DWTS Pros Adele Zaikman and Allen Genkin Took Ballroom Heat to Real Romance—Why Does Shared Adrenaline Trigger Instant Romantic Obsession?

The boundary between competitive ballroom choreography and real-world romantic passion has once again blurred as Dancing With the Stars: Next Pro champion Adele Zaikman and fellow finalist Allen Genkin officially confirmed their dating status on September 23, 2026. According to production insiders reporting to Us Weekly, the 24-year-old newly crowned DWTS pro and 36-year-old dancer began quietly dating after spending months in rigorous, high-contact rehearsals for the inaugural season of ABC's summer spinoff series.

While Genkin exited in the semifinals and Zaikman claimed the season crown to earn a pro spot on DWTS Season 35, their off-screen connection only deepened following the competition. The pair recently reunited to co-teach packed ballroom classes in Los Angeles, with Genkin publicly singing Zaikman's praises on The Joe Vulpis podcast, calling her a one-of-a-kind, beautiful human being inside and out.

Adele Zaikman shared via Instagram: "Still overwhelmed with gratitude for the 100 people who joined our class at Playground... Thank you, Allen, for such an amazing class. Dancing with you is always so special!" Allen Genkin praised their connection on The Joe Vulpis podcast: "She's one of a kind. Beautiful person inside and out. I love working with her, man. She's the best." An insider confirmed to Us Weekly: "Zaikman, 24, and Genkin, 36, are dating after they performed together on the inaugural season of the Dancing With the Stars ABC spinoff series this summer."