Judges’ Choice Round on Dancing with the Stars Season 34
The finale of Dancing with the Stars Season 34 kicked off with its first of three rounds, the Judges’ Choice Round. This round challenged each finalist team to learn a new Latin or ballroom style under direct coaching from the judges. Among the standout performances was that of actress Elaine Hendrix and her professional dance partner Alan Bersten, who delivered a flawless rumba to the song “Take My Breath Away” by Jae Hall.
Under the guidance of judge Derek Hough, the routine earned perfect scores of 10 from all three judges — Carrie Ann Inaba, Derek Hough, and Bruno Tonioli — resulting in a total of 30 out of 30. The performance was a clear demonstration of precision, artistry, and emotional depth.
A Perfect Performance
Elaine Hendrix and Alan Bersten’s rumba was not just technically impressive but also emotionally resonant. Judge Derek Hough praised the dynamic movements, describing them as having a “rubber-band-like” quality with accentuated gestures. He noted, “That was exquisite. You have been on a hero’s journey… Beautiful, arms beautiful, texture in your movement.”
Carrie Ann Inaba expressed admiration for Hendrix, saying, “I have been waiting for you to do a dance like this… Alan, thank you for giving us this choreography.” Bruno Tonioli added, “Pure class. The perfect balance of sensuality and elegance… Like the best silk… Pitch-perfect interpretation.”
This trio of perfect scores confirmed the duo’s strong performance and set the tone for the rest of the competition.
A Crucial Moment in the Finale
Hendrix entered the finale alongside four other celebrity–pro duos: Olympic gold medalist Jordan Chiles, social-media star Alix Earle, reality TV/media personality Dylan Efron, and wildlife conservationist Robert Irwin. Each of these teams had survived eliminations, proving that high scores alone were not enough to guarantee advancement.
Hendrix’s rumba came at a pivotal moment. Following the elimination of high-scoring competitor Whitney Leavitt during the “Prince Night” semi-final, it became clear that viewer votes played a significant role in determining who would advance. The season emphasized that judges’ scores needed to be paired with robust voting support to secure victory.
By earning a perfect 30/30 in the opening round, Hendrix and Bersten established a strong foundation for the rest of the finale. Their performance not only showcased their talent but also highlighted their resilience.
Overcoming Adversity
Elaine Hendrix’s journey on Dancing with the Stars Season 34 was not without challenges. Earlier in the competition, she sustained a rib injury during rehearsal, which led to hospitalization and the loss of one live performance. Despite this setback, she returned to the competition and advanced to the finale.
Partnering with Alan Bersten, they navigated the disruption and now arrive at the finale ready for the three-dance showdown. The rumba in the Judges’ Choice Round carried additional weight, symbolizing a comeback and a demonstration of perseverance.
The Song and Choreography
The choice of “Take My Breath Away” by Jae Hall provided a dramatic and sensual backdrop for the rumba. Derek Hough’s direction focused on creating a “rubber-band-like dynamic,” which Hendrix and Bersten executed flawlessly. The judges were clearly impressed, with Carrie Ann Inaba expressing that she had “been waiting for you to do a dance like this,” and Bruno Tonioli praising the “pitch-perfect interpretation.”
As the final stages of the competition approach, Hendrix’s calm style, sharp moves, and graceful control in the first round could influence the judges’ opinions and sway public support.
What’s Next?
Now, fans of Dancing with the Stars will be watching closely to see if Hendrix can maintain this energy during the surprise routine and the free-form performance. Her performance in the Judges’ Choice Round has set a high bar, and the pressure is on for her to continue delivering exceptional work.
Stay tuned for more updates as the competition continues to unfold.
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