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The beautiful Foxtrot to the 1979 Prince hit “I Wanna Be Your Lover” made Elaine Hendrix and Alan Bersten the stars of the day during the semis of Dancing With The Stars. The dance was greatly appreciated, and the judges as well as the audience praised the couple’s confidence in the next season finale, which also generated the most support for the show among its committed fans.
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There was an excellent atmosphere when Elaine Hendrix entered the hall dancing and many were talking about it being her breakthrough performance. The songs of Prince were everywhere during the special theme night of the show and the couple’s movements seemed like the perfect mix of technically correct and emotionally reaching. The Foxtrot, which is known for its soft and rolling steps, was a great chance for the contestant to show off her developing skill and get closer to her professional partner.
The failure of this performance was by no means the worst thing that had happened to Hendrix as a contestant. At the beginning of the season, the actress was plagued with problems including a very severe injury that almost caused her to quit dancing altogether. Her struggle to recover from the injury and her gradual but constant improvement each week turned out to be her own motivational story. The semi-final performance was not merely a routine but rather the long-anticipated result of weeks of dedication and effort.
The audience’s response was swift and very supportive. One of the spectators commented, “Chemistry, synchrony, and you two are so gracious! Elaine was floating.” This comment reflected the most common sentiment that Hendrix seemed to have hit a new level of her skill when it came to her movement as she danced light as a feather and totally engrossed in the act.
Another viewer expressed amazement at Hendrix’s fitness and remarked, “I can’t believe she’s in her 50s, she is so effortless and STUNNING.” This comment indicates how much rapper’s performance transcends public disbelief regarding age and dance abilities; thus, it becomes a source of encouragement for the audience of all ages.
The bond of Hendrix and Bersten was the most liked by the audience throughout the entire season. One commentator pointed out, “This partnership has made me so happy by seeing Elaine falling back in love with dance and performing, her GROWTH.” This change—from being someone who once took a break from dancing to coming back to national television and telling everyone about her passion—makes their journey to the final even more interesting.
Undoubtedly, the dancers had to deal with some negative remarks, but they were not too many. One internet user claimed the songs of the semi-finals were bad choices for the contestants, saying, “These songs are not hitting like other songs could have for the semi finale.” Another user mentioned judging inconsistencies by saying, “How she got a 10 from Derek and Robert didn’t is the most ridiculous thing I have ever seen.” These differing views demonstrate the subjective nature of the dance competition and the diverse expectations that different viewers bring to the show.
The performance was a huge boost for Hendrix’s scores, and the season’s average included a perfect 10 from judge Derek Hough. This made her a strong contender for the title and at the same time raised the question of her chances of winning the much-coveted Mirrorball Trophy. One fan was so excited that they could not hide their excitement and said, “Elaineeeeee you’re my winner hunnyyyyy,” while another person, not so excited, just commented, “My forever Queen and Winner.”
The artistic effect of Hendrix’s performance was not limited to the technical aspect alone. A spectator responded, “Such joy and connection! Brings me happy tears to watch them dance!!!” The audience’s response indicates that Hendrix and Bersten not only created emotions but also shared the moments with the audience, thus overpowering the show’s competitive aspect.
As the finale gets closer, the anticipation becomes larger and larger. The transformation of Houdini—his trained puppy from day one to the confident semi-finalist—is one of the most captivating stories of the season. Her ability to connect with the music and her partner, combined with her technical growth, truly makes her a contender for the championship title.
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Elaine Hendrix’s journey in Dancing With The Stars was not just about learning new steps, it was also about discovering herself, resisting, and impersonating creatively. Her semi-final Foxtrot performed to Prince’s music not only secured her a spot in the final but also made her one of the season’s most memorable characters. After one last performance, all eyes will be on Hendrix and Bersten as they prepare for the final battle for the Mirrorball Trophy. The Halloween night Argentine Tango was another standout moment in their journey. Jenna Johnson also recently celebrated a milestone for the show. Elaine also shared a health update earlier in the season, and the team’s partnership has been a key to their success.
