As of the 2026 television season, professional dancer Alan Bersten has never been partnered with celebrity chef Giada De Laurentiis on Dancing with the Stars (DWTS). While De Laurentiis is a frequent subject of fan casting and seasonal rumors, she has not competed on the show; Alan Bersten's actual partners include champions and notable figures like Hannah Brown and Amanda Kloots.
The Reality of Alan Bersten’s DWTS Partnership History
Since joining the professional roster of Dancing with the Stars, Alan Bersten has become one of the most recognizable and beloved dancers on the program. However, his list of partners does not include Giada De Laurentiis. The confusion often stems from the high volume of "dream cast" lists circulated by fans on social media and speculative entertainment blogs that frequently pair high-profile Food Network personalities with seasoned pro dancers.
Alan Bersten first appeared on the show in the troupe before making his debut as a professional partner in Season 25. Over the years, he has demonstrated a versatile coaching style, guiding athletes, influencers, and actors through the rigors of ballroom dance. His partnership history is well-documented, showing a consistent track record of high-scoring performances and deep runs in the competition.
To understand the current status of Alan’s partnerships, one must look at the actual celebrities he has mentored. His most significant achievement came in Season 28, when he and Bachelorette star Hannah Brown took home the Mirrorball Trophy. This win solidified his status as a top-tier pro. In subsequent seasons, he has worked with a variety of talent, ranging from Disney Channel stars to Olympic athletes, but the culinary world—and specifically Giada De Laurentiis—has yet to enter the ballroom under his guidance.
Who is Giada De Laurentiis in the Context of DWTS?
Giada De Laurentiis is an Emmy Award-winning television personality, chef, and writer, best known for her long-standing relationship with the Food Network. Her shows, such as Everyday Italian and Giada at Home, have made her a household name. Because DWTS frequently casts celebrities from various lifestyle niches—including chefs like Rocco DiSpirito, Bobby Flay (rumored), and Emeril Lagasse—De Laurentiis is often at the top of producers' wish lists.
Despite the persistent search queries suggesting a partnership between Alan Bersten and Giada De Laurentiis, De Laurentiis has maintained a focus on her culinary empire and restaurant ventures. In 2026, she remains a powerhouse in the food industry, which requires a schedule that rarely aligns with the grueling three-month rehearsal and filming commitment required for Dancing with the Stars. The speculation regarding her appearance often peaks during the late summer months when "leaked" cast lists begin to circulate online, many of which are purely speculative and lack official confirmation from ABC or Disney+.
Detailed History of Alan Bersten’s Actual Partners
To resolve any lingering ambiguity regarding Alan Bersten’s partner on DWTS, it is helpful to review his complete seasonal history. This record confirms that while he has worked with many high-profile women, the "Giada" in question has never been among them.
Early Seasons and the Rise to Pro Status
Alan Bersten initially gained fame on So You Think You Can Dance before joining the DWTS troupe. His first major "pro" moment occurred in Season 24, where he stepped in for an injured Maks Chmerkovskiy to dance with Heather Morris. Although he wasn't her official partner for the entire season, their chemistry was a highlight of the year.
In Season 25, he received his first official celebrity partner, 1980s pop icon Debbie Gibson. While they were eliminated relatively early (12th place), it established Alan as a patient and capable teacher. This was followed by Season 26 (the Athletes season), where he was paired with Olympic figure skater Mirai Nagasu. Their technical precision was impressive, though they were eliminated in a triple elimination round during the semi-finals.
The Mirrorball Era
The turning point for Alan’s career was Season 28. Partnered with Hannah Brown, Alan managed to navigate the intense media scrutiny surrounding the Bachelorette star. Their journey was characterized by emotional growth and technical improvement, eventually leading them to win the Mirrorball Trophy. This victory elevated Alan to the "elite" status of pros who have won the competition.
Recent Partnerships (2020–2025)
Following his win, Alan has continued to be a staple of the show. In Season 29, he was paired with Skai Jackson, reaching the semi-finals. In Season 30, he worked with Amanda Kloots, a partnership that was highly praised for its emotional depth and technical excellence, finishing in 4th place.
His more recent partners include Jessie James Decker (Season 31), Jamie Lynn Spears (Season 32), and the viral sensation Ilona Maher (Season 33). Each of these partnerships has been widely publicized, further confirming that Giada De Laurentiis has not been a participant during this timeframe.
| Season | Celebrity Partner | Professional Background | Final Placement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Season 25 | Debbie Gibson | Singer/Songwriter | 12th Place |
| Season 26 | Mirai Nagasu | Olympic Figure Skater | 4th Place |
| Season 27 | Alexis Ren | Model/Influencer | 4th Place |
| Season 28 | Hannah Brown | Reality TV (The Bachelorette) | Winner |
| Season 29 | Skai Jackson | Actress | 5th Place |
| Season 30 | Amanda Kloots | TV Host/Fitness Instructor | 4th Place |
| Season 31 | Jessie James Decker | Country Singer | 10th Place |
| Season 32 | Jamie Lynn Spears | Actress | 11th Place |
| Season 33 | Ilona Maher | Olympic Rugby Player | Top 5 |
Why Fans Often Link Giada De Laurentiis to Alan Bersten
The persistent idea that Alan Bersten's partner on DWTS is Giada De Laurentiis can be attributed to several factors inherent in modern SEO and fan culture. Understanding these can help clarify why this specific query exists despite the lack of factual basis.
- Fan Casting and "Dream Lists": Every year, fans create elaborate lists of celebrities they want to see on the show. Giada De Laurentiis is a staple on these lists due to her charisma and existing TV audience. When fans pair her with a popular pro like Alan Bersten, these "fan-fiction" pairings can sometimes be indexed by search engines, leading to confusion.
- Name Similarities: Occasionally, name confusion plays a role. While there hasn't been a "Giada" on the show, there have been partners with similar names or phonetic similarities (such as Gabby Windey, whom Alan danced with temporarily in Season 31 when her partner Val Chmerkovskiy had COVID-19).
- The "Chef" Archetype: DWTS often looks for a specific "type" of celebrity each season. The "Food Network Star" is a recurring archetype. Since Alan is a pro who often handles high-energy or technically demanding partners, he is a natural choice for fans to pair with a focused professional like De Laurentiis.
- Rumor Cycles: Entertainment news outlets often post "Possible Cast Members" articles to drive traffic. Giada's name is frequently mentioned as "in talks," which over time can be misremembered by casual viewers as a confirmed casting.
How DWTS Casting and Partnering Actually Works
To debunk the idea that a partnership could be "hidden," one must understand the transparency of the DWTS casting process. For a partnership like Alan Bersten and Giada De Laurentiis to exist, it would have to go through a specific set of public milestones.
The Selection Process
The production team at ABC/Disney+ selects celebrities based on current relevance, availability, and their "story potential." Once celebrities are signed, the creative team pairs them with professional dancers based on height, personality compatibility, and teaching style. Alan Bersten, standing at approximately 5'10", is typically paired with celebrities ranging from 5'2" to 5'8". Giada De Laurentiis, who is approximately 5'3", would be a physical match for Alan, which is likely why fans envision them together.
The Announcement Cycle
DWTS cast announcements follow a strict schedule. Typically, the celebrities are revealed on Good Morning America a few weeks before the season premiere. The professional pairings are either announced simultaneously or revealed in a special segment. Because of the high-profile nature of these announcements, there is no record of a "secret" partnership involving De Laurentiis.
Training and Rehearsals
Once partners are announced, they begin a rigorous training schedule that lasts upwards of 20 to 40 hours per week. This level of activity is impossible to hide from the paparazzi or social media, especially for someone with a public presence like Giada De Laurentiis. Any partnership involving Alan Bersten is immediately documented by fans at the rehearsal studios in Los Angeles.
Common Misconceptions About Professional Dancers' Roles
Another reason for the confusion may be a misunderstanding of Alan Bersten's role outside of the main DWTS seasons.
- DWTS Live Tours: Alan frequently headlines the Dancing with the Stars: Live! tours. These tours often feature guest stars or different pairings than the television show. However, Giada De Laurentiis has not appeared as a guest on these tours either.
- Other Reality Appearances: Both Alan and Giada appear on various talk shows (like The Today Show or The Kelly Clarkson Show). It is possible they have appeared on the same program as guests, leading to "search association" in Google's algorithms, where the names become linked in the minds of users.
- Social Media Interaction: In the digital age, a simple "like" or comment on Instagram between two celebrities can trigger a wave of rumors. If Alan Bersten were to comment on one of Giada's recipes, fan sites might immediately report that they are "working together," which quickly morphs into "they are DWTS partners."
Summary of Alan Bersten's Career Status in 2026
As of 2026, Alan Bersten remains one of the core professional dancers on Dancing with the Stars. His career has expanded into choreography and fitness, but his primary focus remains the ballroom. He continues to be a fan favorite due to his "golden retriever" energy and his ability to turn non-dancers into competent performers.
Giada De Laurentiis, meanwhile, has continued to expand her lifestyle brand. While her participation in Dancing with the Stars remains a "never say never" situation for the future, there is no historical or current evidence to support the claim that she has been Alan’s partner.
FAQ: Alan Bersten and DWTS Partners
Has Giada De Laurentiis ever been on Dancing with the Stars? No, Giada De Laurentiis has never been a contestant on Dancing with the Stars. Despite frequent rumors and her status as a popular TV personality, she has not competed for the Mirrorball Trophy as of the 2026 season.
Who is Alan Bersten’s partner for the current season? As of the most recent completed cycles leading into 2026, Alan Bersten’s most notable recent partner was Olympic rugby player Ilona Maher in Season 33. For the upcoming 2026 cycles, the official cast is typically announced by ABC shortly before the season premiere.
Did Alan Bersten ever win the Mirrorball Trophy? Yes, Alan Bersten won the Mirrorball Trophy in Season 28 with his celebrity partner Hannah Brown. They were a fan-favorite couple throughout the season and secured the win during the live finale.
Why do people think Giada De Laurentiis is on the show? The misconception is largely driven by "fan casting" lists and the fact that other celebrity chefs have appeared on the show. Her name is frequently used in speculative articles during the pre-season "rumor mill" period.
Has Alan Bersten ever danced with a chef? Alan Bersten has not yet been partnered with a professional chef. His partners have primarily come from the worlds of acting, reality television, sports, and music.
Final Recommendation for Fans
If you are looking for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding Alan Bersten’s partners, always refer to official announcements from the ABC Press Gallery or the verified Dancing with the Stars social media accounts. While rumors regarding celebrities like Giada De Laurentiis are common, they are rarely accurate until the official "GMA" reveal. For those interested in Alan's dance style, his past seasons with Hannah Brown and Amanda Kloots offer the best examples of his championship-level choreography.
