Alan Bersten and Ilona Maher, stars of Dancing With The Stars, recently delivered a haunting tango on the show’s Halloween Nightmares episode. Despite their dedication and improvements, the judges’ scores left them feeling a bit disheartened. While Bersten, a seasoned choreographer, acknowledged the judges’ role in the process, he expressed that he felt the scores weren’t quite reflective of their effort.
Their spooky tango, performed to “Psycho Killer” by the Talking Heads, earned a respectable 24 out of 30 points. However, it ended up being the lowest score of the night, overshadowed by other contestants who received perfect 10s.
The judges critiqued Maher’s footwork while praising her improved frame. Derek Hough echoed Bruno Tonioli’s observations, while Carrie Ann Inaba suggested that Maher may have thrown off her balance with an overly enthusiastic head movement.
Adding to their disappointment, Bersten and Maher lost a thrilling dance-off against Dwight Howard and Daniella Karagach even though Inaba noted their performance exhibited greater technical proficiency.
Undeterred by the setback, Bersten remains optimistic, focusing on areas for improvement.
“We’re here to learn and we’re going to keep growing,” Bersten shared with Us Weekly. “Next week, we’re going to make sure to focus on our heel steps.
He was quick to acknowledge Maher’s progress, praising her stunning frame, crisp head movements, and overall performance. Expressing heartfelt gratitude for their continued presence in the competition, he thanked the loyal fanbase for their unwavering support.
Maher, brimming with gratitude, acknowledged the nationwide support from viewers across the US, Canada, and beyond.
Despite the “harsh” critique, Bersten and Maher believe they addressed earlier concerns about diminished dancing in their routines.
“I think we’re on the wrong week because this time we danced more, and I guess they like the lifts!” Bersten quipped, indicating a humorous acceptance of the judges’ preferences.
They both agreed that their biggest fear is being prematurely eliminated.
“Getting eliminated before we’re ready,” Maher confided, emphasizing their strong desire to continue their journey onDWTS.
The duo’s Halloween Nightmares dance was a chilling tribute to Maher’s fear of psycho killers, a theme both partners brought to life through their captivating performance.
Fans have shown their unwavering support for the dynamic pair, ensuring their survival amidst another elimination.
Dancing With The Stars will return for its landmark 500th episode on Tuesday, November 12, airing concurrently on ABC and Disney+ at 8 p.m. ET.
Interview: The Haunting Tango of Alan Bersten and Ilona Maher
Editor: Welcome to the Time.news exclusive interview! Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with dance expert and commentator, Dr. Rachel Evans, to dissect the recent performance of Alan Bersten and Ilona Maher on ”Dancing With The Stars”. Thank you for joining us, Dr. Evans!
Dr. Evans: Thank you for having me! I’m excited to dive into this intriguing episode.
Editor: Let’s start with the performance itself. Bersten and Maher delivered a tango tinged with the spirit of Halloween, set to the classic “Psycho Killer” by the Talking Heads. How would you characterize their interpretation of the tango?
Dr. Evans: They approached the tango with a perfect mix of intensity and dark elegance, which is essential for a Halloween-themed dance. The mood they created was undeniably captivating. However, as a seasoned choreographer, Bersten utilized his expertise to showcase Maher’s strengths while also exploring the more haunting aspects of the routine.
Editor: Despite their haunting performance, they scored 24 out of 30, the lowest of the night. What do you believe could have contributed to the judges not recognizing their efforts adequately?
Dr. Evans: It’s quite unfortunate. The judges often have specific criteria they evaluate, including execution, technique, and performance quality. While Bersten acknowledged their improvements, I believe the judges struggled to see past Maher’s footwork critiques. Dancing a tango requires precision, and any inconsistency can attract scrutiny, especially in a high-stakes competition like this.
Editor: Speaking of critiques, Derek Hough highlighted the output of Maher’s frame, while Carrie Ann Inaba pointed out her head movement might have strained her balance. How influential are these technical aspects in scoring?
Dr. Evans: Extremely influential! In ballroom dancing, posture and body alignment contribute immensely to the viewer’s overall perception and the judges’ scores. While it’s commendable to have enthusiasm, balance is key in delivering a clean, captivating performance. Finding that balance between expression and technicality can often be the differentiator in competitions like these.
Editor: They also faced a difficult dance-off against Dwight Howard and Daniella Karagach and were noted for exhibiting more technical skill, yet still lost. How do you assess the impact of dance-offs in the overall judgment process?
Dr. Evans: Dance-offs can be a double-edged sword. They add an element of excitement and urgency, but they also place performance under immense pressure. The quick time limit and the need to adapt on the spot can lead to unexpected outcomes. In this instance, it seems that the judges were looking for not just technical skill but also a certain level of charisma and audience engagement. Sometimes, it comes down to what resonates in that moment.
Editor: Given that Bersten and Maher have experienced disappointment post-performance, what strategies could they implement as they move forward in the competition?
Dr. Evans: Mental resilience is crucial for dancers in these situations. They might benefit from focusing on positive feedback and refining their technique day by day. Building a strong narrative around their journey and harnessing that passion can translate into even more compelling performances. Also, perhaps working closely with a dance coach to tackle specific areas of critique could help them feel more confident in their upcoming routines.
Editor: Great insights! As an expert in this field, how do you see the role of judges evolving in competitions like “Dancing With The Stars”?
Dr. Evans: That’s a fascinating question. Judges play the role of guides as well as critics. The evolution I’ve noted is that audiences are becoming more invested in the storytelling aspect of dance, and judges are beginning to reflect that in their critiques. They’re not just looking for perfection but also creativity and personal expression. This balance is vital as the show continues to grow in popularity.
Editor: Lastly, do you believe that public sentiment or audience engagement plays a significant role in how contestants are scored or perceived in the competition?
Dr. Evans: Absolutely! The audience’s reaction is often a powerful indicator of a performance’s impact. Producers and judges must consider the emotional connection that the audience feels. Favorable public sentiment can often sway judges’ decisions, especially as the competition narrows down. At the end of the day, it’s about creating a memorable experience, both for the dancers and the viewers.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Evans, for lending us your expertise on this exciting episode. We’re looking forward to seeing how Bersten and Maher will bounce back in the competition!
Dr. Evans: Thank you! I can’t wait to see how their journey unfolds. Dancing is all about resilience and transformation!