‘DWTS’ Ilona Maher Explains Her Interesting Footwear Choice
Olympic Rugby player Ilona Maher is capturing the hearts of DWTS viewers everywhere. But many fans couldn’t help but notice that she wasn’t wearing traditional ballroom heels on Tuesday night’s episode.
When Dancing With The Stars contestants swap out their footwear, it’s typically because of an injury. Viewers seem to adore Ilona Maher and want her to go the distance. Is it possible she suffered an injury this early in the competition?
Read on to see what she and her partner Alan Bersten had to say about the wardrobe choice.
Ilona Maher & Alan Bersten Chose To Forgo Her Ballroom Heels
Although Ilona Maher admits she loves ballroom heels, she and Alan Bersten both agreed it wasn’t in her best interest to wear them this week.
“We were debating it before safety, before just throwing each other around,” the Olympian told Us Weekly, noting the difficult lifts and stunts in her Oscars Night routine. “I thought for my ankles, I just wanted to wear flats.”
Her partner Alan noted the flats also gave Ilona a little extra stability.
“I do like the heels, and I want to keep wearing them,” she added. “I love the way they make you feel. You kind of dance a little differently in heels.”
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Thankfully, Ilona doesn’t seem to have any injuries that would require her to wear flats long-term. But she does have innumerable blisters and calluses.
“She’s got tape all over her toes,” Alan told the publication.
DWTS Fans Go Wild For The Dirty Dancing Tribute
On Oscars Night, the Season 33 contestants paid homage to iconic movies. Alan Bersten and Ilona Maher performed the Salsa to “(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life” from Dirty Dancing. It was the perfect opportunity for both dancers to lift one another. But of course, they had to recreate the epic lift from the movie.
Although Ilona is an incredibly muscular woman, Alan seemed to lift her with ease. Fans loved seeing the joy on the Olympian’s face and praised her online.
“I know everyone is talking about Ilona lifting Alan but I really needed that moment when he lifted her,” a viewer wrote on Reddit. “I’ve always been told that I feel heavier than I look which has made me feel sensitive about being lifted. The one time I was lifted and told I wasn’t too heavy to pick up made my day. I’ll never forget it. I’m so glad Alan gave that to Ilona. Ilona deserved it. I love this couple so much and how they’re representing body positivity.”
Dancing With The Stars is taking a break next Tuesday night for the Vice Presidential debate. Week three kicks off on October 7 with a second episode on October 8. Tune in and see what Ilona and Alan come up with next.
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