Week four of Dancing with the Stars has turned out to be an emotional odyssey for Illona Maher. The energy was palpable as she twirled onto the dance floor with her partner Alan Bersten. The two brought on jive to the floor and danced to the tune “Cum On Feel the Noize” by Quiet Riot. But as the performance unraveled, the ‘Hair Metal Night’ was hit with an unfortunate moment. She had a slip-up during the routine, which was evident so much so that the judges pointed it out!

Illona was visibly shaken and tearing up on stage. Post-performance, as the weight of the mistake sank in, Illona went on to say, “This is something so out of my comfort zone. I’m not a dancer, but I think I’m just really wanting to give it my all. I got very sad that I wasn’t, I guess, good enough, maybe.” Illona was clearly heartbroken, despite Carrie Ann Inaba, Derek Hough, and Bruno Tonioli all acknowledging her struggle.

But the support seems to elude Illona Maher. However, she reflected and said, “You know, it’s so funny ’cause I get all those supportive messages. I think it’s something that I internally have to really take to heart and actually realize what maybe they’re saying is true at times. I think it’s learning to give myself grace that I’m doing something so new.” As Illona spoke, her grief was visible and audible in her voice. Her dance partner, Alan Bersten, quickly stepped in to support her.

“First of all, Illona could never disappoint me. She is an angel of encouragement and focus, and she’s just such an inspiration to so many people. I want to actually commend her. Even though she feels like she messed up so badly, she didn’t stop. She kept going; she finished the routine,” said Alan. Right on, Alan! The pressures of TV reality seemed to have momentarily caught up with Illona that she almost forgot that she is an Olympian! Alan, however, also had something to say about the performance.

“There were some really good moments, and that, to me, is that determination that she has that fight. I just adore her so much, and I’m so proud of her,” added Alan. Illona’s partner sure hit the nail again with his statement! Let’s be real, the world of competitive dancing is sometimes not just about the execution but about the ups and downs of being on a glorious journey. Next on stop on the journey?

Illona’s next performance is all about “Doing the Steps!”

When asked about what the next performance holds, Illona Maher playfully said, “Doing the steps? How about that?” It was evident from Illona’s reactions that the banter, unfortunately, came from the sting of performing badly. However, another contestant came to her rescue! Danny Amendola, the beloved NFL wide receiver, came to her with words from the world of sports! A language that Illona speaks fluently.

“Danny brought out to me more of a sports mindset. He was like, you know, we always say this: next play. And that’s how it was,” said Illona. Even Alan chimed in, asking, “What happens on the rugby pitch when you make a mistake?” To which Illona replied, “I just keep playing. So it’s kind of like next play now.” In her first three performances, Illona proved herself with a cha-cha to Shania Twain’s “Man! I Feel Like a Woman!” Despite the scores being low, it showed Maher’s impact on the world.

As the music plays on, Illona Maher is bound to back, bringing her rugby mindset with the cha-cha flair for a performance to remember. And the world can’t wait to see how the queen slays!