Elaine Hendrix is ready to step back into the ballroom. After missing Dancing With the Stars’ Halloween Night on October 28 due to a painful rib flare-up, the Parent Trap star shared a candid health update with fans and confirmed she plans to return for the next live show.
In an Instagram video posted October 29 alongside her pro partner Alan Bersten, Hendrix reassured viewers that she is on the mend and already starting treatment. Despite sitting out the spooky-themed episode, the pair still competed using rehearsal footage of their Argentine tango to George Thorogood & The Destroyers’ "Bad to the Bone" and ultimately earned supportive feedback from judges and voters alike.
Health Update: ‘I’m Okay’ And On Pain Management
"I’m doing okay," Hendrix told fans, adding that she was up and moving but still feeling tender and sore. "I’m starting pain management today." The 54-year-old said she plans to rest for two days on her doctor’s advice before resuming rehearsals, with her sights set on making it back to the ballroom next Tuesday.
Hendrix explained that the rib issue intensified just hours before she was scheduled to perform on Halloween Night. "I injured my ribs during ‘Defying Gravity’ and today they just seized up," she said in an earlier Instagram video. "I couldn’t move. They brought me to the hospital. The doctor has said that with a day or two of rest, I should be able to continue and that’s exactly what I want to do. I want to dance, I want to keep doing this."
The actor also thanked the Dancing With the Stars team for迅 swift care when the injury flared, noting that medical staff got her evaluated and stabilized quickly. She emphasized that she is listening to medical guidance to ensure her return is safe and sustainable.
Fans, Judges, And Alan Bersten Rally Around Hendrix
Even without performing live, Hendrix and Bersten remained in the competition thanks to viewer votes based on their rehearsal package. The duo took a moment to thank fans for keeping them in the mix during a difficult week.
"We just want to say thank you so much for voting for us and showing so much love to Elaine and support," Bersten said. "We can feel it, and we appreciate it so much."
Hendrix echoed that gratitude, sharing that she saw the wave of messages and well-wishes flooding her social feeds. "All of your messages. I’m seeing it all," she said. "And I just want you to know first and foremost, I’m okay and second of all, I’m ready to go. Just thank you so much for all the love and support that you’re showing. And thank you to the entire Dancing With the Stars team for taking such good care of me."
Judges responded with empathy and encouragement. Carrie Ann Inaba, visibly moved by the situation, praised Hendrix’s grit and presence based on the rehearsal footage. "I am broken-hearted truly for you, Alan and Elaine," Inaba said, noting how the momentum from last week could have propelled Hendrix even further. She called the rehearsal run-through "amazing" and highlighted the star’s "hot and sexy" performance quality and real, passionate chemistry with Bersten. "She’s so strong, and she’s such a warrior."
Alongside regular judges Derek Hough and Bruno Tonioli, guest judge Cheryl Burke joined the panel for Halloween Night. The quartet awarded the rehearsal-based performance a total of 32 points, a strong showing for a week where the celebrity competitor couldn’t physically take the stage.
Inside Halloween Night: Argentine Tango And Fury Road Vibes
The pair’s Argentine tango drew inspiration from Mad Max: Fury Road, with Hendrix giving a peek at her desert-dystopian look, hair, and makeup in behind-the-scenes snippets. The dramatic styling matched the intensity of the routine’s choreography, which leaned into Argentine tango’s sharp lines, intricate footwork, and grounded sensuality.
While fans didn’t get to see the live version, the rehearsal package showcased the duo’s progress, musicality, and commitment to character. It was enough to keep Hendrix and Bersten alive in the competition heading into next week, when Hendrix expects to be fully cleared to dance.
"We will see you next Tuesday out on the ballroom," Hendrix told followers, sounding eager and energized for a comeback.
What’s Next For Elaine Hendrix On Dancing With the Stars
With pain management underway and rest prioritized, Hendrix’s short-term plan is straightforward: resume practice once cleared, rebuild stamina, and deliver on the promise viewers glimpsed in rehearsal. If the judges’ reactions are any indication, momentum is still on her side.
Hendrix’s journey has been defined by steady growth, strong storytelling, and confidence with Bersten as a partner. The duo’s chemistry — a point highlighted by Inaba — could give them an edge as the season intensifies and routines become more demanding.
For now, fans can expect Hendrix to return with renewed focus and a bit of extra fire, fueled by the scare of nearly losing a week and the outpouring of support that helped her and Bersten advance anyway. Injuries are an inevitable wildcard in a competition that pushes celebrities beyond their comfort zones, but Hendrix’s quick rebound and clear-eyed plan suggest she’s not going anywhere.
As she put it: she’s okay, she’s grateful, and she’s ready to dance.
