Emma Slater & Alan Bersten Comment On What ‘DWTS’ Con Will Bring To Fans

Times Square got a dose of ballroom romance this morning as “Dancing with the Stars” pros (and real-life couple) Emma Slater and Alan Bersten clocked in for a pre-Valentine’s Day “shift” at Raising Cane’s. Fresh off the “Dancing with the Stars: Live!” tour, the Mirrorball Trophy winners brought their chemistry straight to the front counter at Raising Cane’s Global Flagship in Times Square, serving fans hand-battered, cooked-to-order Chicken Fingers while turning the restaurant into a full fan moment.

From cheersing Cane’s cups to dancing on the counter, Slater and Bersten embraced the Cane’s experience. The couple snapped photos with fans, hung out in the Caniac Corner, and even shared a playful “Lady and the Tramp” moment with a crinkle-cut fry, because no Raising Cane’s shift is complete without a little fun.

Between handing out Box Combos, the duo chatted about Valentine’s Day, life on tour, and why Cane’s makes for a surprisingly perfect date spot. “I love that we get to dance together in front of a crowd on Valentine’s Day this year,” Bersten said. “It feels really special. We even have a number together, which makes it even better.”

Slater added that their Valentine’s plans are more low-key than lavish. “Nothing says Valentine’s Day like watching us dance,” she said. “We’ll probably find a coffee shop, sit, chat, and decompress. I’m romantic, though. I already bought him chocolates.”

The couple also opened up about the recently announced “DWTS” Convention, calling it “an immersive fan experience that brings the ballroom to life” with live panels, Q&As, shows, and exclusive merch, a major win for longtime fans of the franchise.

The epic three-day fan convention is set to take place in Palm Springs, California, from Friday, July 31, to Sunday, August 2. Alongside Slater and Bersten, fans can expect appearances from other pros, including Val Chmerkovskiy, Witney Carson, Gleb Savchenko, Daniella Karagach, Brandon Armstrong, Jenna Johnson, Sasha Farber, Rylee Arnold, Pasha Pashkov, Sharna Burgess, and more.

According to Ryan O’Dowd, President of Unscripted at BBC Studios and executive producer of “Dancing with the Stars,” the convention is designed to capture everything that makes the franchise so beloved.

“’Dancing with the Stars’ has always been about more than just competition. It’s about courage, connection, and the unforgettable moments that bring people together through dance,” O’Dowd said. “For years, our fans have been clamoring for even more ways to engage with the show, and we’re thrilled to have created this rare and immersive opportunity to experience the magic, the music, the movement, the emotion, and the heart that continues to make this show so special.”

Tickets are expected to go fast. General on-sale begins Saturday, February 14, at 7 a.m. ET via DWTSCON.com.

“Dancing with the Stars” fans have been watching Slater and Bersten’s story unfold for years, even if they didn’t realize it at the time. Both pros rose through the “DWTS” ranks as troupe members before earning full-time pro spots, spending season after season dancing side by side, touring together, and becoming staples of the franchise.

Slater built her reputation as one of the show’s most expressive performers, while Bersten emerged as a standout thanks to his unique technique and crowd-pleasing routines, a run that eventually led to his Mirrorball Trophy win. But somewhere between rehearsals, live shows, and nonstop tours, the professional connection turned personal.

“I think the second we went public, it was like, ‘Oh, nothing else matters,’” Bersten previously said on the “House of Maher” podcast. “I want everyone to know that Emma’s my girl, and I know she wants everyone to know that I’m her man.”

Off the dance floor, Slater and Bersten say one of their favorite parts of touring together is discovering new food spots in each city, making their Raising Cane’s stop feel especially on brand. “We’re foodies, so this is totally up our alley,” Slater joked. “It’s honestly killing me that Cane’s is right here and I haven’t eaten it yet!”

Bersten didn’t hesitate when asked about his go-to order. “I’d totally get a full cup of Cane’s sauce,” he laughed. “The little cups aren’t enough for four Chicken Fingers.”

Both pros agreed the hand-battered Chicken Fingers, marinated for at least 24 hours and cooked to order, are the real MVP, and that Cane’s welcoming, comfort-food vibe makes it an easy Valentine’s Day win. “Cane’s just feels friendly,” Bersten said. “It’s the kind of place you can relax, enjoy great food, and just have fun together.”