Featured image: A young woman is dancing in a large, empty room. AI-generated image; not a photograph of the reported event.
Emma Slater, a professional dancer on Dancing With the Stars, has clarified the reason behind a controversial footwork move during her waltz with partner Jackson Olson. Source: eonline.com.
What Happened on the Dance Floor
During the Oct. 7 episode, Slater and Olson performed a waltz to Mariah Carey’s ‘Without You’.
A fan criticized Slater on TikTok for a move that appeared to have a ‘sickled foot’—a technical error where the foot is curved inward, breaking the straight line required in waltz.
Slater responded to the criticism on the same platform, explaining that the move was intentional.
Why the Move Was Intentional
Slater wrote: ‘Guys I get it!!!’ She emphasized that in waltz, judges like Carrie Ann Inaba are known for docking points for unauthorized lifts or improper footwork.
She added: ‘I’m [sic] this dance you have to keep your foot on the floor to stop CAI from docking a point and this was what I was doing, trying for [sic] life!!!!!’
She clarified that while her foot appeared pointed inward during the spin, it was not due to a bent leg. Instead, she was being pulled backward, which made the movement look like a sickled foot.
Key Facts from the Source
- Slater made the move to avoid a point deduction from judge Carrie Ann Inaba.
- The waltz is a strict ballroom style with specific rules about foot placement and movement.
- Unauthorized lifts or off-floor footwork can lead to point deductions.
- Slater and Olson earned a 21 out of 30 score—their best of the season so far.
- The pair remain near the bottom of the leaderboard despite improvements.
Background: How Waltz Rules Work
Waltz is one of the most technically precise ballroom dances. It requires smooth, flowing movements with strict adherence to form.
Footwork must remain on the floor at all times. Any deviation—like a foot lifted or angled—can be flagged as a technical error.
Carrie Ann Inaba, a longtime judge on DWTS, is known for her attention to detail and strict enforcement of rules.
Why This Matters
Slater’s explanation shows how professional dancers navigate real-time performance pressures.
It highlights the balance between artistic expression and technical compliance in competitive dance.
Her actions reflect a deep understanding of the rules and the consequences of violating them.
What to Watch Next
Slater and Olson are preparing for Super Bowl Week, where they will face off against other celebrity-pro pairs.
Other notable pairs include:
- Julia Stiles and Ezra Sosa
- Giada De Laurentiis and Alan Bersten
- Harry Shum Jr. and Jenna Johnson
Slater has also emphasized resilience in interviews, saying: ‘You got to just take it. So it could be a little disheartening, not gonna lie.’
She stressed the importance of maintaining fire and improving through each performance.
For more on the season, visit the official DWTS source.
