The Shocking Truth: Was Alan Bersten "Very Mean" To Amanda Kloots? Inside Their DWTS Tension And Enduring Friendship

The dynamic partnership between television personality Amanda Kloots and professional dancer Alan Bersten captivated millions during Season 30 of Dancing with the Stars, culminating in a strong fourth-place finish. However, as of late 2025, a seemingly innocuous comment from Kloots has reignited discussion about the tension behind the scenes, casting a surprising shadow on their journey to the semi-finals.

The recent revelation that Kloots described her professional partner as "very mean" during their strenuous time together immediately sent shockwaves through the DWTS fanbase. While the comment was quickly clarified as a reflection of the intense training environment, it offers a fascinating, up-to-the-minute look at the complicated, high-pressure bond that forms between a celebrity contestant and their pro dancer.

Complete Biography Profile: Amanda Kloots and Alan Bersten

To fully understand the context of their intense partnership and subsequent friendship, it is essential to look at the professional backgrounds of both the celebrity and the pro.

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Amanda Kloots: The Talk Co-Host and Broadway Veteran

• Full Name: Amanda Kloots
• Born: March 19, 1982
• Hometown: Canton, Ohio
• Career Highlights: Former Broadway dancer (including roles in "Good Vibrations" and "Young Frankenstein"), former Radio City Rockette, fitness instructor (creator of the AK! fitness method), author ("Live Your Life"), and current co-host of the CBS daytime talk show, The Talk.
• Personal Life Note: Kloots' emotional journey on DWTS Season 30 was deeply tied to the loss of her husband, Broadway star Nick Cordero, who tragically passed away from COVID-19 complications in 2020.

Alan Bersten: The DWTS Professional Dancer

• Full Name: Alan Bersten
• Born: May 26, 1994
• Hometown: Minnetonka, Minnesota
• Career Highlights: Professional Latin and Ballroom dancer, contestant on Season 10 of So You Think You Can Dance, joined the DWTS Troupe in Season 20, and became a full-time professional partner in Season 25. He won the Mirrorball Trophy in Season 28 with celebrity partner Hannah Brown.
• DWTS Partnerships: He has been partnered with notable celebrities including Debbie Gibson, Alexis Ren, and Skai Jackson.

The "Very Mean" Controversy: Inside the DWTS Rehearsal Room

The core of the recent media buzz stems from an interview where Amanda Kloots reflected on the demanding nature of the Dancing with the Stars process. The celebrity contestant admitted that the training for Season 30 was far more intense and emotionally challenging than she had anticipated, particularly due to her public grief and the pressure of learning complex choreography.

In a candid moment, Kloots stated that Alan Bersten, known for his rigorous training style and desire to win the coveted Mirrorball, was "very mean" to her during rehearsals. This comment was not meant to disparage Bersten’s character, but rather to highlight the intensity of his professional coaching. The dynamic was less about a personal relationship and more about the high-stakes environment of competitive ballroom dancing.

The former Radio City Rockette explained that while her background was in Broadway-style dancing, the technique and discipline required for Latin and Ballroom dances—such as the Tango, Rumba, and Viennese Waltz—were a completely different challenge. Alan, as her professional coach, pushed her limits, leading to moments of frustration and tears, a common experience for many celebrities on the show.

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From Tension to Triumph: The Season 30 Journey

Despite the admitted tension in the rehearsal studio, the "Team Alakloots" partnership was undeniably successful on the dance floor. Their performances were consistently praised by the judges, including Carrie Ann Inaba, Len Goodman, and Derek Hough, for their emotional depth and technical improvement.

Kloots' personal story—her resilience following the loss of Nick Cordero and her dedication to honoring his memory through dance—deeply resonated with the audience. Alan Bersten was instrumental in channeling that emotion into powerful routines, such as their memorable Contemporary dance, which became a highlight of *DWTS* Season 30. Their commitment ultimately secured them a spot in the semi-finals, demonstrating that their intense partnership was built on a foundation of mutual respect and professional dedication.

Alan Bersten himself has publicly acknowledged the depth of their connection, stating that Amanda Kloots taught him "so much" and that he was incredibly proud of her journey. This mutual admiration, which transcended the competitive pressure, solidified their bond long after the final scores were tallied.

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The Enduring Friendship: Clarifying the Current Status

Crucially, Amanda Kloots was quick to clarify her "mean" comments after they gained traction in the press. She took to social media and her platform on The Talk to ensure the public understood the true nature of their current relationship.

Kloots emphasized that the challenging moments were a product of the high-stakes DWTS environment and Alan's commitment to excellence, not a reflection of his personal character. In a heartfelt post, she confirmed: "I love Alan Bersten very much! We became the best of friends during DWTS and still are today!"

This clarification is vital, as it highlights a common theme in the world of competitive dancing: the intense, sometimes volatile, energy required to push a celebrity to their physical and emotional limits often results in a deep, lasting connection. The professional relationship, which requires a blend of tough love and emotional support, ultimately forged an unbreakable personal bond between the two stars. The ongoing friendship between the co-host and the professional dancer is a testament to the transformative power of the *Dancing with the Stars* experience.

In the end, the story of Amanda Kloots and Alan Bersten is not one of a failed partnership, but of a tough, successful professional collaboration that blossomed into a genuine, enduring friendship, proving that even the "meanest" of coaches can be the best of friends.