Ilona Maher Impresses in Soul Train-Themed Foxtrot on ‘Dancing with the Stars’

Ilona Maher, the well-known rugby sevens player from Burlington, Vermont, delivered an impressive performance on ‘Dancing with the Stars’ during the show’s Soul Train Night. Maher, alongside her dance partner Alan Bersten, performed a foxtrot to the classic song “Lady Marmalade” by Labelle. The performance was part of a themed night where contestants drew inspiration from the iconic music variety show ‘Soul Train’.

The 28-year-old athlete, who gained further recognition after competing in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, expressed her fondness for the song “Lady Marmalade”. “I’ve always loved that song,” Maher commented. She shared personal anecdotes of visiting the famous Moulin Rouge in Paris, linking her dance to cherished memories from the Olympics.

The dance routine was well-received by the judges, earning Maher a score of 30 out of 40. Judges Carrie Ann Inaba and special guest Rosie Perez awarded her eights, while Derek Hough and Bruno Tonioli gave her sevens. This score placed her in a tie for fourth place alongside fellow contestants Danny Amendola, Phaedra Parks, and Stephen Nedoroscik.

Rosie Perez, an actress who frequently appeared on ‘Soul Train’ in the 1980s, served as a guest judge for the evening. Her participation added a nostalgic touch to the themed performances.

Although there were no eliminations on the night, the cumulative scores from Soul Train Night and the upcoming Hair Metal Night will dictate which two contestants face elimination. The episodes air live every Tuesday on ABC and Disney+, with next-day availability on Hulu. The double episode this week is a result of the absence of a new episode the previous Tuesday.

Maher, who has a significant following on social media, is also a graduate of Quinnipiac University, where she studied nursing. Her commitment to improvement and her vibrant presence continue to charm both judges and audiences alike.