Emma Slater Explains Footwork Criticism on Dancing With the Stars
Emma Slater addressed criticism of her footwork during her Dancing With the Stars waltz with Jackson Olson. The pro dancer said she deliberately kept her foot on the floor to avoid judge Carrie Ann Inaba deducting a point for an illegal lift. Slater and Olson still received their highest score of the season so far, a 21 out of 30.
Emma Slater, a longtime Dancing With the Stars professional, responded to a TikTok user’s critique of her foot position during her Oct. 7 waltz with Jackson Olson. The viewer said her foot curved inward, but Slater explained she intentionally kept it grounded to avoid judge Carrie Ann Inaba penalizing an illegal lift.
The waltz, set to Mariah Carey’s “Without You,” still earned Slater and Olson their season-best 21 out of 30. Inaba is known for watching for lifts banned in styles like waltz. Despite low leaderboard placements, Slater said the pair remain determined and are preparing for Super Bowl Week.
This exchange may shape how viewers interpret technical rules in dance competition TV, showing fans that seemingly awkward choices can be strategic. It could affect aspiring dancers and reality-TV audiences by highlighting judge penalties and performance constraints. Slater’s response may also encourage contestants to explain creative decisions online, potentially softening criticism and building sympathy. However, its impact may remain within entertainment discourse rather than broader society.