Despite a painful rib injury that landed her in the hospital just hours before her Dancing with the Stars Halloween performance, beloved actress Elaine Hendrix demonstrated remarkable resilience, captivating fans and ensuring her place in the competition with a promise to return.
The ballroom of Dancing with the Stars was set for a spooky spectacular on Halloween Night, October 28, 2025. Fans eagerly anticipated a ghoulishly great performance from Elaine Hendrix, the iconic star of The Parent Trap, and her professional partner Alan Bersten. However, the night took an unexpected turn when hosts Alfonso Ribeiro and Julianne Hough announced that Hendrix would not be performing due to a sudden and severe rib injury. This news sent ripples of concern through the fan community, but it also underscored Hendrix’s unwavering determination.
The Shocking Incident: A Rib Injury Forces Hospitalization
Hours before she and Alan Bersten were scheduled to perform their Argentine Tango to “Bad to the Bone,” Hendrix’s rehearsal was abruptly halted. She experienced excruciating pain in her ribs, leading to her immediate transportation to the hospital for evaluation. This wasn’t her first brush with injury in the competition; just the week prior, during her “Wicked Night” performance of “Defying Gravity,” she had endured a demanding routine that reportedly contributed to her current rib issues. Her partner, Alan Bersten, later recounted the alarming moment: “Elaine and I were dancing, and all of a sudden, Elaine kind of froze and said she can’t move and she can’t breathe, and something happened with her rib,” he explained, as reported by AOL.
The situation was dire, with Bersten expressing concern that this might signal “the end of Elaine’s dream to dance again.” However, the medical team cleared Hendrix to remain in the competition, provided she wasn’t eliminated. To honor her commitment, Dancing with the Stars aired footage of her final full rehearsal, allowing the judges to score her effort.
A Glimpse of Greatness: Judges Praise the Rehearsal
Even in rehearsal footage, Hendrix’s talent shone through. The judges, including guest judge Cheryl Burke, offered their feedback and scores. Derek Hough, a seasoned judge and former pro, acknowledged the difficulty of judging a rehearsal but stated, “But I know Elaine, tonight, she would have gone up 10 years. She is a born performer. With that said, even in that rehearsal, still so, so impressive.” Cheryl Burke added, “I’m a huge fan of Elaine. I feel like in previous weeks you guys have been underrated a little bit. Your partnership is beautiful to watch.”
Bruno Tonioli applauded Alan Bersten’s choreography, noting the “content, the lines, the placement, the effects” and praising Elaine for the “layer of sultriness and passion” she infused into the dance. Carrie Ann Inaba expressed her heartbreak but was nonetheless impressed: “Already, I was like, ‘Damn, the girl watching that rehearsal that is amazing.’ She was looking hot and sexy, and the chemistry was so real and passionate, and she’s so strong, and she’s such a warrior. She’s gotta come back,” according to People. Despite the setback, the pair received a commendable score of 32 out of 40, with all four judges awarding them 8s.
The Road to Recovery and Overwhelming Fan Support
From her hospital bed, a determined Elaine Hendrix shared an emotional Instagram video message with her fans. “Hi, so, obviously I’m not in the ballroom,” she announced, explaining that her ribs “just seized up and I couldn’t move.” Her doctor assured her that “with a day or two of rest, I should be able to return.” She also acknowledged her previous injury during the “Defying Gravity” routine where her “titanium joint” caused her to rip skin off her foot, stating, “perfect for Halloween! It’s ghoulish.”
In her caption, Hendrix expressed her devastation: “Halloween is my favorite, and I’m devastated. 💔 I was beyond excited to share what we had worked so hard on, although you’ll see a version of it. With your support, I’ll be back in the ballroom next week. I want nothing more.” She urged fans to vote for her, culminating her message with, “Thank you all for your love, your support, and your votes. I couldn’t do this without you. 🫶🏼🎃 #DWTS #TeamPartnerTrap.”
The call for support was met with an immediate and overwhelming response from the Dancing with the Stars community. Fellow contestants, professional dancers, and hosts flooded her comments with messages of encouragement:
- Julianne Hough: “Sending you so much love and healing energy!!! Your rehearsal was absolutely incredible!!! truly can’t wait to see you back on the ballroom floor you’ve got this. We are all thinking of you tonight.”
- Pro Witney Carson: “You’re so strong my girl!”
- Pro Daniella Karagach: “Sending you so much love.”
- Actress Sharon Lawrence: “Ohhh honey!!! sending love and votes right now.”
This outpouring of “love and support” from both colleagues and fans alike demonstrated the deep affection the community holds for Hendrix, as detailed by ET Online.
A Warrior’s Spirit: Persistence Against All Odds
Elaine Hendrix‘s journey on Dancing with the Stars has been marked by remarkable tenacity. Her comments during rehearsals revealed a fierce determination to continue, even while battling previous injuries. She was heard saying, “I’m making sure that I’m not doing anything really damaging to myself,” illustrating her careful approach while still pushing her limits. When Alan Bersten offered to modify choreography due to her pain, she was “persistent and wanted to keep trying.” This warrior spirit, as described by Carrie Ann Inaba, is a testament to her dedication to the dream of dancing again.
Looking Ahead: The Ballroom Awaits Her Return
Thanks to the unwavering support of her fans and the judges’ appreciation of her rehearsal, Elaine Hendrix was ultimately saved from elimination, while Jen Affleck was voted off. This outcome paved the way for Hendrix’s potential return to the ballroom in the following week, given her doctors’ clearance. Her resilience in the face of physical adversity has solidified her place as a fan favorite, embodying the challenging yet inspiring spirit of Dancing with the Stars.
Fans eagerly anticipate Elaine Hendrix‘s triumphant comeback, hopeful to witness her full strength and passion unleashed on the dance floor. Her journey serves as a powerful reminder that even when faced with significant setbacks, dedication and the support of a loving community can help overcome any obstacle.
