“We might miss us just as much as you will,” Ilona Maher’s words from what might potentially be her last rehearsal BTS clip, exhibit she’s not ready to say goodbye. Over the past few weeks, she’s found a friend for a lifetime in the DWTS pro, Alan Bersten, who has been her ride-or-die on Dancing With The Stars. Thus, even amid the mounting pressure of the finals, she’s made time to give him a special tribute.

We know how fans have adored Maher and Bersten’s chemistry over the past few weeks, so much that dating rumors have been all over the place. But it turns out their bond runs way deeper as the duo, who have been practically inseparable on DWTS, have also built an emotional connection. And Ilona Maher’s beautifully acknowledged that in her touching thank-you video for her dance partner.

Ilona Maher is not ready for this strange twist

Taking to her Instagram recently, Ilona Maher added a video compilation of some of her most incredible moments with Alan Bersten on the show, Dancing With The Stars. Shortly before the finals draw the curtain on their journeys, the video has her conveying the sweetest message that goes, “Dear Alan, no matter what happens, whether we win or lose, I will forever cherish our time together.”

Maher even confessed that crossing paths with a friend like him was way beyond her imagination, “I didn’t come onto this show thinking I’d make a connection like this.” However, the least she could do was thank him. And Maher did exactly that. She continued, “You are the best dance partner I could have hoped for.” 

Moreover, giving insights into their DWTS run, she even shared how they navigated the highs and lows together, “We laughed. We cried. We gave it our all. It was not always easy (Actually it rarely was) , but so worth it.” And here on, the tallest and strongest challenge for Ilona Maher, as she admits would be to not see Alan every day.  Nonetheless, Maher gave him the ultimate acknowledgement saying, “Just know, you always made me feel beautiful, powerful, and worthy out there. You have truly changed me for the better.” 

However, it hasn’t just been about friendship. With Bersten’s support, Maher has successfully challenged conventional norms, putting it out there that dancers of all shapes can excel on this dance reality show.

Alan Bersten helped Ilona Maher break body stereotypes

Together, Maher and Bersten have come a long way. They not only stand as the proud finalists of the show but have the pro dancers who have beautifully helped the Olympians shatter body stereotypes out there. Whether it was performing a rumba or cha cha routine or making history as the first female partner to lift her male partner on the show, Bersten has been instrumental in helping Ilona Maher showcase her unfiltered and fiercely strong self on DWTS.

Truly, when Maher lifted Bersten as part of their ‘Dirty Dancing’ act, fans were pleasantly surprised as it’s quite rare for a woman to lift her partner in a ballroom dance. But, Maher could do that as Alan supports her unconditionally every step of the way, without any limitations of being on national television.

In fact, Bertsen has even confessed on the Lightweights podcast with Joe Vulpis, “I’m like okay just make her feel good and let her be her cuz that’s what’s so good about her. She’s so genuine and like I don’t want to just make her be like a dancer and point your toe and do this. So I’m really trying to make sure that you know she comes out there and feels herself.” 

The pro dancer clearly prioritizes Ilona Maher’s comfort and wants her to feel her most authentic self on the show, which is something the sportsperson has truly appreciated a lot. Don’t you think winning the mirrorball trophy would be the perfect way to end their story on DWTS? Share your thoughts below!