Emma Slater Tributes Former DWTS Co-Star James Van Der Beek Posthumously

Emma Slater he pays tribute to the foremost Dancing with the Stars partner James Van Der Beek after his death at the age of 48.
“I’m so sad. You are family and will always be family to me,” Slater wrote in the comments section of Van Der Beek’s Instagram on Wednesday, February 11, accompanied by a red heart emoji. “I love you so much James. The man you are, you can be proud of him. I’m so grateful that I was there to say goodbye.”
James’ wife, Kimberly Van Der Beekshared that the first Dawson’s Creek The star died on Wednesday after a battle with skin cancer. He is survived by his wife and their six children.
“Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed peacefully this morning,” Kimberly wrote on Instagram. “He met his last days with courage, faith, and grace. He has much to tell you about his wishes, love for humanity and the sanctity of time. Those days will come. For now we ask that we be alone and in peace as we mourn our loving husband, father, son, brother and friend.”
A friend DWTS Pro Jenna Johnson and paid tribute to James in the comments section, writing, “An amazing father, husband, artist, and so much more. Sending your family all the love and comfort ♥️.”
Slater and James teamed up DWTS season 28 in 2019. The two ended up finishing in fifth place.
Although James had been considered for the reality show before, he explained that the timing wasn’t right until then.
“This year, the time was right and I realized that I really, really want to do this,” he said to himself. Us Weekly at that time. “I’ve always loved dancing. I’ve always loved it. … I love to move, I love music and it’s fun.”
James noted that the game was “mentally, physically and emotionally taxing” in the “best way.”
“The thing I love most about my job is that I get to learn skills that most people are used to learning from the best in the world. Being challenged and having an amazing teacher is my happy place,” he said. Us. “So whether it’s learning martial arts for the next project I’m going to do or learning ballroom dancing … For the past 10 years, every year I would deliberately look for a skill, which I wasn’t good at and just learn. Just to go through the humility of not being good at something, to face the challenges and come out on the other side with a new skill.”
While reflecting on their time together, Slater shared that the season was good for James and his family.
“James sends me videos of his kids dancing to our songs that we did on the show, and he just sent me one yesterday of Annabel, his middle daughter,” Slater said alone. Us in the year 2019. He was wearing a costume. I feel like this program is really good for James and I know it’s what he wanted.”
Slater continued, “He was able to show his children that life is creative and beautiful and you have to put yourself out there with open doors and not be afraid to try something you’re not really used to.




