5 Surprising Truths About Amanda Kloots And Alan Bersten’s Rollercoaster Relationship: From 'Mean' To Best Friends

The dynamic between a celebrity and their professional partner on Dancing with the Stars (DWTS) often becomes the show’s most compelling drama, but few partnerships have had a more dramatic and public evolution than that of Amanda Kloots and Alan Bersten. What began as a highly competitive and, by Kloots' own admission, "rocky" pairing during Season 30 in 2021 has transformed into a deep, enduring friendship that continues to make headlines and surprise fans as recently as late 2024 and 2025. This article dives into the five most surprising truths about their bond, revealing the behind-the-scenes conflict, the emotional breakthroughs, and the enduring connection that defines their relationship today.

As of late 2024, the story of Amanda and Alan is less about ballroom chemistry and more about personal growth, with Kloots openly discussing the challenging nature of their rehearsals and how she believes she helped Bersten "become a nicer person." Their journey is a testament to how intense professional pressure can forge an unbreakable personal bond, proving that sometimes, the greatest friendships emerge from the toughest trials.

Amanda Kloots and Alan Bersten: Complete Biographical Profile

To fully appreciate the context of their intense partnership, it is important to understand the professional backgrounds of both the television personality and the professional dancer.

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Amanda Kloots (Television Personality, Dancer, Author)

• Full Name: Amanda Kloots-Larsen
• Born: March 19, 1982 (Canton, Ohio, USA)
• Career Highlights: Former Broadway dancer and Radio City Rockette; celebrity fitness instructor; co-host on the CBS talk show The Talk (2021-2024); author of the New York Times bestseller, Live Your Life.
• DWTS History: Competed on Season 30 in 2021, placing 4th with partner Alan Bersten.
• Personal Life: Widowed after her husband, Broadway star Nick Cordero, tragically passed away from COVID-19 complications in 2020, a central theme of her emotional journey on DWTS.

Alan Bersten (Professional Latin and Ballroom Dancer, Choreographer)

• Full Name: Alan Bersten
• Born: May 26, 1994 (Minnesota, USA)
• Career Highlights: American professional Latin and ballroom dancer; contestant on So You Think You Can Dance Season 10 (2013); joined Dancing with the Stars as a troupe member in Season 20, becoming a professional partner in Season 25.
• DWTS History: Notable partnerships include Alexis Ren (Season 27, 4th place), Hannah Brown (Season 28, Winner), and Amanda Kloots (Season 30, 4th place).
• Professional Style: Known for his high-energy, demanding choreography and intense focus on technique and performance quality.

Revelation 1: The Partnership Started Out "Very Mean"

The most shocking revelation about the Kloots-Bersten partnership came long after the mirrorball trophy was awarded. Amanda Kloots publicly disclosed that their rehearsals for Season 30 were incredibly challenging, far from the smooth, supportive dynamic fans often assume.

In a candid interview, Kloots admitted that Alan Bersten was "very mean" to her during their initial time together on the show. She described an atmosphere where she often "got yelled at" by the professional dancer, an experience that she felt was pushing her to the brink.

This admission immediately sparked intense fan discussion and media coverage. Kloots clarified that the pressure of the competition, combined with Bersten’s demanding professional style, created a tense and sometimes conflict-ridden rehearsal environment. The intensity was so high that Kloots suggested she felt the show was trying to push her to have a "breakdown."

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This context is crucial for understanding the depth of their eventual friendship. Their bond was not built on easy agreement, but on surviving a high-pressure, emotionally charged, shared experience.

Revelation 2: Kloots Claims She Helped Bersten "Become a Nicer Person"

Perhaps the freshest and most unique update in their story came in late 2024 when Amanda Kloots reflected on the impact she had on her former partner. Kloots stated that she believes she helped Alan Bersten "become a nicer person" after their intense experience together.

This comment suggests a significant shift in Bersten’s approach to professional partnerships following their season. Kloots acknowledged that Bersten has "grown up a lot in the last couple of years," indicating a positive personal evolution. This narrative turns the typical celebrity-pro dynamic on its head; instead of the pro teaching the star how to dance, the star helped the pro learn a lesson in empathy and communication.

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The core of this growth story lies in Bersten’s willingness to listen and change. The initial conflict was a clash of two strong personalities—Kloots, a driven fitness entrepreneur and former Broadway performer, and Bersten, a highly focused, award-winning ballroom choreographer. Their ability to move past the friction and forge a lasting friendship suggests a mutual respect that transcended the competition.

Revelation 3: They Are Now "The Best of Friends" with "Undeniable Chemistry"

Despite the initial "mean" dynamic, the most important truth about Amanda Kloots and Alan Bersten is their current relationship status: they are the best of friends.

Kloots has repeatedly clarified her earlier comments, emphasizing her deep affection for Bersten. She posted a selfie with him on social media, stating, "I love @alanberston very much! We became the best of friends during DWTS and still are today!"

This close, post-show friendship is a major source of topical authority for the DWTS fandom. Their bond is often cited as an example of the genuine, deep connections the show can create. Fans and commentators frequently noted their "undeniable chemistry" on the dance floor, which fueled speculation about a potential romantic relationship during their run. While they consistently denied any romance, their strong emotional connection was a key factor in their success, helping them reach the semi-finals.

Their ongoing friendship, evidenced by social media interactions and public support for each other’s careers, serves as a powerful LSI keyword entity, reinforcing the positive outcome of their tumultuous partnership.

Revelation 4: The Emotional Tribute That Defined Their Journey

A pivotal moment that solidified their bond and defined their Season 30 journey was their deeply emotional performance dedicated to Kloots' late husband, Nick Cordero. Dancing to Cordero's song, "Live Your Life," Kloots delivered one of the most poignant and memorable dances in DWTS history.

This performance was not just a dance; it was a public act of healing and remembrance. Alan Bersten’s role in choreographing and supporting Kloots through such a vulnerable moment demonstrated a level of care and professional sensitivity that helped bridge the gap created by their earlier rehearsal conflicts. The dance earned them a perfect score and showcased the deep trust they had built, proving that Bersten could temper his demanding nature with profound emotional support.

This emotional high point is a critical entity in the Amanda Kloots narrative, highlighting her resilience and Bersten’s capability as a partner who can prioritize the human element over mere technical perfection.

Revelation 5: The Enduring Legacy of the "Kloots-Bersten Effect"

The "Kloots-Bersten Effect" refers to the enduring impact of their story on the DWTS professional ecosystem. Their partnership highlighted the intense pressure on both the celebrities and the professional dancers, particularly regarding the mental and emotional toll of the competition.

By speaking openly about the challenges—the yelling, the pressure, and the push for a breakdown—Kloots ignited a conversation about the professional boundaries and communication styles within the ballroom. Her subsequent clarification, stating that Alan has matured and they are now best friends, offers a positive framework: that professional conflict, when handled with honesty and reflection, can lead to profound personal growth for all parties involved.

Their story is a powerful case study in the evolution of a professional relationship under extreme scrutiny. It confirms that the greatest takeaway from Dancing with the Stars is often not the mirrorball trophy, but the unexpected, lifelong human connections forged in the fire of intense competition. Their continuing friendship, as confirmed in recent 2024 updates, remains a beloved and highly scrutinized entity by DWTS fans.