Alan Bersten Height Explained: The Physical Stats and Career Impact of the DWTS Pro

Alan Bersten stands at a height of 5 feet 10 inches (178 cm). This specific stature is widely regarded in the professional ballroom dance industry as an ideal "mid-range" height, providing him with the necessary limb length for elegant lines while maintaining a low enough center of gravity for high-speed Latin transitions.

The Official Height of Alan Bersten: 5'10" vs. 5'11"

In the world of professional entertainment and television, physical statistics are often subject to minor discrepancies depending on the source. For Alan Bersten, most official casting sheets and talent biographies list him at 5 feet 10 inches. However, some viewers often perceive him as taller, sometimes reaching 5'11", particularly when he is performing in specialized ballroom dance shoes.

Ballroom footwear for men typically includes a heel ranging from 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5 cm). This addition can easily push a dancer’s "performance height" closer to the six-foot mark. When analyzing Alan's height for professional purposes, it is essential to distinguish between his barefoot measurement and his height on the dance floor. In 2026, as he continues his tenure as a senior pro on Dancing with the Stars (DWTS), his 5’10” frame remains a cornerstone of his versatility as a partner.

Beyond the raw number, Alan’s athletic build—characterized by broad shoulders and a lean, tapered waist—enhances his presence. In the visual medium of television, a dancer’s proportions often matter more than their literal height. Because Alan possesses long limbs relative to his torso, he is able to create the "large" movements usually associated with much taller dancers, such as Gleb Savchenko or Artem Chigvintsev.

Why Height is Crucial for Professional Ballroom Dancers

In competitive ballroom and Latin dance, height is not merely a cosmetic attribute; it is a fundamental component of biomechanics and partnering. The "why" behind Alan Bersten's 5'10" height being "explained" so frequently lies in how it dictates his physical capabilities on the floor.

The Physics of the Ballroom Frame

The "frame" is the upper-body connection between two dancers. For a male lead, his height determines the placement of the woman’s hand on his shoulder and the alignment of their centers of gravity. If a male dancer is significantly taller than his partner, he must "dance down," which can compromise his posture and lead to lower back strain. Conversely, if a male dancer is too short for a tall female partner, the "topline" (the visual line created by the arms and shoulders) becomes broken, as the woman must reach down or the man must reach up.

At 5'10", Alan Bersten occupies the "sweet spot." He is tall enough to maintain a regal frame with partners who are 5'7" or 5'8", yet he is compact enough to avoid looking lanky or uncoordinated when performing fast-paced Jives or Sambas.

Rotational Velocity and Center of Gravity

Height significantly impacts rotational speed. Taller dancers (6'1" and above) often struggle with the "speed of footwork" required in Latin dances because their longer limbs take more time to move through space. Shorter dancers (5'7" and below) usually have a lower center of gravity, making them exceptionally fast but sometimes lacking the "reach" and "stature" required for the Waltz or Foxtrot.

Alan Bersten’s height allows him to bridge these two worlds. He possesses the rotational velocity to keep up with the fastest Latin tracks while still having enough "reach" to fill the floor in a standard ballroom dance. This technical balance is one of the primary reasons he was promoted from the DWTS Troupe to a Professional Partner.

Height Compatibility on Dancing with the Stars

One of the most complex tasks for the producers of Dancing with the Stars is matching celebrities with professional partners. Height is the primary filter used in this process. Because Alan Bersten is 5'10", he is one of the most flexible "utility" dancers on the roster.

Matching with Petite Partners

In previous seasons, Alan has been matched with celebrities who are significantly shorter than him. For example, when he danced with Olympic gymnast Sky Brown, the height difference was substantial. In such cases, Alan’s role was to use his height to provide a "protective" frame, making the smaller dancer appear larger and more powerful on the dance floor.

Matching with Tall Partners

The true test of a 5'10" pro comes when they are paired with a tall female celebrity. A notable example is his partnership with Amanda Kloots, who is approximately 5'10" herself. When a female partner wears 2.5-inch Latin heels, she can easily stand at 6'0" or 6'1", towering over a 5'10" male lead.

Alan’s ability to successfully partner with women of his own height or taller is a testament to his technical skill. He uses "body flight" and internal core strength to maintain the illusion of height parity, ensuring that the couple looks balanced to the judges and the home audience. This versatility makes him a "go-to" pro for celebrities who are considered "difficult to cast" due to their height.

Alan Bersten’s Career Trajectory: From SYTYCD to DWTS Champion

To understand why his physical presence has become so iconic, one must look at his progression through the ranks of televised dance. Alan did not simply appear as a pro; he earned his spot through a series of physical and technical evolutions.

Early Training and SYTYCD

Alan first gained national attention on Season 10 of So You Think You Can Dance (SYTYCD). At that time, he was a young ballroom specialist competing against contemporary and hip-hop dancers. His 5'10" frame was already an asset, as it gave him the "lines" needed to survive contemporary rounds while keeping him grounded enough for street styles.

The DWTS Troupe Years

After SYTYCD, Alan joined the Dancing with the Stars Troupe in Season 20. The Troupe acts as a support system for the main numbers, requiring dancers who can blend in perfectly. His standard height allowed him to fit into group formations seamlessly, whether he was standing next to the 6'0" Val Chmerkovskiy or the 5'7" Sasha Farber.

Breakthrough and Season 28 Victory

Alan's career reached its zenith (so far) when he won the Mirrorball Trophy in Season 28 with partner Hannah Brown. Hannah Brown stands at approximately 5'7". The 3-inch height difference between Alan and Hannah is considered the "golden ratio" for ballroom dancing. It allows the woman’s head to be at the correct level relative to the man’s shoulder, creating a perfect aesthetic in the "Closed Position."

Comparing Alan Bersten to Other DWTS Pros

When viewers ask about Alan Bersten’s height, they are often doing so to compare him with the other male professionals on the show. The male pros on DWTS generally fall into three height categories: The Tall Leads, The Mid-Range Leads (where Alan sits), and The Compact Leads.

The Tall Leads (6'0" and above)

Dancers like Gleb Savchenko (6'1"), Artem Chigvintsev (5'10.5" - 6'0"), and Brandon Armstrong (6'0") are typically reserved for the tallest female celebrities, such as supermodels or WNBA players. While they have incredible "reach," they sometimes struggle with the extreme agility required for high-speed Charleston or Jive routines.

The Mid-Range Leads (5'9" to 5'11")

This is the category occupied by Alan Bersten (5'10") and Val Chmerkovskiy (5'10"). These dancers are the workhorses of the show. They can be paired with almost anyone. They possess enough height to look "leading man" masculine in a Tango, but enough agility to perform acrobatic stunts and fast footwork.

The Compact Leads (5'8" and below)

Dancers like Sasha Farber (5'7") and Pasha Pashkov (5'8") are often paired with the more petite celebrities. Their lower center of gravity makes them the "kings of speed," but they can be visually overwhelmed if paired with a celebrity taller than 5'9".

Physical Fitness and Performance Longevity in 2026

As of 2026, Alan Bersten has maintained a rigorous fitness regimen that maximizes his 5'10" frame. Professional dancing at this level is incredibly demanding on the joints, particularly for a dancer of average height who must often "dance larger" than their actual size.

To maintain his "explained" height—meaning his posture and spinal alignment—Alan focuses heavily on Pilates and core stabilization. Posture is the "hidden" element of height. A 5'10" dancer with poor posture will look 5'8", while a 5'10" dancer with excellent spinal extension can appear 6'0" on stage.

By 2026, the industry has also seen an increase in the use of wearable technology to monitor dancer health. Reports indicate that Alan utilizes these tools to ensure his "leap height" and "rotational torque" remain at peak levels, proving that his 5'10" stature is optimized through modern sports science.

Common Misconceptions About Professional Dancers' Heights

There are several myths regarding the height of professional dancers that often lead to confusion about Alan Bersten specifically.

1. Myth: All male ballroom dancers are tall.
   • Fact: In the competitive world (WDSF/WDC), many of the greatest champions are between 5'8" and 5'10". Extreme height can actually be a disadvantage in the technical execution of Latin American dance.
2. Myth: Alan Bersten is "short" for a pro.
   • Fact: This perception usually comes from Alan standing next to exceptionally tall partners or taller colleagues like Gleb Savchenko. At 5'10", Alan is actually taller than the average American male (which is approximately 5'9").
3. Myth: Height determines the winner.
   • Fact: While height affects partnering, it does not affect the judges' scoring of rhythm, timing, and technique. Alan's win with Hannah Brown proved that technical precision and chemistry outweigh height "perfection."

Frequently Asked Questions

How tall is Alan Bersten in centimeters?

Alan Bersten is 178 centimeters tall. This is a standard conversion from 5 feet 10 inches. In international dance competitions, measurements are often taken in centimeters to provide a more precise "pairing index" for athletes.

Who is the tallest pro on Dancing with the Stars?

As of 2026, the tallest recurring male pro is typically Gleb Savchenko, who stands at 6'1" (185 cm). Brandon Armstrong is also among the tallest at approximately 6'0". Alan Bersten sits roughly in the middle of the male pro height spectrum.

Does Alan Bersten wear lifts in his shoes?

Alan wears standard ballroom and Latin dance shoes. While Latin shoes have a distinct heel (often 1.5 to 2 inches), these are not "lifts" in the traditional sense; they are functional tools designed to shift the dancer's weight onto the balls of their feet. This does, however, make him appear nearly 6 feet tall during performances.

Is Alan Bersten taller than his brother, Gene Bersten?

Gene Bersten, who is also an accomplished dancer and appeared on SYTYCD, is of a similar height to Alan. Both brothers share a similar athletic build and Slavic heritage, which often results in a sturdy, medium-height frame ideal for ballroom disciplines.

Who was Alan’s tallest dance partner?

Alan’s tallest partner to date was Amanda Kloots, who stands at 5'10". Dancing with a partner of the exact same height is a significant technical challenge for a male lead, as the lady’s heels will inevitably make her taller than him during the routine.

Final Practical Recommendation

If you are looking to Alan Bersten as a reference for your own dance journey or for casting purposes, remember that posture and proportion are more important than the raw number. Alan's success at 5'10" is due to his ability to maximize his "reach" through core strength and arm extension.

For fans following his career into the late 2020s, expect to see him continue to leverage his "mid-range" height to take on diverse partners. His stature is a key component of his "leading man" appeal, offering a balance of strength, agility, and relatable athleticism that has made him a fan favorite for over a decade.