Emma Slater Sustained Injury During Dance Rehearsals
The professional dancer experienced a toenail injury while preparing for the Dancing With the Stars season premiere.
Updated on Sept. 18, 2026 in Dance
Professional dancer Emma Slater sustained a painful toenail injury during rehearsals for season 35 of Dancing With the Stars. Despite the injury, she performed a cha-cha routine alongside partner Jackson Olson.
Why it matters
Physical injuries are a frequent risk for competitors on the program, often occurring during the intensive preparation required for live ballroom performances.
Emma Slater and Jackson Olson earned a score of 15 out of 30 for their cha-cha routine, while Giada De Laurentiis received 16 out of 30 points. These figures follow previous seasons where contestants like Robert Irwin sustained injuries.
The players
Emma Slater
She is a 37-year-old professional dancer currently competing in the 35th season of Dancing With the Stars.
Jackson Olson
He is the dance partner of Emma Slater who performed in a baseball uniform during the season premiere.
Giada De Laurentiis
The 56-year-old celebrity chef is a fellow contestant this season who also navigated a foot injury during rehearsals.
The details
Slater revealed she lost a toenail during rehearsals, while partner Jackson Olson performed in a yellow baseball uniform and executed a knee slide across the ballroom floor. This follows a pattern of high-intensity training, similar to Giada De Laurentiis who also reported a bruised toe during preparation.
Timeline
September 18, 2026: Emma Slater shared an Instagram post documenting her injury.
Season 34: Previous contestants Elaine Hendrix and Robert Irwin suffered rib injuries.
Industry Dynamics
The show faces a recurring challenge with contestant injuries that mirror previous seasons, such as the rib injuries sustained by Robert Irwin during season 34. These physical setbacks highlight the intensity of the production cycle and the demands placed on participants.
Viewers can follow the progression of the competition and the health status of participants through the live broadcast schedule. Ticket availability and streaming access remain unchanged for the remainder of the season.
The takeaway
Maintaining physical health remains a critical factor for contestants throughout the grueling competition schedule. Participants must balance high-intensity choreography with the risk of performance-limiting injuries.
Further reading
For more on the current season, visit the Dance section.
