7 Shocking Moments And The Full Story Of Ilona Maher And Alan Bersten’s DWTS Season 33 Journey

The partnership of Ilona Maher and Alan Bersten on Dancing with the Stars Season 33 became one of the most unexpected and heartwarming stories in the show’s recent history, culminating in a stunning run to the finale. The Olympic rugby player, known for her powerful athletic build and viral social media personality, teamed up with the seasoned professional, creating a dynamic that was instantly captivating for viewers and judges alike. As of December 13, 2025, their journey is a testament to raw talent, relentless practice, and a truly unique celebrity-pro bond that transcended the ballroom.

Their chemistry, which Ilona Maher jokingly described as a "close bond" because they are "both annoying," was the engine that drove them through weeks of intense competition, transforming the powerful athlete into a graceful, yet fierce, ballroom dancer. Their surprising second-place finish in Season 33 cemented their status as fan favorites and left an indelible mark on the show's legacy.

Ilona Maher and Alan Bersten: Complete Biography and Professional Profile

The success of the partnership was built on the distinct and impressive careers of both the celebrity and the professional dancer. Here is a look at the full biography and professional profile for both Ilona Maher and Alan Bersten.

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Ilona Maher (Celebrity Partner)

• Full Name: Ilona Delsing Rosa Maher OLY
• Born: August 12, 1996 (Age 29 as of 2025)
• Hometown: Burlington, Vermont, U.S.
• Primary Career: American Rugby Union Player, Social Media Personality
• Olympic Achievement: Bronze Medalist in Rugby Sevens (Tokyo 2020)
• Rugby History: Began playing at age 17, played at Quinnipiac University for three years.
• DWTS Season: Season 33
• DWTS Result: 2nd Place (Runners-up)

Alan Bersten (Professional Partner)

• Full Name: Alan Bersten
• Born: May 26, 1994 (Age 31 as of 2025)
• Hometown: Minnetonka, Minnesota, U.S.
• Primary Career: Professional Latin and Ballroom Dancer, Choreographer
• Professional Debut: Joined Dancing with the Stars as a troupe member in Season 20.
• Pro Dancer Status: Became a professional dancer on DWTS in Season 25.
• Other TV Appearances: Contestant on the tenth season of So You Think You Can Dance (2013).
• Notable DWTS Partners: Alexis Ren (Season 27), Hannah Brown (Season 28 - Winner), Amanda Kloots (Season 30).

The Season 33 Phenomenon: From Rugby Field to Ballroom Runner-Up

Ilona Maher entered Dancing with the Stars Season 33 with no formal dance training, a fact that was immediately obvious but quickly overshadowed by her work ethic and infectious personality. Her background as an Olympic rugby player gave her incredible strength and physical stamina, but the precision and grace of ballroom dancing presented a significant challenge. However, her commitment to the process, coupled with Alan Bersten’s patient and creative choreography, led to a rapid improvement that stunned the judges and the audience.

The pairing, affectionately dubbed "Team Allonsa" by fans, quickly established a reputation for high-energy routines and powerful storytelling. Ilona’s raw power was skillfully molded by Alan, who found ways to incorporate her athletic background into the dances without sacrificing technique. This unique blend of athleticism and artistry became their signature.

Key Performances and Scores That Defined Their Journey

Team Allonsa’s progression was marked by several standout moments where they truly excelled, proving that Ilona was more than just a novelty act. These performances were crucial in building their topical authority and fan base:

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• Disney Night Magic: Their performance, channeling the movie Encanto, showcased Ilona’s ability to embody a character and earned them a strong score of 25 out of 30. Judge Derek Hough specifically praised Ilona's transformation.
• The Emotional Viennese Waltz: During the Semi-Finals, their Viennese Waltz was a powerful display of emotional depth and technical control, a dance style that is notoriously difficult for non-dancers. This routine solidified their spot as serious contenders.
• The Finale Jive Redemption: For the finale, they performed a Redemption Jive to "Shake A Tail Feather," a high-octane routine that demanded complex footwork and stamina, demonstrating how far Ilona had come since the beginning of the season.
• The Freestyle Statement: Their Finale Freestyle to "Femininomenon" by District 78 ft. Mona Rue was a bold, powerful, and distinctly Ilona routine, perfectly blending her fierce personality with the freedom of the Freestyle format, ultimately securing their 2nd place finish.

The Deep Bond and Post-Show Speculation: Are Ilona and Alan Dating?

One of the most persistent storylines surrounding Ilona Maher and Alan Bersten was the intense speculation from fans about a potential romantic relationship, a common occurrence on Dancing with the Stars. Their undeniable chemistry, combined with Ilona’s candid and affectionate social media posts about Alan, fueled the "shipping" fire online.

In a pre-finale tribute, Ilona posted a heartfelt message to Alan, stating, "No matter what happens, whether we win or lose, I will forever treasure our time together." This expression of deep platonic affection resonated with fans who appreciated the genuine nature of their friendship.

Addressing the 'Showmance' Rumors

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When directly asked about the dating rumors, both Ilona and Alan took the speculation in stride, maintaining a lighthearted and unbothered stance. They openly acknowledged that fans were "shipping" them but clarified that their relationship was built on a strong, supportive, and playful friendship. Ilona even joked that Alan "makes me feel feminine," highlighting the supportive environment he created for her on the show.

The reality of their bond is a deep, mutual respect forged in the high-pressure environment of the ballroom. Alan Bersten, known for his ability to connect with his partners, made his feelings known about the special nature of his relationship with Ilona, emphasizing the unique connection they shared that went beyond just dancing.

What's Next for Team Allonsa? The DWTS Tour and Future Projects

Despite the conclusion of Season 33, the story of Ilona and Alan is not over. The immediate future for the duo includes continuing their dance partnership on the road. It has been revealed that Ilona Maher will be joining Alan Bersten for some dates on the official Dancing with the Stars Live Tour.

This tour participation is a significant development, allowing fans to see their favorite partnership perform live and demonstrating Ilona's commitment to her newfound passion for dance. Her post-show journey, which includes keeping the momentum going with live performances, further solidifies her transformation from a rugby star to a multi-talented entertainer.

The continued collaboration on the tour is a perfect way for Team Allonsa to celebrate their incredible season and maintain the topical authority they built. It also offers a chance for the duo to explore new choreography and further develop their performance skills outside the weekly competition format. Whether they return for a future season or continue to collaborate on social media, the partnership of Ilona Maher and Alan Bersten remains one of the most memorable and successful pairings in recent *Dancing with the Stars* history.