Updated: March 9, 2026
Hey everyone, if you’ve been following Dancing with the Stars, you probably remember the sweet on-screen romance between pros Emma Slater and Sasha Farber. They were that couple who seemed to have it all—sparkly dances, a proposal on live TV, and a fairy-tale wedding. But like many real-life stories, things took a turn. Their divorce made headlines, and even years later, fans are still curious about the details. Let’s break it down honestly and respectfully.
Table of Contents
How Emma and Sasha’s Love Story Began
Emma Slater and Sasha Farber’s connection started on the ballroom floor. They first dated back in 2011, split for a bit in 2014, then reunited in 2015. The big moment came in 2016 when Sasha proposed to Emma during a live DWTS episode—super romantic and very public!
They tied the knot in March 2018 in a beautiful ceremony surrounded by friends and family from the dance world. For years, they were the ultimate DWTS power couple, supporting each other through seasons, choreographing routines, and sharing glimpses of their life together. It looked picture-perfect from the outside.
The Split: When Things Started to Change
Things shifted quietly. The couple separated in April 2022, though the public didn’t hear about it until August 2022 when reports confirmed they’d been apart for months. Emma officially filed for divorce in February 2023, citing irreconcilable differences.
What made this split stand out was how amicable it seemed—no messy public fights, no drama. They kept working together on Dancing with the Stars, which says a lot about their maturity and respect for each other.
Here are some key timeline highlights in a quick table:
| Event | Date | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Started Dating | 2011 | Met through DWTS world |
| Brief Breakup | 2014 | Short separation |
| Reconciliation | 2015 | Got back together |
| On-Stage Proposal | 2016 | During live DWTS show |
| Marriage | March 2018 | Beautiful wedding |
| Separation | April 1, 2022 | Official legal separation date |
| Public Split Announcement | August 2022 | Reports confirm they’ve been apart |
| Divorce Filing | February 2023 | Emma files, citing irreconcilable differences |
| Divorce Finalized | May 16, 2024 | Judge approves settlement |
The Real Reason Behind the Divorce
Emma opened up in a candid August 2023 interview on The Viall Files podcast. She explained that the main issue was timing around having children.
She said something along the lines of: It’s really the kid thing. She wants kids eventually, but she wasn’t ready yet, and she didn’t want to hold Sasha back because he was ready to start a family. Emma emphasized it “had nothing to do with him” personally—the love was still there, but life paths were diverging.
Sasha has stayed pretty private about his side, but he’s hinted in interviews that there’s no bad blood. He values the years they had and focuses on staying friends. Even in recent chats (as late as 2025), they’ve joked around together on social media, showing they’ve moved into a positive post-marriage friendship.
No spousal support was involved—Emma waived it in the final settlement, and they handled property division smoothly.
Life After the Divorce for Emma and Sasha
Fast-forward to today, and both are thriving in their careers. Emma continues killing it on DWTS, partnering with celebs and shining in the ballroom. She’s even been linked to fellow pro Alan Bersten in more recent rumors, and she seems happy focusing on her passion for dance.
Sasha is still a fan favorite on the show, known for his fun energy and strong choreography. He’s spoken about appreciating the friendship he maintains with Emma—no hate, just gratitude for the good times.
It’s refreshing to see a Hollywood (or in this case, ballroom) split end without bitterness. They proved you can love someone deeply, realize you’re on different pages, and still wish them the best.
Conclusion: Lessons from Emma and Sasha’s Journey
The Emma and Sasha divorce reminds us that even the most magical relationships can face real-life challenges like differing timelines for big decisions (kids, career focus, etc.). What stands out most is their grace—they chose respect over drama, kept professionalism on the show, and turned exes into genuine friends.
If you’re going through something similar, take heart: endings don’t have to be ugly. Communication, honesty, and kindness go a long way. Wishing both Emma and Sasha all the happiness and success ahead—whether on the dance floor or in whatever comes next.
What do you think about their story? Drop your thoughts in the comments—I’d love to hear!