'Dancing With the Stars' holiday special debuts first-ever Chanukah routine

(JNS) — The popular TV series “Dancing With the Stars” ushered in Chanukah a little early as part of an inaugural show, “Dancing With the Holidays,” which aired on Dec. 2.

Alan Bersten, a Jewish dancer and choreographer, led the several-minute-long routine that featured themes of the Jewish holiday.

“Growing up Jewish, you don’t really see a lot of Chanukah representation, so tonight we’re doing a special performance to celebrate,” Bersten said on the Tuesday-night show. “Hopefully, Jewish kids are watching this, and they feel seen and they feel proud.”

Bersten, 31, is a ballroom and Latin dancer of Russian Jewish heritage who was born in Minnesota. He first gained a national audience in 2013 on the show “So You Think You Can Dance” before becoming a pro on “Dancing With the Stars.”

In the season 34 competition that ended on Nov. 25, Bersten came in fifth place, competing with celebrity partner Elaine Hendrix, a 54-year-old actress who used to dance professionally.

As for the holiday program, “we’re doing fun surprises that if you’re Jewish, you will definitely recognize,” he said as he introduced the routine, calling it a “Dancing With the Stars” first.

The performance, which opened with Bersten and two male dancers spinning oversized metallic dreidels against a sparkling blue backdrop, was set to the song “Miracle” by American Jewish rapper Matishayu.

The Center for Jewish History hailed the number as a “milestone,” saying it was “filled with nods to Jewish heritage,” including “spins that echoed a whirling dreidel” and “classic steps inspired by Jewish folk dancing.”

“Jewish history in the making,” the organization added.