Ilona Maher bids a heartfelt farewell to the man who guided her through the glitz and glamour of the dance floor.

Ilona Maher Drops Emotional Update as American Star Bids Farewell to Partner After Final Performance

After a whirlwind experience on Season 33 of the hit dance competition, where she finished as runner-up alongside her professional partner, Ilona Maher was once again seen enjoying the glitz and glamour of the dance floor. DWTS season may have been over long ago, but fans got another chance to see the stars and pros perform in the DWTS Tour (April 2-6). Ilona Maher joined the tour and reflected a mix of gratitude, vulnerability, and bittersweet closure as she performed last time with her DWTS partner. But what were her thoughts as she performed last time on DWTS? Maher’s DWTS stint was nothing short of transformative. Known for her powerhouse presence on the rugby pitch, she stepped into uncharted territory when she joined the show, swapping tackles for twirls. After last night’s performance at DWTS Tour, Maher reflected on her journey at DWTS and shared her final goodbye to her dance partner Alan Bersten and the show. Ilona Maher took on Instagram and shared a series of stories of her performance at the tour with the caption, “Last day of the tour for me. Feels kinda like a final goodbye to @dancingwiththestars. I’ve had a time of my life.” It was followed by another story of posing in a picture with her dance partner and saying a final goodbye to him with the caption, “One last show with @alanbersten.” During the finale, rugby star and social media sensation Maher dazzled the stage with partner Alan Bersten and a sizzling freestyle dance. Her charisma and signature charm sparkled as brightly as she performed during the tour. Further, she also shared an Instagram post with her posing in the black dress with the caption, “In places and spaces I could have never imagined“, dedicating it to her time at DWTS. In a candid interview on “House of Maher,” podcast, Maher also admitted that the switch was far from seamless. Under Bersten’s relentless coaching, she struggled with moments of disconnect—her hands and feet refusing to sync as he pushed her to refine every move. The bond between Maher and Bersten became a cornerstone of her DWTS experience. “Alan was the best thing that could have happened to me,” Maher revealed on her podcast. She credited him not only for his dance expertise but also for his understanding of her public persona, leveraging social media to amplify their journey. Their chemistry transcended the ballroom, evolving into a friendship that Maher described as one she’d “remember for the rest of my life with fondness.” Her journey with DWTS resonated with fans, who watched her evolve from a rugby star unsure of her footing [https://www.essentiallysports.com/olympics-rugby-news-ilona-maher-reveals-major-frustrations-with-dwts-as-american-star-reveals-initial-struggles-with-major-switch/] to a confident dancer lifting her partner in a historic moment—the first female contestant to do so on DWTS. The farewell was tinged with nostalgia as she must have reminisced about their shared TikToks and the laughter that pulled her through tough rehearsals. For Maher, the dance floor wasn’t just a stage—it was a proving ground, and Bersten was the partner who helped her shine. So, let’s take a look at Ilona’s DWTS journey. ILONA MAHER’S JOURNEY ON DANCING WITH THE STARS Ilona Maher’s journey on Dancing with the Stars (DWTS) Season 33 was a captivating blend of grit, grace, and groundbreaking moments that left an indelible mark on the show. Beyond the dazzling performances, Maher’s time on DWTS became a platform to defy beauty standards, confront body bias, and inspire a legion of fans. From the outset, Maher’s presence was a refreshing anomaly. Known for her muscular frame—a testament to her rugby prowess—she didn’t fit the traditional mold of a ballroom dancer. Yet, that was precisely her strength. Her debut performance, a cha-cha to “Man! I Feel Like a Woman!” by Shania Twain, radiated confidence and set the tone for a journey that would challenge stereotypes. Maher openly addressed the scrutiny she faced about performing on stage and what a dancer’s body should look like. With Bersten’s choreography highlighting her power—culminating in her historic lift of him during the finale—she turned perceived limitations into a celebration of capability. The road wasn’t without hurdles. Maher’s early weeks were marked by struggles with fluidity and finesse, skills foreign to her rugby-honed instincts. Before DWTS, she was seen as “too masculine” for dances that prioritize elegance, reflecting on the frustration of syncing her athleticism with dance precision. Bersten’s patience and creativity were pivotal, guiding her to a near-perfect for her final dance to “Femininomenon” and becoming the finalist of the 33rd season. Off the floor, Maher used her platform—amplified by her 8.2 million TikTok followers—to call out body-shaming trolls, proudly declaring that size is not a factor when it comes to dance. Her journey resonated deeply, blending athleticism with vulnerability. Finishing second to Joey Graziadei, Maher left DWTS not just as a competitor but as a trailblazer and she continued that with her performances in the tour. 

Himanshi Garg is an Olympics Editor at EssentiallySports. Having worked as a Creative Writing Intern Himanshi honed her craft through published research articles and collaborative projects. Her love for the Olympic Games spans across events like track and field, gymnastics, and swimming, but what captivates her the most are the tales of camaraderie, sportsmanship, and perseverance displayed by athletes.

She is an avid follower of American gymnastics, Himanshi finds inspiration in the stories of teamwork, dedication, and personal triumphs within the sport. When Himanshi is not crafting compelling sports narratives, she enjoys baking, reading, and painting. To learn more about her work, catch her on:

Himanshi Garg

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A Journalism and Mass Communication graduate, Ujwal Mattoo, is the Tennis Editor at EssentiallySports. His passion for the sport ignited by the captivating rivalries of legends like Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Serena Williams. Inspired by their grace and intensity, Ujwal developed a deep appreciation for the unique blend of mental and physical fortitude required in tennis. He has closely followed the ATP and WTA circuits, analyzing matches and tracking players' journeys with keen interest. When not immersed in the world of tennis, Ujwal enjoys spending time with his dog and cherishing moments with friends.

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Ilona Maher Drops Emotional Update as American Star Bids Farewell to Partner After Final Performance

Ilona Maher Drops Emotional Update as American Star Bids Farewell to Partner After Final Performance

Ilona Maher’s journey on Dancing With the Stars