Olympic rugby star Ilona Maher is using her Dancing with the Stars journey to showcase a different side of herself — one that embraces femininity while inspiring young girls to feel confident in their own bodies.
During the season 33 premiere of DWTS on Tuesday, Maher, 28, opened up to PEOPLE about how her partnership with professional dancer Alan Bersten is helping her explore and reveal her feminine side. The pair kicked off the competition with an energetic Cha Cha routine to Shania Twain’s iconic anthem, “Man! I Feel Like a Woman!”
Maher, who is the first rugby player to ever compete on the show, credited Bersten, 30, for guiding her through the experience and creating an environment where she could feel “very feminine” on the dance floor.
“He’s really led me and made me feel very womanly,” Maher shared. “I think it’s important for girls to see a muscular, strong woman out there being feminine, dancing with a gorgeous man like Alan.”
She added that the experience would resonate with young girls, showing them that strength and femininity can coexist. “I think it’s going to show a lot,” Maher said. “Girls will really love to see it.”
A Role Model for Young Girls
Although she’s a professional athlete, Maher admitted that stepping into the world of dance was a new and challenging experience. “It’s tough,” she said. “I don’t know what my body can do in dance, but I’m confident it can do something good.”
Maher also emphasized her motivation for joining the show — to be a positive role model for young girls. She explained how growing up as a muscular woman often left her feeling uncomfortable in her body. Now, she’s embracing her strength and beauty and wants to help others do the same.
“I’m this very big, muscular woman, but I also feel so beautiful and feminine,” Maher said. “I grew up not very comfortable with myself, but I want to make it easier for young girls to love their bodies.”
Strong Start to the Competition
Maher and Bersten’s Cha Cha routine to Twain’s empowering hit earned praise from the judges. Bruno Tonioli, known for his vibrant commentary, encouraged Maher to fully embrace her potential on the dance floor. “It was very correct,” Tonioli said. “But I’m telling you, you’ve got more than that. You’re great, you’re beautiful — let it all hang out!”
The duo scored 18 out of 30 points for their first performance, a promising start to their season.
Paving the Way for Body Positivity
Maher’s DWTS appearance comes on the heels of her rising fame following Team USA’s bronze medal win and her feature in Sports Illustrated‘s Swimsuit issue. In her interview with SI, Maher reflected on the significance of the shoot, especially as someone often labeled “masculine.”
“I’ve always been called masculine,” Maher shared. “But I never felt that way. And honestly, I don’t think you’re going to bully the girl who could probably beat you up in a rage.”
She highlighted how rugby taught her to appreciate her body for what it can do, rather than how it looks. “Rugby showed me what I’m capable of — my body isn’t just a tool to be objectified,” she said.
As Maher continues her journey on Dancing with the Stars, she remains committed to breaking down stereotypes and showing young girls that strength, beauty, and confidence can come in many forms.
Catch Dancing with the Stars every Tuesday at 8 p.m. ET on ABC and Disney+, with episodes available to stream the following day on Hulu.