Exclusive Interview

‘DWTS’ Pro Alan Bersten Reveals You’ll See A ‘Different Side’ Of Skai Jackson In Week 4

DANCING WITH THE STARS - ABC's "Dancing With The Stars" stars Tyra Banks. (ABC/Laretta Houston)
DANCING WITH THE STARS - "Finale" – Four celebrity and pro-dancer couples dance and compete in the live season finale where one couple will win the coveted Mirrorball Trophy, MONDAY, NOV. 23 (8:00-10:00 p.m. EST), on ABC. (ABC/Eric McCandless) KAITLYN BRISTOWE, ARTEM CHIGVINTSEV
DANCING WITH THE STARS - "Finale" – Four celebrity and pro-dancer couples dance and compete in the live season finale where one couple will win the coveted Mirrorball Trophy, MONDAY, NOV. 23 (8:00-10:00 p.m. EST), on ABC. (ABC/Eric McCandless) ARTEM CHIGVINTSEV, KAITLYN BRISTOWE
DANCING WITH THE STARS - "Semi-Finals" - With only a week left before the finals, six celebrity and pro-dancer couples will dance and face double elimination as they compete for this season's tenth week live, MONDAY, NOV. 16 (8:00-10:00 p.m. EST), on ABC. (ABC/Eric McCandless) JOHNNY WEIR, BRITT STEWART View Gallery View Gallery 45 Photos.
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Skai Jackson and Alan Bersten are headed into week 4 more confident than ever. HL spoke EXCLUSIVELY with the ‘DWTS’ pair about coming back after a rough week, what they’re working on, and more.

Now that Dancing With the Stars is headed into week 4, the competition is tougher than ever. Skai Jackson, 18, and Alan Bersten, 26, are staying positive as they move forward, but they’re going to change things up to keep the viewers and judges on their toes. “I think something we’re going to work on is bringing out a different side of Skai,” Alan told HollywoodLife EXCLUSIVELY. “The first week we saw this very intense Skai, and then for the samba and the jive, it is more playful fun. So hopefully for this next week, we’re going to bring out a more softer side of Skai.”

During the Oct. 5 episode, Skai will be paying tribute to her late friend and former Jessie co-star Cameron Boyce. Cameron tragically died at just 20 years old in July 2019 due to complications from epilepsy. Skai and Alan will be dancing the foxtrot to “Ordinary People” by John Legend.

Skai Jackson Alan Bersten
Skai Jackson and Alan Bersten during their Disney Week performance. (ABC)

Skai and Alan hit the ballroom for Disney Night in their first performance since Skai slipped and nearly fell during her performance the week before. They returned for a fun jive that earned them an 18 out of 30.

“The jive’s a really hard dance, and I feel like Skai conquered it,” Alan said. “We did a really good job. I really enjoyed the performance. I feel like the audience really enjoyed the performance. We got a lot of feedback, so I’m really excited. We’re very thankful to be moving forward to the next week.”

Skai Jackson Alan Bersten
Skai Jackson and Alan Bersten are looking ahead to week 4! (ABC)

The pair went first during Disney Week, and Skai admitted it was definitely “intimidating.” However, she was glad to get it out of the way and enjoy everyone else’s performances. “I definitely was a little bit nervous,” Skai told HollywoodLife. “But I wouldn’t necessarily say more nervous than I’ve ever been before. I just was like, okay, yes, I slipped last week. It’s whatever now. [It’s] in the past, and I was just really focused on my performance this week and executing it well.” Dancing With the Stars season 29 airs Mondays at 8 p.m. on ABC.