Key Takeaways:
- Sharna Burgess and Emma Slater dismiss rumors of toxicity on the set of Dancing With the Stars
- The dancers attribute online hate to a small faction of the show’s fandom and the desire for people to go viral with their opinions
- The show’s popularity has led to an increase in both online love and hate
- The dancers describe the atmosphere on set as "collaborative" and "supportive"
- Rumors of feuds between dancers are often exaggerated or false
Introduction to the Controversy
The popular TV show Dancing With the Stars has been surrounded by rumors of toxicity, but according to professional dancer Sharna Burgess, these rumors are unfounded. In a Q&A session on her Instagram Stories, Burgess addressed the issue, stating that she had never heard of the term "DWTS toxic" and assumed it referred to a certain faction of the show’s fandom. She emphasized that the show itself and the people involved are not toxic, and that the online hate is a separate issue. Burgess believes that the popularity of the show has led to an increase in both online love and hate, with some people trying to go viral with their opinions.
The Dancers’ Perspective
Burgess is not the only dancer to dismiss the toxicity rumors. Emma Slater, in an interview on the House of Maher podcast, described the atmosphere on set as "collaborative" and "supportive". She stated that the show has become "really wholesome" and that the rumors of toxicity are "could not be further from the truth". Alan Bersten, another professional dancer on the show, also spoke out against the rumors, saying that many articles about the show are inaccurate. He gave an example of an article that claimed he and Slater were fighting, which was completely false. In fact, Bersten and Slater are partners, both on and off the show.
The Impact of Social Media
The dancers attribute the online hate to the desire for people to go viral with their opinions. Burgess noted that with the show’s increased popularity, every person wants to share their "hot takes" and get attention. This can lead to the spread of misinformation and the creation of a toxic online environment. However, the dancers are quick to point out that this is not representative of the show itself or the people involved. They emphasize that the online love and support for the show far outweigh the hate, and that the positive energy on set is palpable.
The Show’s Popularity
Dancing With the Stars has experienced a resurgence in popularity, with Season 34 delivering the best ratings in nearly a decade. This increased popularity has led to a growing fan base, with both positive and negative reactions. While some people may be quick to criticize the show or its contestants, the dancers remain focused on the positive aspects of the show. They believe that the show’s popularity is a testament to its enduring appeal and the hard work of the cast and crew.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the rumors of toxicity on the set of Dancing With the Stars are unfounded, according to the show’s professional dancers. Sharna Burgess, Emma Slater, and Alan Bersten all describe the atmosphere on set as supportive and collaborative, and attribute the online hate to a small faction of the show’s fandom. While social media can be a breeding ground for misinformation and negativity, the dancers remain focused on the positive aspects of the show and the love and support of their fans. As the show continues to thrive, it’s clear that the rumors of toxicity will not bring down the morale of the cast and crew.