As season 34 of Dancing with the Stars hit its stride, actress Elaine Hendrix brought fresh energy and bold movement to the ballroom when she and pro partner Alan Bersten stepped into a salsa to “It Takes Two.” The routine not only showcased Hendrix’s flair and commitment, but also arrived amid a personal journey marked by injury, resilience, and a strong support network. This week’s performance became a statement of intent for Hendrix one that fused rhythm, theatricality, and her long-standing passion for dance.
Hendrix & Bersten’s Performance with Scores
Hendrix faced a turning point earlier in the competition when a rib injury during rehearsal forced her out of a live performance night. She described to The Hollywood Reporter the moment when “my ribs seized up and I couldn’t move,” underscoring how even seasoned performers must battle physical setbacks.. The couple receive a 36 out of 40 for their performance tonight. Rather than allowing the setback to define her journey, Hendrix called it “a moment of clarity” that reignited her love for dance. She emphasized to Decider that she’s “in it to win it” and dedicated herself to rehab, choreography and studio time with added focus.
Her return to full-on rehearsal mode paved the way for the salsa to “It Takes Two,” a genre and song choice that demanded both speed and coordination. It served as a triumphant path back from adversity.
Style, Song Choice and Ballroom Strategy
Choosing “It Takes Two” was a smart strategic move. The track’s infectious energy and hip-hop-inflected beat gave the classic salsa format an extra pop. On the dance floor, Hendrix and Bersten leaned into the fun, with quick feet, dynamic turns and plenty of partner interplay.
Hendrix has been vocal about feeling underrated by the scores; she acknowledged that while she doesn’t fully understand the scoring criteria, she focuses on judge feedback and fan support instead. That mindset fed into her salsa: rather than chasing perfection, she chased presence. The styling played to her strengths — theatrical flair, confident frame, and an ability to engage the audience. See last week’s performance below.
Support Network, Underscoring & Legacy Moment
Hendrix emphasized how much her off-floor support has meant: longtime friend and co-star Lisa Ann Walter has attended virtually every show, serving as a “life security blanket” in Hendrix’s words. Her partner Bersten echoed that this journey feels bigger than the usual competition arc.
Meanwhile, Hendrix and Walter both voiced concern that Hendrix has been underscored by the judges. Walter publicly stated that her friend “deserved more” for recent performances. (US Magazine) The salsa to “It Takes Two,” therefore, carried extra significance — it was not just another dance, but an opportunity to make a statement and reclaim narrative momentum. Hendrix framed it as more than a dance: “This minute is for me, and for anyone who’s ever had to push through pain to reclaim joy.”
