Embracing Body Positivity Through Dance
Olympian Ilona Maher is set to grace the stage of Dancing With the Stars, bringing with her a message of empowerment and body positivity. Growing up playing rugby, a sport often associated with masculinity, Ilona has faced her fair share of challenges and stereotypes. However, she has emerged stronger and more determined to break down barriers and redefine beauty standards.
In a recent interview with Women’s Health, Ilona shared her desire to normalize different body types and showcase the beauty and strength that can come in all shapes and sizes. As she prepares to make her debut on the dance floor, she is setting out to prove that “big can be beautiful” and that there is power in embracing one’s unique physique.
Reframing Societal Norms
For Ilona, rugby has been more than just a sport—it has been a platform for challenging societal norms and redefining what it means to be feminine and strong. As the first rugby player to compete for the Mirrorball Trophy on Dancing With the Stars, she is breaking boundaries and paving the way for future generations of athletes.
“Rugby requires a certain human and a certain sort of personality. For women especially, it’s a person who is prepared to break societal norms, in a way, and play a sport that is generally thought of as masculine, manly, and too physical for women,” Ilona explains. “These are girls who said, ‘No, flip that. I am just as strong. I’m just as powerful.'”
A Champion for Body Positivity
Ilona’s journey to self-acceptance and body positivity has been a long and challenging one. Growing up, she was often labeled as a “big girl,” but it was her introduction to rugby that shifted her perspective. Instead of being ostracized for her size, she was celebrated for her strength and athleticism.
Now, as she takes to the dance floor with her partner Alan Bersten, Ilona is using her platform to advocate for body positivity and inclusivity. Through her social media accounts, she reaches millions of followers with her message of self-love and acceptance, particularly for those with bigger body types.
“It’s just important for these girls to see me constantly out there showing that being big can be beautiful, and it doesn’t take away from your femininity in a way,” Ilona emphasizes. “Growing up, I had no athletes—except for Serena Williams—who looked like me and played a sport like me. I want to be somebody out there [so girls] don’t feel like they need to change.”
Empowering Through Dance
As Ilona gears up for her performance on Dancing With the Stars, she is not only focused on showcasing her dance skills but also on sending a powerful message to viewers. By embracing her body and expressing herself through dance, she hopes to inspire others to do the same.
“All body types can dance and express themselves out there through dance,” Ilona asserts. “I don’t think you’ll see a lot of my body types doing the tango, or the rumba, or the cha cha… seeing my body type move in that sort of way just shows that all sorts of body types can do so many different things.”
Through her journey from rugby fields to dance floors, Ilona Maher is on a mission to challenge stereotypes, promote body positivity, and empower individuals to embrace their unique beauty and strength. As she steps into the spotlight on Dancing With the Stars, she is not only dancing for herself but for every woman who has ever felt marginalized or underestimated.
