Amir Banai and his partner, dancer Rumi Nof, remained one of the strongest couples on "Dancing with the Stars" on Keshet 12, but a fast salsa routine unexpectedly brought Banai down to the floor. The incident came after a slower foxtrot that had impressed the judges, and Banai quickly got back up and continued dancing to Michael Jackson as if nothing had happened.
The judges praised him for the way he handled the fall. Anna Aronov said, "You came out of the stumble as if it was nothing, it did not confuse you for a second. You present everything in a magical way." David Dvir added, "You were born the mature, responsible one, and you are exceptional. Rumi brings out something unbelievable in you."
Banai's partner, Noa Reinhold, who watched from the audience, also praised him: "The most moving thing was how you got up. What a king you are, and handsome." Banai and Nof received 35 points, a strong score that put them back in first place.
Banai said emotionally, "I came to learn, and I am learning about myself every day. I am enjoying this more than I have ever enjoyed anything in my life. A dance like this is all my dreams. I thank Rumi." His mother, Orna Banai, watched from the bench and said, "He came out of me by Caesarean and he is a king. Since he has been on the show, I feel like I married off a son, only without the checks. Amir achieves everything he wants in life, and he will also make it to the final."
