“Dancing with the Stars” season 33 runner-up Ilona Maher shared new behind the scenes content on her Instagram September 22 ahead of the new season’s second episode.
Maher, a two-time Olympian who represented the U.S. in the 2024 Paris Olympics and 2020 Tokyo Olympics, placed second overall in the 33rd season of DWTS, competing alongside her dance partner Alan Bersten.
Maher shared a series of photos and videos showing behind-the-scenes insight into her time on the reality competition show.
“Can’t believe the season is starting again,” the 29-year-old wrote in the caption. “I was reminiscing and going through some old videos and thought I should share with you all.”
Maher’s former dance partner was spotted replying in the comments of her flashback post.
“Dawg this made me so happy!!” Bersten wrote. “miss you. Come visit!”
Julianne Hough, co-host of DWTS also made an appearance in the comments saying, “Miss you – you perfect angel.”
Joey Graziadei, winner of season 33 and star of the “Bachelor,” also said he missed Maher in the comments.
Maher’s post included other moments from her time on the show including her on top of the judge’s table, up-close shots of her outfits, dog walks with Bersten and a video of her meeting fans outside of the studio.
During her time on the show, she competed alongside a fellow Olympian, Stephen Nedoroscik of the USA’s gymnastics team.
Ilona Maher Shares BTS of High-Scoring Performance
The former contestant shared videos of rehearsals before some of her iconic performances, including her dance to “Femininomenon” by Chappell Roan. That November 2024 performance earned her and Bersten a perfect 30 out of 30.
After the performance, judge Bruno Tonioli told Maher she was “shinning brighter than ever.”
Carrie Ann Inaba was left screaming in excitement after the performance, telling Maher her mind was blown.
“You leave me feeling so empowered. That’s the magic of the dance,” Inaba said. “Thank you for doing that!”
Looking Back At Ilona Maher’s Disney Night Performance
Maher also shared a look into rehearsals for her performance based off the movie Encanto, part of the season’s Disney-themed night. Maher embodied Luisa Madrigal, the sister of the main character Mirabel who is known for her strength.
Bersten dressed as a donkey from the movie, matching the DWTS troupe’s costumes.
Maher and Bersten scored a 25 out of 30 on the performance.
In a rehearsal video package, Maher opened up about resonating with Luisa’s character, EntertainmentWeekly reported.
“I too grew up as a bigger female. She is big and broad but she is so beautiful. She doesn’t ever try to shrink herself for the world” Maher said. “I’m so happy I’m sharing that with people now. Just like Luisa, I might bend, but I’ll never break.”
Maher’s former dance partner, Bersten, 31, takes on the ballroom on September 23 with “The Parent Trap” actress Elaine Hendrix. The contestants will dance to the hit song “Hey Mickey” by Toni Basil, who dropped in on the couple’s rehearsal.
