In a Dancing With the Stars season marked by dazzling performances, athleticism and emotional moments, few journeys have been as memorable as that of Ilona Maher, who scored her first 10 of the season in the 500th episode. As the semi-finals approach, the rugby star and fan favorite is hitting her stride, and her scores are a testament to her hard work, positive spirit and undeniable friendship with her dance partner, DWTS pro Alan Bersten.
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From the very start, Maher knew she wanted to bring her unique energy and passion for performance to the ballroom. Reflecting on her preparation for her 500th-episode routine—a recreation of Lindsay Arnold and Jordan Fisher’s iconic quickstep—Maher said, “Even from the first moment we were practicing it, I just wanted to channel how Lindsay Arnold and Jordan Fisher were doing it. They were having so much fun in their partnership and in the way they interacted with each other.” For Maher, the key was to embody joy in her performance. “When we first did a run-through, I was just trying to smile every time I danced,” she shared. This commitment to bringing joy and energy to her performance resonated deeply with the audience and judges, leading to her first 10 from judge Carrie Ann Inaba and two 9’s from Derek Hough and Bruno Tonioli.
Bersten credits Maher’s attitude and determination for her success. “We came from a hard week before,” he said, acknowledging the physical and emotional challenges that come with the competition, added with his estimate of being underscored during the Halloween episode. “Ilona came in with such a great attitude, and honestly, that’s why this dance turned out so well. It has nothing to do with me or anything—it’s all Ilona. She’s been giving it everything she has, and I’m so proud of her.”
Maher’s reaction to her 10 score is quintessentially her: “I was here for the nines, actually,” she joked. “That was too much. Put it away. Take it back!” But while her humorous spirit shines through, Maher is serious about her goals. With the semi-finals ahead, she and Bersten are ready to up their game and bring even more power to the dance floor. “We’re going to spend a lot of time in the studio,” Maher explained. “We’ve got some long dances,” she added, before the pair shared their motivations moving forward.
For Bersten, the four “P’s” are guiding them into the next round: personality, power, preparation and passion.
The high score isn’t just a career highlight for Maher—it’s also a reflection of the journey she’s taken on DWTS. From her initial hesitations as a rugby player on a ballroom stage to her joyful routine that earned her a 10, Maher’s path has been one of learning, dedication and fun. She has embraced the ups and downs of the competition, and her partnership with Bersten has only strengthened her drive.
As the semi-finals loom, fans are eager to see what Maher will bring to the stage next. Her confidence, joyful approach and relentless work ethic have made her one of the season’s most beloved competitors, and her ever-increasing scores feel like a culmination of everything she’s learned along the way. With her first 10 under her belt and a powerful momentum pushing her forward, Ilona Maher is well on her way to making her mark on the Dancing With the Stars stage, proving that hard work, a great attitude and a little humor can truly bring magic to the dance floor.
