After Oscars Night, Dancing With The Stars fans realized how strong the competitors in Season 33 truly are. Olympic Rugby player Ilona Maher and her dance partner Alan Bersten caught quite a lot of attention in the best way.
Fans Praise Ilona Maher’s Routine For Great Representation
Ilona and Alan may not be the highest-scoring couple, but DWTS viewers fell head over heels in love with their fun personalities and great dynamic.
On Oscars Night, they earned a 21/30 for their Salsa to “(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life” from Dirty Dancing. Of course, they wanted to pay homage to the film with the iconic lift. And since Ilona Maher is an incredibly muscular athlete, they wanted to incorporate some lifts for her as well.
Both dancers lifted each other during the routine, impressing fans everywhere. And on top of that, viewers said they appreciated seeing a strong woman represented on their TV screens.
“I know everyone is talking about Ilona lifting Alan but I really needed that moment when he lifted her,” one DWTS fan shared on Reddit. “I’ve always been told that I feel heavier than I look which has made me feel sensitive about being lifted. The one time I was lifted and told I wasn’t too heavy to pick up made my day. I’ll never forget it. I’m so glad Alan gave that to Ilona. Ilona deserved it. I love this couple so much and how they’re representing body positivity.”
Check out their routine here:
Redditors React To The Oscars Night Routine
Other Redditors agreed and shared positive views on Ilona and Alan’s routine. Comments included:
- “The joy on her face 🥹”
- “This! All of this. And I think Alan’s lifts were very smart. He did smaller little tricks they both could do, so everyone got that double lift they wanted. And then did an alternative to the iconic lift, that was safe and still recognizable.”
- “I loooove them!!! It looks like they are having so much fun on the floor and like they are really excited to show off their hard work. I am always a Dani fan and I feel like Alan is usually just another pro for me but after seeing them together I will always be watching for him! Both personalities are shining in this partnership.”
- “I’m shorter and maybe weigh less than Ilona and I’ve never been picked up/lifted and this just made my heart sing.”
What did you think about the pair’s response on Oscars Night? Leave your thoughts in the comments.
Dancing With The Stars is taking a break next Tuesday night for the Vice Presidential debate. However, there will be two episodes the following week October 7-8. Based on fans’ response to Ilona and Alan’s performance, they may be headed straight for the finale.
