Elaine Hendrix DWTS Comeback: Hospital Stay & Ballroom Return

Our favorite "Parent Trap" star, Elaine Hendrix, had a major scare on Dancing With The Stars Halloween Night, landing her in the hospital with a rib injury. But don't you worry, this dancing queen isn't letting it stop her!

TL;DR: The Quick Scoop

Hospitalized with Rib Injury: Elaine Hendrix was rushed to the hospital after suffering a painful rib injury during rehearsals for Dancing With The Stars Season 34 Halloween Night on October 28, 2025.
Judged on Rehearsal, Not Eliminated: Despite missing the live performance, she and partner Alan Bersten were judged on their practice footage (scoring 32/40) and were saved by fan votes, avoiding elimination.
Determined for a Quick Return: Doctors have cleared Elaine to continue in the competition, and she's already expressed her strong desire to be back on the dance floor for next week's show on November 4, 2025.

A Frightening Turn of Events on Dancing With The Stars' Halloween Night Episode

The glitz, glamour, and ghoulish fun of Dancing With The Stars Season 34 Halloween Night on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, took a truly unexpected and terrifying turn for actress Elaine Hendrix. Just hours before she was set to dazzle us all with her Argentine Tango, the "Parent Trap" alum found herself in a hospital bed, leaving fans and her dance partner, Alan Bersten, in a state of high anxiety.

The intense physical demands of DWTS are no secret, and injuries, unfortunately, are part of the journey. However, when co-host Alfonso Ribeiro announced that Elaine and Alan wouldn't be performing live and would instead be judged on a recorded dress rehearsal, the concern among viewers was palpable. It was a stark reminder of the sacrifices and risks these stars take to chase their ballroom dreams.

The Terrifying Moment: When Elaine Couldn't Move or Even Breathe Properly

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The emotional pre-performance package painted a vivid picture of the alarming incident. Elaine and Alan were deep in rehearsal, perfecting their dramatic Argentine Tango to 2WEI and Bri Bryant's "Bad to the Bone." It was during this intense session that Elaine suddenly "froze."

"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," Alan Bersten recounted, his voice laced with concern, to Fox News Digital. He admitted to the camera that he didn't know if they'd be able to dance that night, adding, "It's just a lot of unknowns right now. I just hope this isn't the end of Elaine's dream to dance again."

Elaine, visibly in agony, expressed the sharp, twisting pain: "I feel like my muscle is twisted under my ribs."

The situation escalated quickly, requiring emergency medical transport. Being rushed out of the ballroom on a stretcher, unable to move or properly breathe, is every competitor's nightmare. For Elaine, who's already pushed through so much, it was a particularly heartbreaking moment.

Understanding the Nature of the Rib Injury and Its Week-Long Buildup

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As Elaine later explained from her hospital bed via Instagram, this wasn't an entirely new injury. The initial rib pain began the previous week during the "Wicked Night" episode, specifically during her powerful "Defying Gravity" routine. The cumulative stress and movements from that performance likely exacerbated the issue.

On Halloween Night, the intense demands of the Argentine Tango proved too much, causing her ribs to "just seized up" mid-rehearsal. This highlights the hidden battles dancers often fight, pushing their bodies to the limit week after week. It's a testament to her dedication that she continued, even with a simmering injury, hoping to deliver a show-stopping performance for her fans.

Elaine's Resilient Dance Journey: Overcoming Past Adversities and Reclaiming Her Dream

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For those who know Elaine Hendrix's full story, her current battle on DWTS takes on even greater significance. The Atlanta native was a classically trained dancer, excelling in modern and contemporary jazz, and even graduated from the Northside School of Performing Arts in 1989, spending three years pursuing a professional dance career.

However, her dance dreams were abruptly halted in 1992 when she was involved in a serious car accident while riding her bike in Los Angeles. The aftermath left her with a titanium joint in her right foot, a permanent reminder that "renders half my foot unusable," as she revealed on DWTS. This pivotal moment forced her career in a different direction – towards acting, where she found success in films like "The Parent Trap."

Despite the pain and physical limitations, Elaine never truly stopped dancing. Joining Dancing With The Stars Season 34 is, for her, a profound opportunity to reconnect with that core passion. "Every week, my body shifts into a new pain spot, but I just don't want to let it stop me," she declared earlier this season, emphasizing her determination to keep dancing despite the odds. This rib injury is just another chapter in her inspiring story of resilience.

Judges' Reactions and Encouraging Words for a Speedy Return to the Dance Floor

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Despite the lack of a live performance, the judges were deeply impressed by Elaine and Alan's rehearsal footage, which showcased their intended Argentine Tango. Their scores reflected both respect for the performance and immense empathy for Elaine's situation.

"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. Unfortunately, we have to judge that particular video. But still, we love you, Elaine," shared Derek Hough, acknowledging her undeniable stage presence.

Guest judge and former pro Cheryl Burke chimed in, "Your partnership is beautiful to watch. As far as moving forward... it's important to work on the transitions right. That's even more important than the tricks themselves. But great work."

Carrie Ann Inaba added her powerful endorsement: "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."

Their collective scores totaled a respectable 32 out of 40, with each judge awarding them an 8. It was a score that, combined with the love from fans, proved crucial for her survival in the competition.

The Power of Fan Votes: Surviving the Intense Elimination Night on DWTS

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With Elaine's health crisis casting a shadow, the tension during the Halloween Night elimination was particularly high. Fans rallied, knowing that their votes were the key to keeping their beloved star in the running. And rally they did!

When co-host Alfonso Ribeiro announced the results, there was a collective sigh of relief as Elaine Hendrix and Alan Bersten were declared safe! This meant their inspiring journey on Dancing With The Stars would continue. Sadly, Jen Affleck and her partner Jan Ravnik were the couple who had to say goodbye on this spooky night, despite also receiving a score of 32.

Alan Bersten later confirmed to Fox News Digital that Elaine was "definitely doing better, and we're so grateful for all the fans for voting and keeping us safe. She's going to come back stronger and better than ever." This unwavering support from the DWTS community is undoubtedly a huge motivator for Elaine's recovery.

What's Next for Elaine and Alan: A Determined Comeback is Already in Motion

The good news doesn't stop there! Medical professionals have given Elaine the green light, confirming that with "a day or two of rest," she should be able to continue. And Elaine is absolutely taking that advice to heart.

Posting from her hospital bed, Elaine shared her emotional resolve on Instagram: "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's already beginning pain management and plans to return to rehearsals later this week, with her sights firmly set on the live show on Tuesday, November 4, 2025. This determined comeback story is what Dancing With The Stars is all about – pushing past limits, overcoming adversity, and dancing through challenges. We're all rooting for Elaine and can't wait to see her back on that dance floor, stronger than ever!

Scores from DWTS Halloween Night: A Full Breakdown of the Performances (Oct. 28, 2025)

Here’s how all the couples fared on a memorable Halloween Night, with scores out of a possible 40 (thanks to guest judge Cheryl Burke):

Alix Earle and Val Chmerkovskiy: Tango to "bury a friend" by Billie Eilish - 39/40
Robert Irwin and Witney Carson: Argentine Tango to "Sweet Dreams Are Made of This" by The Hampton String Quartet - 38/40
Whitney Leavitt and Mark Ballas: Jazz to "Brain Stew" by Green Day - 37/40
Dylan Efron and Daniella Karagach: Viennese Waltz to "Can't Help Falling In Love (DARK)" by Tommee Profitt and Brooke - 35/40 (Dylan bravely danced despite breaking his nose in rehearsal!)
Jordan Chiles and Ezra Sosa: Contemporary to "Elastic Heart" by Sia - 34/40
Danielle Fishel and Pasha Pashkov: Viennese Waltz to "Die With A Smile" by Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars - 33/40
Elaine Hendrix and Alan Bersten: Argentine Tango to "Bad to the Bone" by 2WEI and Bri Bryant - 32/40 (Judged on rehearsal footage after injury)
Jen Affleck and Jan Ravnik: Contemporary to "Look What You Made Me Do" by Taylor Swift - 32/40 (ELIMINATED)
Andy Richter and Emma Slater: Paso Doble to "Symphony No. 5 in C Minor, Op.67: I. Allegro con brio" by Ludwig van Beethoven - 28/40

Frequently Asked Questions About Elaine Hendrix's DWTS Journey

When is Elaine Hendrix expected to return to Dancing With The Stars?

Elaine Hendrix is aiming to return to the Dancing With The Stars ballroom for the live show on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, following medical clearance after her rib injury.

What exactly happened to Elaine Hendrix on DWTS Halloween Night?

During rehearsals for the Halloween Night episode (Oct. 28, 2025), Elaine Hendrix suffered a severe rib injury. She described her muscle twisting under her ribs, which left her unable to move or breathe. This was a flare-up of an injury sustained the previous week during her "Wicked Night" performance.

Was Elaine Hendrix eliminated from Dancing With The Stars because of her injury?

No, despite her painful injury and missing the live performance on Halloween Night, Elaine Hendrix and her partner Alan Bersten were saved by fan votes and remain in the competition. Jen Affleck and Jan Ravnik were the couple eliminated.

What is Elaine Hendrix's previous dance experience and how does it relate to her DWTS run?

Elaine Hendrix is a classically trained dancer in modern and contemporary jazz. Her professional dance career was cut short in 1992 after a car accident resulted in a titanium joint in her right foot. Her participation in DWTS represents a powerful return to her dance roots, despite ongoing physical challenges.

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