EXCLUSIVE: DWTS Pro Emma Slater on Historic Routines, Favorite Celebs and More

Having been on Dancing with the Stars since Season 17, Emma Slater is nothing short of a seasoned pro. Just seven seasons after her debut, Emma won her first Mirrorball. And seven years on, Emma’s still dancing just fine, despite the sometimes-frequent foot pain. But that’s why she teamed up with OOFOS. Emma spoke with us about all things DWTS – partners, dances, stars, and hours spent in narrow high heels.

Emma confirms she’s still in touch with Mauricio

When asked about her previous partners, Emma revealed, “I keep in touch with almost all of them! The ones that I still stay in good contact with are James Van Der Beek, Rashad Jennings, and Mauricio Umansky . And Bill Engvall always holds a special place in my heart!” Bill was Emma’s first partner in the show’s history.

Fans will recall that Emma placed fourth with Bill, fifth with James, and won with Rashad. Speaking of Rashad, Emma revealed that her all-time favorite performance on the show was her contemporary alongside the athlete. “It still gives me the chills,” she said, “because he dedicated that dance to his late father and so every ounce of it felt special and delicate. It really meant a lot to him. I remember dancing it with Rashad and it felt like we didn’t breathe the whole time!”

As for her favorite star on the show who wasn’t her partner, Emma enthusiastically replied, “Alfonso Ribiero! No brainer. Him and his wife are family to me, he’s like my brother.” Indeed, everyone loves Alfonso.

Emma reveals her thoughts on VPR and Ariana Madix

As most reality TV fans are aware, a good chunk of Vanderpump Rules Season 11 drama revolved around DWTS. What did Emma think of it all? Well, she admitted, “I must confess I do not watch the show! But I love Ariana [Madix] , she was a firecracker on the show! Her week one tango was insane!”

“I think it’s important to welcome the natural dance ability of all types of celebrities on the show,” Emma later said regarding those stars who come in with natural talent. “It’s a very welcoming and encouraging dance environment we have, and the variety makes the show so entertaining. Some celebs just naturally have more prior dance experience than others. I personally think the competition is fun!”

Regarding other potential stars, Emma also laid out the traits that her dream star would have. “Well, honestly I’m so ready to be creative and to bring the heat. So anyone who is ready to create magical dances, athletic, hopefully can move well, has rhythm, and has no fear! And a good performer!”

How ballroom dance takes a toll on Emma’s body

“I spend a lot of time in dance shoes, with narrow toe space and 3.5-inch heels! After being in these every day for hours, my feet feel the impact. After I started wearing OOFOS immediately after my rehearsals, I noticed that my feet would recover far quicker, I would get less cramping in my foot arches, and the foot pain from holding my weight in heels all day would disperse. OOFOS are so soft yet supportive in all the areas I need, it is bliss for my feet!”

Emma’s new shoes also affect her life out in public, with folks approaching her saying, “‘I love OOFOS, I wear mine all the time’ or ‘Where did you get those, I’ve been looking for something just like that!’ and I light up when I hear that honestly! I feel Iike OOFOS is such a community, it’s fun to get excited about them with people who love them too. I think it’s because they are so cute to wear everyday so not only set trends but look and feel like clouds for your feet. Who doesn’t want that?”

She continued, “I have two styles that are my particular favorites, so I would recommend both of them. They are OOmega OOlala sandals in black and the OOmega OOahh slide sandals in Nomad. The OOfoam technology helps absorb impact for all-day recovery – I’m wearing the OOmega OOlala Sandals right now!” To get shoes as stylish and comfortable as Emma’s, be sure to check out OOFOS .

This interview has been edited for conciseness and clarity.

Dancing with the Stars is streaming on Disney+.

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