"Just a boy who's jacked"- Ilona Maher's DWTS dance partner Alan Bersten reciprocates viral lifting dance sequence with the Olympian

Ilona Maher's DWTS dance partner Alan Bersten copied the viral lifting dance that the Olympian did in one of the episodes of the show. The dance partners concluded Season 33 of the Dancing With the Stars show by attaining second place.

Maher of the USA rose to fame after winning a bronze medal in rugby at the 2024 Paris Olympics by besting the Australian team. Following this, she was offered participation in DWTS and was paired up with Bersten. Both of them delivered various staunch performances in the show, but one of them caught the eye of the public and became a trend.

It was the performance the duo showcased in the Disney Week, where the contestants had to prepare routines inspired by Disney characters. Maher and Bersten enacted the character of Lisa Madrigal from the movie 'Encanto.' In this performance, Ilona Maher stunned the audience by lifting Bersten on her shoulder.

Days after the show ended, the duo recreated the stunt; though the roles were reversed this time as Alan picked up Ilona on his shoulder. The choreographer shared a video on his Instagram handle, which also featured his dog Jeff playing around them. Bersten jokingly wrote in the caption:

"Just a boy who's jacked and kind and yes I'm talking about @jefffbersten."

Alan Bersten extended his gratitude toward Ilona Maher after the DWTS Finale

Maher and her dance partner, Alan Bersten- Source: Getty

In an interview with Extra TV after winning second place at the Dancing With the Stars show, Ilona Maher and Alan Bersten exuded pride. The Olympian said she faced multiple difficulties but made a comeback every time and was proud of herself, and also thanked her partner. To this, Bersten replied, saying he learned a lot from the rugby player.

"I think that there's always room to improve and like it can beat you down, but there's just, I mean I had some really tough episodes this season, but I felt like I always came back stronger, and um I'm just really really proud of myself honestly. I'm proud of Alan for sticking with me and being patient with me," Ilona Maher said (2:00).

Alan Bersten replied:

"Honestly I learned so much from Ilona. She lives every moment, and she brings so much happiness, and honestly it made me a happier person, and I can't wait to live my life knowing that me and Ilona are good friends!"

Ilona Maher and Bersten had a reunion two weeks after the conclusion of DWTS.