressive roster of celebrity contestants alongside their professional partners. In addition to Alix Earle with Val Chmerkovskiy, the lineup includes Hilaria Baldwin paired with Gleb Savchenko, actor Corey Feldman dancing with Jenna Johnson, and Boy Meets World star Danielle Fishel performing with Pasha Pashkov, among others. This diverse mix of personalities promises to deliver the entertaining blend of competition, personal growth stories, and spectacular performances that have made Dancing With the Stars a television staple for over a decade. The combination of established stars and emerging talents creates the perfect environment for the unexpected breakthroughs and emotional journeys that viewers have come to expect from the series.
While Farber’s fans will undoubtedly miss seeing his choreography and performances on the dance floor this season, his new role providing backstage coverage offers a silver lining and suggests that the door remains open for his potential return as a professional in future seasons. His positive attitude toward this alternative position speaks volumes about his character and dedication to the show that has been such a significant part of his career. Dancing With the Stars season 34 premieres on ABC and Disney+ Tuesday, September 16, at 8 p.m. ET, with episodes available to stream the following day on Hulu. Whether watching for the competition, the glamour, or now for Farber’s exclusive backstage insights, fans have plenty to look forward to as another season of ballroom drama and dazzling performances begins.
