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- What sparked the feud: a TikTok livestream and blunt criticism
- Louis van Amstel’s public response and appeal for unity
- How the cast and hosts addressed the substitution on air
- Rules and realities behind a mid-season partner swap
- Reactions and restraint: Louis chooses not to escalate
- Who’s who: the principals involved
- What this means for the DWTS community and viewers
A burst of online drama has erupted among Dancing With the Stars alumni after a substitute partner stepped in on live TV. Former pro Louis van Amstel publicly criticized fellow alum Gleb Savchenko for attacking Alan Bersten’s temporary role, and the exchange has reignited debate about loyalty, criticism, and life behind the ballroom curtain.
What sparked the feud: a TikTok livestream and blunt criticism
Gleb Savchenko took to TikTok Live to express doubts about Alan Bersten filling in for Val Chmerkovskiy during a one-week absence. In the stream, Gleb questioned Alan’s artistic depth and technique for the role, framing his remarks as an assessment of dance quality rather than television performance.
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- Gleb’s critique called Alan “good for TV” but suggested he falls short when it comes to creating dance as art.
- Context: Val was temporarily unavailable after sharing social media comments involving judge Carrie Ann Inaba.
Louis van Amstel’s public response and appeal for unity
Louis van Amstel, a veteran pro from the show’s early seasons, posted an Instagram video calling out Gleb’s comments. He said the critique missed the bigger point about what the show represents.
Van Amstel argued that Dancing With the Stars is built on collaboration and uplifting competitors. He reminded viewers that producers decide replacements and that pros on the show work under specific contracts during a season.
Key passage: Louis urged his colleagues to support one another, warning that airing harsh judgments publicly undermines the community the program aims to build.
How the cast and hosts addressed the substitution on air
The episode following the controversy opened with cohost Alfonso Ribeiro acknowledging Val’s absence and Alan Bersten partnering with Jenna Dewan for the week. The mention was brief and professional, with no on-air drama from the hosts.
During their dance package, Alan expressed gratitude for the chance to step in and praised Jenna for handling the switch with composure. Judge Carrie Ann Inaba also complimented Jenna’s performance and emotional commitment on stage.
Rules and realities behind a mid-season partner swap
Louis highlighted industry realities many viewers may not see. Pros under contract often remain part of the show’s programming even after an elimination. When a partner swap occurs, the decision is typically taken by producers, not by the fellow pros.
- Professional dancers sign season contracts that cover the full run.
- Producers select replacements based on availability and show needs.
- Public commentary about those choices can affect cast camaraderie.
Reactions and restraint: Louis chooses not to escalate
Louis said he could respond with his own stories about Gleb, but chose to stop short of retaliation. He offered a measured defense of Alan and underscored personal respect for Gleb’s skills and his role as a parent and performer.
His message: protect the group’s cohesion and avoid turning the show into a platform for tearing each other down.
Who’s who: the principals involved
- Louis van Amstel – Former long-running pro on Dancing With the Stars, now speaking out in defense of colleagues.
- Gleb Savchenko – Ex-pro who voiced public criticism from a recent livestream.
- Alan Bersten – Stepped in for Val during a one-week absence and performed with Jenna Dewan.
- Val Chmerkovskiy – Absent that week after a social media controversy involving judge Carrie Ann Inaba.
- Jenna Dewan – Pro partner who adapted to a last-minute switch and received praise for her performance.
- Alfonso Ribeiro & Carrie Ann Inaba – Host and judge who addressed the situation with professionalism on air.
What this means for the DWTS community and viewers
The episode and the fallout highlight tensions between candid critique and solidarity among performers. Fans watching behind-the-scenes commentary on platforms like TikTok are now seeing how quickly opinions can become public and how those remarks ripple through the cast.
The situation also serves as a reminder that televised dance competitions mix entertainment with professional responsibility. Decisions about replacements and on-air messaging are shaped by producers, contracts, and the show’s broader mission to celebrate transformation.
