Last night on “Dancing with the Stars,” rugby star Ilona Maher delivered a powerful and enchanting performance that captivated audiences and judges alike. Inspired by Disney’s hit film “Encanto,” Maher channeled the strength and spirit of Luisa Madrigal, bringing a unique energy to the dance floor. Her jazz routine, set to the popular “Encanto” song “Surface Pressure,” was a standout moment of the night, showcasing not only her growing dance skills but also her vibrant personality.
For Disney Night, each contestant was tasked with embodying a beloved Disney character through dance. Maher, known for her athletic prowess and positive attitude, was perfectly matched with Luisa Madrigal. Luisa, from “Encanto,” is celebrated for her incredible strength and unwavering support for her family. This resonated deeply with Maher, who shared before her performance, “She is big and she’s broad and she’s so strong, but she feels so beautiful. She doesn’t ever try to shrink herself or make herself small for the world. And I love that people are seeing that in me as well now.” This connection to the character added an emotional depth to her performance, making it more than just a dance; it was an empowering statement.
Maher’s jazz routine with partner Alan Bersten was a dynamic display of athleticism and artistry. Dancing to “Surface Pressure,” a song that perfectly encapsulates Luisa’s internal struggles with pressure and expectations, Maher brought the character to life with every move. The choreography highlighted her physical strength, incorporating powerful lifts and energetic steps, while also allowing her personality to shine through. The judges were clearly impressed, praising her energy and commitment to the role.
In addition to her individual performance, Maher also participated in a team dance as part of “Team Goofs.” Alongside fellow contestants Joey Graziadei, Chandler Kinney, and Jenn Tran, Team Goofs delivered a high-energy performance to “I2I” from “The Goofy Movie.” This team performance further showcased Maher’s versatility and ability to collaborate, contributing to a fun and memorable segment of the show. Team Goofs earned a solid score of 27/30, with each judge awarding them a nine out of ten.
When it came to individual scores, Ilona Maher received a commendable 25/30 for her “Encanto” jazz dance. Judges Derek Hough and Bruno Tonioli each gave her an eight, while Carrie Ann Inaba awarded a nine. Combined with the team dance score, Maher’s total for the night reached 52/60, placing her in a strong second position, tied with Joey Graziadei. This impressive score reflects her hard work and dedication throughout the competition.
Unfortunately, every week on “Dancing with the Stars” someone must be eliminated. This week, reality TV star Phaedra Parks’ journey on the show came to an end. The elimination, determined by a combination of judge scores and viewer votes, narrowed the competition down to seven remaining couples. As the competition intensifies, Ilona Maher continues to be a contestant to watch, bringing her unique blend of strength, spirit, and “Encanto” magic to the dance floor each week.
For fans eager to catch Ilona Maher’s next performance and all the dazzling dances on “Dancing with the Stars,” the show airs live on Tuesdays on ABC and Disney+. Episodes are also available for streaming the next day on Hulu. Don’t miss the next episode on Tuesday, Oct. 29th at 8 p.m. EST to see how Ilona Maher continues to shine and represent the power of “Encanto” on the dance floor.
