{"id":275300,"date":"2025-05-01T01:03:37","date_gmt":"2025-05-01T01:03:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/michigandigitalnews.com\/index.php\/2025\/05\/01\/ilona-mahers-dwts-partner-alan-bersten-drops-3-word-reaction-as-the-rugby-star-celebrates-international-dance-day\/"},"modified":"2025-06-25T17:08:40","modified_gmt":"2025-06-25T17:08:40","slug":"ilona-mahers-dwts-partner-alan-bersten-drops-3-word-reaction-as-the-rugby-star-celebrates-international-dance-day","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/michigandigitalnews.com\/index.php\/2025\/05\/01\/ilona-mahers-dwts-partner-alan-bersten-drops-3-word-reaction-as-the-rugby-star-celebrates-international-dance-day\/","title":{"rendered":"Ilona Maher&#8217;s DWTS partner Alan Bersten drops 3-word reaction as the rugby star celebrates International Dance Day"},"content":{"rendered":"<p> [ad_1]<br \/>\n<\/p>\n<div id=\"article-content\" data-postid=\"4899036\" data-slug-id=\"2499179\">\n<div class=\"vidazoo-player-container\">\n<span class=\"vidazoo-close-btn  hidden \"><br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/staticg.sportskeeda.com\/cmc-predictor\/v2\/cross-icon.png?w=40\" width=\"20\" height=\"20\" alt=\"close\"\/><br \/>\n<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>Ilona Maher recently celebrated the International Dance Day with a throwback to her performances on season 33 of Dancing With The Stars. Reacting to this, her partner on the show, Alan Bersten penned a quick note to show his support to the rugby star.<\/p>\n<p>Maher re-wrote the record books at the Paris Olympics when she led Team USA to bronze. Soon after, she made history yet again when she appeared on DWTS, becoming the first rugby player to achieve this unique feat. During the show, Maher and Bersten delivered some iconic performances, including a number set to Disney movie Encanto\u2019s \u2018Surface Pressure\u2019.<\/p>\n<p>On April 29, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sportskeeda.com\/us\/olympics\/news-ilona-maher-pens-heartfelt-note-makes-second-appearance-si-swimsuit\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" data-is-sponsored=\"false\">Ilona Maher<\/a> celebrated the International Dance Day. Taking to Instagram, she shared a reel including snippets of her performances on DWTS, with text in the video reading,<\/p>\n<p><template id=\"also-read-articles-template\"><\/p>\n<p><\/template><\/p>\n<blockquote><p>\u201cThe butterfly effect is crazy because what do you mean if I hadn&#8217;t said yes to DWTS I wouldn&#8217;t have had one of the best experiences of my life.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p>Responding to this, Alan Bersten commented,<\/p>\n<blockquote><p>\u201cYou my dawg.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<figure class=\"image\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"sk-app-thumbnail\" alt=\"Via @ilonamaher on Instagram\" src=\"https:\/\/staticg.sportskeeda.com\/editor\/2025\/05\/af362-17460606093905-1920.jpg\"\/><img fetchpriority=\"high\" class=\"lazy-img\" width=\"1640\" height=\"924\" data-img=\"https:\/\/staticg.sportskeeda.com\/editor\/2025\/05\/af362-17460606093905-1920.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/staticg.sportskeeda.com\/editor\/2025\/05\/af362-17460606093905-1920.jpg?w=190 190w, https:\/\/staticg.sportskeeda.com\/editor\/2025\/05\/af362-17460606093905-1920.jpg?w=720 720w, https:\/\/staticg.sportskeeda.com\/editor\/2025\/05\/af362-17460606093905-1920.jpg?w=640 640w, https:\/\/staticg.sportskeeda.com\/editor\/2025\/05\/af362-17460606093905-1920.jpg?w=1045 1045w, https:\/\/staticg.sportskeeda.com\/editor\/2025\/05\/af362-17460606093905-1920.jpg?w=1200 1200w, https:\/\/staticg.sportskeeda.com\/editor\/2025\/05\/af362-17460606093905-1920.jpg?w=1460 1460w, https:\/\/staticg.sportskeeda.com\/editor\/2025\/05\/af362-17460606093905-1920.jpg?w=1600 1600w, https:\/\/staticg.sportskeeda.com\/editor\/2025\/05\/af362-17460606093905-1920.jpg 1920w\" alt=\"Via @ilonamaher on Instagram\" data-img-low=\"https:\/\/staticg.sportskeeda.com\/editor\/2025\/05\/af362-17460606093905-1920.jpg?w=640\" bad-src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,&lt;svg%20xmlns=%22http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg%22%20viewBox=%220%200%201640%20924%22&gt;&lt;\/svg&gt;\"\/><figcaption>Via @ilonamaher on Instagram<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2\/>\n<h2>Ilona Maher opens up about her dynamic with Alan Bersten on DWTS<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"image\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"sk-app-thumbnail\" alt=\"Maher and Bersten captured by Celebrity Sightings In Los Angeles - September 27, 2024 (Image Source: Getty)\" src=\"https:\/\/staticg.sportskeeda.com\/editor\/2025\/05\/1e05d-17460604725488-1920.jpg\"\/><img class=\"lazy-img\" width=\"1920\" height=\"2863\" data-img=\"https:\/\/staticg.sportskeeda.com\/editor\/2025\/05\/1e05d-17460604725488-1920.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/staticg.sportskeeda.com\/editor\/2025\/05\/1e05d-17460604725488-1920.jpg?w=190 190w, https:\/\/staticg.sportskeeda.com\/editor\/2025\/05\/1e05d-17460604725488-1920.jpg?w=720 720w, https:\/\/staticg.sportskeeda.com\/editor\/2025\/05\/1e05d-17460604725488-1920.jpg?w=640 640w, https:\/\/staticg.sportskeeda.com\/editor\/2025\/05\/1e05d-17460604725488-1920.jpg?w=1045 1045w, https:\/\/staticg.sportskeeda.com\/editor\/2025\/05\/1e05d-17460604725488-1920.jpg?w=1200 1200w, https:\/\/staticg.sportskeeda.com\/editor\/2025\/05\/1e05d-17460604725488-1920.jpg?w=1460 1460w, https:\/\/staticg.sportskeeda.com\/editor\/2025\/05\/1e05d-17460604725488-1920.jpg?w=1600 1600w, https:\/\/staticg.sportskeeda.com\/editor\/2025\/05\/1e05d-17460604725488-1920.jpg 1920w\" alt=\"Maher and Bersten captured by Celebrity Sightings In Los Angeles - September 27, 2024 (Image Source: Getty)\" data-img-low=\"https:\/\/staticg.sportskeeda.com\/editor\/2025\/05\/1e05d-17460604725488-1920.jpg?w=640\" bad-src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,&lt;svg%20xmlns=%22http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg%22%20viewBox=%220%200%201920%202863%22&gt;&lt;\/svg&gt;\"\/><figcaption>Maher and Bersten captured by Celebrity Sightings In Los Angeles &#8211; September 27, 2024 (Image Source: Getty)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Over the course of season 33 of Dancing With The Stars, Ilona Maher and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sportskeeda.com\/us\/olympics\/news-ilona-maher-s-dwts-partner-alan-bersten-makes-feelings-known-rugby-player-gears-represent-team-usa\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" data-is-sponsored=\"false\">Alan Bersten<\/a> developed a close bond, and the duo\u2019s friendship was an instant hit amongst fans. Recently, Maher opened up about her dynamic with the dancer during the show.<\/p>\n<p>Speaking in an episode of the \u2018House of Maher&#8217; podcast, the rugby star explained that she treated Bersten like a coach, saying (at 46:51),<\/p>\n<blockquote><p>\u201cI went into the show knowing (I&#8217;ll be) around this person all the time, constantly spending time with them. So I kind of treated Allan like my coach. Whenever somebody becomes my coach, I start to respect them and look up to them.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p>She went on to add that having a common goal brought the two of them closer together and helped them make the most of their time together.<\/p>\n<blockquote><p>\u201cI think that&#8217;s what&#8217;s made us flourish, it&#8217;s knowing that this is not a working relationship but we&#8217;re here for a common goal. We&#8217;re here to create something and we&#8217;re here for a bigger purpose of inspiring America or whatever it was. I think that allowed us to get even closer.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p>On season 33 of Dancing With The Stars, Ilona Maher and Alan Bersten were a popular pairing, and they made it all the way to the final, where they finished as runners-up. After the show, the duo reunited for the DWTS tour.<\/p>\n<div class=\"article-post-rating-widget\">\n<p><template id=\"post-rating-feedback-modal-template\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"post-rating-feedback-feedback-box\">\n<div class=\"post-rating-feedback-content\">\n<div class=\"post-rating-feedback-data\">\n<p>Why did you not like this content?<\/p>\n<p><textarea id=\"dislike-feedback-text\" rows=\"4\" placeholder=\"Please type your feedback...\"\/>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>\n<button class=\"close\">Cancel<\/button><br \/>\n<button class=\"submit\">Submit<\/button>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><\/template><\/p>\n<div class=\"post-rating-widget-parent hidden\">\n<div class=\"rating-parent-container\">\n<div class=\"rating-content-holder\">\n<p>Was this article helpful?<\/p>\n<div class=\"post-rating-action-container\">\n<div class=\"like-container\">\n<button class=\"post-rating-like-button post-rating-button\" data-action=\"like\"><br \/>\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"post-like-image post-rating-image\" src=\"https:\/\/staticg.sportskeeda.com\/like-articles\/upvote-icon-grey.svg\" height=\"20\" width=\"20\" alt=\"like selected\"\/><br \/>\n<\/button>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"dislike-container\">\n<button class=\"post-rating-dislike-button post-rating-button\" data-action=\"dislike\"><br \/>\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"post-dis-like-image post-rating-image\" src=\"https:\/\/staticg.sportskeeda.com\/like-articles\/upvote-icon-grey.svg\" height=\"20\" width=\"20\" alt=\"avatar selected\"\/><br \/>\n<\/button>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>\nThank You for feedback\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"post-author-info-parent\">\n<span class=\"about-the-author\">About the author<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"author-info-holder\">\n<div class=\"author-pic-holder\">\n<img decoding=\"async\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"author-pic\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,&lt;svg width=\" height=\"100\"\/><rect width=\"100\" height=\"100\" style=\"fill:rgb(128, 128, 128);\"\/>&#8221; data-lazy=&#8221;https:\/\/keedag.sportskeeda.com\/user-pic\/1214275-1715096588-200.jpg?w=200&#8243;<br \/>\nalt=&#8221;Riddhi Acharya&#8221; height=&#8221;72&#8243; width=&#8221;72&#8243;&gt;\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author-bio-detail-holder\">\n<div class=\"author-bio\">\n<p class=\"author-bio\" id=\"author-bio-text\">\nRiddhi is a journalist who covers Indian sports and US Olympic sports at Sportskeeda. Sports have been an integral part of her life growing up, from the excitement of cheering teams to the anticipation of major events. She brings a wealth of experience covering the sport, demonstrating a deep understanding of the game and its players. Riddhi excels in crafting engaging articles, conducting thorough research, and staying abreast of the latest news and trends, all while adhering to SEO and journalism guidelines.\n<\/p>\n<p><a class=\"author-know-more\" href=\"https:\/\/www.sportskeeda.com\/author\/riddhi-acharya-e0631\" aria-label=\"Author know more\">Know More<\/a>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"tag-cloud\">\n<div class=\"tags-text\">\n<div class=\"scrollable-content-holder  article-padding\">\n<p class=\"article-p  \">Quick Links<\/p>\n<p><button id=\"pnAdvancerLeft\" class=\"pn-Advancer pn-Advancer_Left \" type=\"button\"><br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" style=\"background: none;\" src=\"https:\/\/staticg.sportskeeda.com\/skm\/assets\/article\/article-scroll-left.svg\"\/><br \/>\n<\/button><\/p>\n<nav id=\"pnProductNav\" class=\"pn-ProductNav\">\n<\/nav>\n<p><button id=\"pnAdvancerRight\" class=\"pn-Advancer pn-Advancer_Right \" type=\"button\"><br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" style=\"background: none;\" src=\"https:\/\/staticg.sportskeeda.com\/skm\/assets\/article\/article-scroll-right.svg\"\/><br \/>\n<\/button>\n<\/div>\n<p>More from Sportskeeda<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>\n<span class=\"publisher-name\">Edited by Riddhi Acharya<\/span>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>[ad_2]<br \/>\n<br \/><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sportskeeda.com\/us\/olympics\/news-ilona-maher-s-dwts-partner-alan-bersten-drops-3-word-reaction-rugby-star-celebrates-international-dance-day\">Source link <\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[ad_1] Ilona Maher recently celebrated the International Dance Day with a throwback to her performances on season 33 of Dancing With The Stars. 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