Stephen Nedoroscik and Ilona Maher shine

Vermont Olympian Ilona Maher may be known for her strength on the rugby field, but last night she brought grace and elegance to the dance floor on “Dancing with the Stars.”

As part of the show's “Soul Train Night,” she danced a foxtrot to the song “Lady Marmalade” with partner Alan Bersten and received 30 out of 40 points. Maher admitted that she “always loved that song,” grew up listening to the “Moulin Rouge” version, and even attended the Moulin Rouge in Paris with her Olympic teammates over the summer, which was “so much fun.” she told Bersten during the event package before it was conducted.

Last week, Maher danced salsa and scored 21 out of 30, three points higher than the first week, making her the highest performing dancer of all celebrity dancers.

“I’ve never liked complacency, not even in rugby,” Maher said before her appearance. “I’m always trying to just get better.”

The judges were impressed with Maher's performance and said she performed a “real foxtrot,” as judge Bruno Tonioli put it. Meanwhile, guest judge and “huge sports fanatic” Rosie Perez praised Maher for her achievements on and off the “DWTS” stage. “You did a wonderful job,” said the actress.

Later in the program, Worcester Olympian Stephen Nedoroscik and his partner Rylee Arnold took on the quickstep and danced to the song “Superstition” by Stevie Wonder, earning them 30 out of 40 points. Last week, the judges told the “Pommel Horse” that he needed to control his energy after his Superman-inspired paso doble. Arnold said the goal of the quickstep is to make sure he maintains the proper frame and doesn't work at full speed.

“It's hard for me to convince my body to slow down because if I do that in gymnastics, it's game over,” Nedoroscik said.

After an upbeat performance, the judges said they liked his energy and tricks in the performance, but there were some technical issues with his body. Tonioli also said he hopes to see improvement in Nedoroscik's timing and musicality.

“Watching you dance is like watching you dance in a field full of daisies,” said judge Derek Hough. “It’s airy, light and just wonderful to look at.”

Both athletes will return to “Heavy Metal Night” on Tuesday evening. There were no eliminations after Monday's episode, although another double elimination is possible after Tuesday night's performances.

Emily Wyrwa can be reached at [email protected]. Follow her @emilywyrwa.

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