Gleb Savchenko's rant about Alan Bersten sparks studio drama

# Gleb Savchenko Blasts Alan Bersten, Calls Him “Not Up to Dancing” When the “Dedication Night” announcement surfaced, it was the former “Dancing With the Stars” professional Gleb Savchenko who turned the studio into a hotbed of controversy.

During a TikTok livestream, the 43‑year‑old critiqued Alan Bersten’s recent promotion, labeling him “not up to the level of dancing.” The comment came after the network confirmed Bersten would step in for Val Chmerkovskiy, who was temporarily sidelined following a suspension.

The move caught the attention of fans and insiders alike because it highlighted a growing fissure among the show’s dance crew.

Savchenko, who has been a pro since 2016, expressed frustration that the replacement seemed ill‑suited for the high‑profile “Dedication Night” performance featuring Jenna Dewan, a former “Step Up” star.

His blunt remarks, aired live, suggested that someone from the current troupe might have been a more appropriate choice. The implications are significant.

Beyond the surface-level critique, Savchenko’s words reveal underlying tensions about artistry versus televised entertainment, a debate that has surfaced many times on the show.

The incident underscores the delicate balance producers must maintain when assigning professional dancers to celebrity partners, especially under the scrutiny of a national audience. ## Background & Context The drama began with Val Chmerkovskiy’s sudden one‑week suspension.

A deleted TikTok post of his—musing about the infamous Will Smith Oscars incident—caught the attention of judges and viewers alike, leading to his temporary removal from the competition.

Chmerkovskiy’s absence left a vacancy for a replacement to perform with Jenna Dewan on “Dedication Night,” a segment that often carries high stakes for a show’s ratings. Alan Bersten, a 32‑year‑old dancer who has competed on multiple seasons of the program, was chosen to fill the spot.

Bersten previously secured the Mirrorball Trophy in 2019 alongside his partner, “Bachelorette” star Hannah Brown. In contrast, Gleb Savchenko has never won the top prize, his highest placement being a fourth‑place finish three times.

These differing track records have long fueled rivalries within the dance corps, as performers compare achievements and debating who deserves marquee assignments.

The decision to pair Bersten with Dewan was announced by the show’s producers, who likely weighed factors such as availability, chemistry, and previous audience reception. Yet, the move proved contentious among the crew, culminating in Savchenko’s livestream outburst.

He criticized Bersten’s technique, remarking that while Bersten might be competent for television, he fell short in artistic depth. “He’s a good dancer, I guess, for TV, but if we talk about art?

Like, creating art? He’s like, eh,” he added. ## What People Are Saying Savchenko’s remarks ignited a flurry of reactions across social media platforms.

Some fans echoed his sentiment, praising his honesty and labeling Bersten’s style as “TV‑friendly.” Others defended the 32‑year‑old, . The broader conversation touched on a recurring theme: the distinction between commercial success and artistic mastery in dance.

Within the studio, whispers of tension grew louder. Several dancers hinted that the assignment decision was premature, suggesting a troupe member could have better matched Dewan’s style.

Bersten’s own recent experience—his partnership with Food Network star Giada De Laurentiis ending in week two—has not helped him maintain the confidence that comes with such high‑profile responsibilities.

While he has proven himself a competent performer, critics argue that the “Dedication Night” demands a higher caliber of technical precision and emotional expression. Outside the studio, viewers speculated about the implications for future seasons.

Some argued that the producers may have erred by choosing a dancer with a history of early eliminations, potentially jeopardizing audience engagement. Others maintained that the show thrives on unpredictability, and that assigning a younger, less experienced pro could inject fresh energy.

Regardless of the outcome, Savchenko’s bold critique has amplified the dialogue about what constitutes true dance artistry in a commercial setting. ## What Happens Next The show’s producers are expected to review the decision in light of the backlash.

While there is no indication of a reversal, the studio atmosphere has noticeably changed. The 43‑year‑old Gleb Savchenko, recently retired from competition, released a statement on Instagram thanking fans for their support and announcing his readiness for a new chapter.

He expressed gratitude for his years on the ballroom floor and conveyed optimism about future opportunities, all while avoiding any reference to the controversy. In the immediate term, the “Dedication Night” will proceed with Alan Bersten as the chosen partner for Jenna Dewan.

Fans can expect the duo to perform a routine that must satisfy both the judges and the viewing public. If the performance fails to impress, it could prompt further scrutiny of the assignment process and possibly lead to a reshuffle for subsequent weeks.

Conversely, a strong showing may vindicate the producers’ choice and quell some of the criticism directed at Bersten. Beyond the season, the incident may influence how future professional dancers are selected for televised performances.

Producers might reconsider the criteria they use, perhaps placing greater emphasis on past award placements or technical mastery rather than simply the ability to deliver a polished on‑camera routine.

For dancers like Savchenko and Bersten, the episode underscores the ongoing negotiation between artistic integrity and commercial appeal—an equilibrium that will shape the show’s trajectory for years to come. The night’s outcome will likely be a decisive moment for all involved.

As the audience waits to see the routine, the industry watches closely, hoping for a resolution that balances both the art of dance and the demands of the entertainment world.