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Olympic rugby star Ilona Maher is inspiring young girls with her strength and authenticity on "Dancing with the Stars," embracing her unique power and breaking stereotypes with every graceful step on the floor.
American rugby star Ilona Maher is doing more than just dancing her way through “Dancing with the Stars.”
As she competes on the show, Maher is on a mission to inspire young girls to embrace their strength, confidence, and individuality.
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In the latest episodes, Maher has shown that grace, power and muscle can coexist on the dance floor, sending a bold message to fans about body positivity and self-acceptance.
“People are loving to see a girl like me move. They’re seeing themselves out there,” Maher told Good Morning America alongside her professional dance partner, Alan Bersten.
The Olympic rugby player shared how she’s found joy in hearing from fans who relate to her athletic build and fearless presence on stage.
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Maher’s presence on the show has already sparked discussions around body representation and inclusivity in dance, an industry that often celebrates only one kind of physical appearance.
With Bersten by her side, she has been able to push past traditional boundaries, proving that dancers of all body types can shine just as brightly.
“Fans have also loved to see Bersten working with a person like me and how he supports me and makes me feel so beautiful on the floor,” Maher said.
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Bersten, who has been a professional dancer on “Dancing with the Stars” for several seasons, says Maher embodies what the show is truly about.
“She is exactly who she is on social media, in person. She’s funny. She’s loud. She’s authentically herself,” he said.
Reflecting on her progress, he added, “She’s the first female partner to lift her male partner on the show, and it’s just awesome.”
Their partnership has struck a chord with audiences, carrying the duo into the top six contestants as they approach the show’s milestone 500th episode, airing Nov. 12.
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10:30 - 03.11.2024
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Together, they have danced everything from the cha-cha to the rumba, a dance Maher describes as a personal favorite.
“For me, it’s just showing how powerful and how important it is to be strong physically and mentally,” Maher, who recently won a bronze medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics, shared.
For Maher, the journey is not just about her own growth; it’s about representing girls everywhere who may not see themselves in traditional media.
“I think young girls like seeing me dancing the rumba, this muscular build out there, trying to be as graceful as she can…,” she explained.
"At times it feels like it’s not just for me that I’m doing this, it’s for others.”
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19:53 - 07.11.2024
'This was very needed' - Rachel Kolisi relieved after divorce from Siya Kolisi as she turns heads at red carpet event
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Maher’s fans have embraced her authenticity, praising her resilience and humor.
In turn, Maher feels a sense of responsibility to continue showing up as her true self, inspiring young girls to be proud of their strength and individuality.
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