“Dancing with the Stars” alum Ilona Maher is opening up about her partnership with professional dancer Alan Bersten, nearly five months after the pair finished in second place on season 33. On the April 15 episode of her podcast “House of Maher”, which she co-hosts with her sisters Adrianna and Olivia, Maher reunited with Bersten to reflect on their time on the show and share behind-the-scenes details about their dynamic in the ballroom.
“I knew it was going to be hard,” Maher said on the podcast. “I had heard rumors you could be tough on your partners. I was like, OK. I wasn’t scared of that though, I was like, ‘Perfect.’”
The rugby Olympian admitted that Bersten’s coaching style was exactly what she was looking for heading into the competition. “He had his work cut out for him,” Maher joked.
Maher and Bersten Reflect on Their Season 33 Partnership
Disney/ABC
Bersten, who first joined “Dancing with the Stars” as a pro partner in season 25, Bersten, has worked with a range of celebrity contestants over the years. During the podcast, he praised Maher’s dedication and performance throughout the season.
“Honestly, I didn’t know what to expect. We’ve never had a rugby player on the show,” Bersten shared. “I never realized how athletic you could be, which is such a blessing especially on the show. The best part about you was the hard work ethic. You never gave up.”
Maher, who had spoken positively about Bersten’s teaching methods in an exclusive interview with Us Weekly prior to their season, shared similar thoughts. “I’m excited. I wanted Alan because I had seen that he can be tough on his partners, which is scary, but also I’ve always responded well to that with coaching and whatnot,” she said at the time.
Bersten also expressed that his frustrations during rehearsals were never aimed at Maher, but rather at himself. “I never got frustrated with you messing up. I [got], like, sad and upset with myself that you messed up because maybe I didn’t prep you well enough,” he said. “It’s a weird feeling.”
Maher and Bersten Teamed Up Again for the DWTS Tou
Following their successful run on season 33, Maher recently returned to the DWTS stage as a special guest on the “Dancing with the Stars” Live Tour, joining Bersten for select dates in early April. She announced her brief return in March, telling fans she would be joining the tour from April 2 through April 6..
Bersten, who previously won the mirrorball trophy with Hannah Brown on Season 28, has partnered with other notable contestants such as Jamie Lynn Spears and Skai Jackson over the years. While his coaching style has occasionally come under scrutiny — former partner Amanda Kloots described him as “very mean” during Season 30 — Bersten has maintained that his intensity comes from a place of belief in his partner’s potential.
Maher and Bersten’s appearance together on “House of Maher” gave fans a deeper look into their shared DWTS journey and highlighted the respect they’ve continued to share long after the final dance.
