Gene & Elena Bersten

 
Gene was born in Belarus and began dancing at age 11 after his mother insisted that he try ballroom. What started as reluctance became a genuine passion, leading to more than two decades of competitive experience in International Latin. A major turning point came when Gene joined the world-renowned dance show Burn the Floor in 2008, where he met Elena and began a personal and professional chapter that would eventually lead to their partnership. After years competing in Latin, Gene embraced American Rhythm and discovered a new love for the style. Today, Gene is an educator and highly qualified adjudicator, continuing to pursue excellence both on the dance floor and within the dance community.

 
Elena was born in Russia and grew up surrounded by ballroom dancing. Her mother was a professional dancer, and her family owns two dance competitions and a dance studio in Russia, giving Elena an early and intimate connection to the industry. She went on to compete in International Latin for more than 20 years with previous partners, building extensive experience before deciding to make a significant change and explore American Rhythm. Joining Burn the Floor in 2008 was a major turning point in her dance career, as it brought her together with Gene. They soon fell in love, married, and welcomed their first child before eventually beginning their professional partnership. Elena is a top-level adjudicator who remains passionate about helping dancers achieve their goals. 

 
Gene and Elena first met in 2008 when they joined the cast of Burn the Floor. Their relationship quickly developed beyond the stage—they fell in love, married, and started a family before eventually becoming professional dance partners. After more than 20 years of competing in International Latin individually, they both chose to transition to American Rhythm and immediately fell in love with the style. Although relatively new to Professional Rhythm as a couple, they have already won major competitions and reached finals at leading events, including Blackpool and World American Rhythm. Now based in Minneapolis with their three children, they own the Dance With Us America studio in Edina and are the owners of The Snow Ball Dancesport Competition. They also train dancers who have appeared on major television programs and hold the highest-level NDCA adjudicator credentials across all four styles. Their goal is to become a leading Professional Rhythm couple and inspire others to pursue their dreams.