DWTS’ Ilona Maher Pays Tribute to Alan Bersten: ‘Always Made Me Feel Beautiful, Powerful, and Worthy’

Season 33 of Dancing with the Stars wrapped up with Bachelor star Joey Graziadei and Jenna Johnson taking home the Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy. Olympian and social media superstar Ilona Maher and her partner, Alan Bersten, came in second place. It was a rollercoaster ride for Ilona, but she came into her own during the final weeks of the season. And now, she has a message for Alan.

Ilona Maher has a cute (and sweet) thank you for Alan Bersten

Ilona shared her message in a TikTok featuring behind-the-scenes show footage and some of their funny TikToks from the season. It showed many clips of Ilona lifting Alan and a funny re-enactment of a scene from Dirty Dancing. Plus, there was just the right amount of twerking.

The video was set to the song For Good from the original Wicked Broadway cast recording, sung by Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth. Ilona wrote in the caption, “Thank you for everything, Alan.”

Over the clips, Ilona wrote, “Dear Alan, No matter what happens, whether we win or lose, I will forever treasure our time together. I didn’t come onto this show thinking I’d make a connection like this. You are the best dance partner I could have hoped for. We laughed. We cried.” She continued, “We gave it our all. It was not always easy (Actually, it rarely was) but so worth it.” I’m already breaking out my cryangle.

“It will be strange not to see you everyday. Just know … You always made me feel beautiful, powerful, and worthy out there. You have truly changed me for the better. I hope to have found a forever friend in you,” Ilona wrote. “From the bottom of my heart, thank you for everything. With so much love, Ilona. (Your DWTS Season 33 dance partner in case you ever forget.)” There’s Ilona’s trademark wit that her fans adore.

I don’t think that Alan will ever forget Ilona. He defended her when he thought that the judges were underscoring her. Plus, DWTS fans loved this dynamic duo’s partnership so much that many were shipping them, which delighted the dancing partners.

In addition, Ilona and Alan’s Freestyle in the finale was the best of the night, and memorable in so many ways. She previously stated how Alan made her feel “very feminine.” Truly, Ilona was an inspiration to so many with her body positivity.