Dancing With the Stars: Why Elaine Hendrix Got Major Standing Ovation

Elaine Hendrix is dancing through her pain.

Lindsay Lohan, known for her role in The Parent Trap, moved the audience to tears on the October 21st episode of Dancing with the Stars. She and her partner, Alan Bersten, performed a contemporary dance to “Defying Gravity.” Lohan shared that she was overcoming personal challenges throughout the show, as she’s been dealing with injuries from a car accident in 1992.

During introductions, Elaine mentioned she has a titanium joint in her right foot, which limits its use. She explained that her pain moves around each week, but she’s determined not to let it hold her back.

Alan specifically chose the song “Defying Gravity” to help the 54-year-old woman believe in herself and remember that she’s stronger than her physical challenges.

The pair captivated the audience as soon as they began performing, and the effect was especially strong when Elaine appeared to float in the air, holding a broom at the climax of the routine.

The audience was clearly captivated, and host Alfonso Ribeiro observed that everyone was standing and cheering.

Judge Carrie Ann Inaba was deeply touched by the performance and excitedly declared that everyone had just seen something truly remarkable.

She explained she started crying because he was completely present in the moment. She described moments on the show as truly magical – the kind that people will always remember for how they felt. She was particularly moved by his dance, his reach, and the passion he showed, calling it beautiful, elegant, and deeply moving. She expressed immense pride in his performance.

Also proud was judge Bruno Tonioli, who gushed that Elaine and Alan “went into orbit.”

He explained that she had the most difficult number because it was the largest and most complex in the show, but she performed it flawlessly.

Honestly, watching that performance brought tears to my eyes – it was just so present and authentic. That’s what makes this show so special – those truly magical moments that stay with you forever. Seeing you dance with such passion and reach for something more… it was beautiful, elegant, and deeply moving. It felt like you were speaking directly to the soul, and I couldn’t have been prouder. It was a performance I know I’ll never forget.

Also proud was judge Bruno Tonioli, who gushed that Elaine and Alan “went into orbit.”

He explained that she had the most difficult number in the show because it was the largest and most challenging, but she performed it flawlessly.

And as for Elaine herself? As she put it, “I am feeling like I am defying gravity.”

When the scores were announced, Elaine received perfect nines from all the judges – Bruno, Carrie Ann, Derek Hough, and guest judge Jon M. Chu, the director of Wicked. She was thrilled to finally earn such high scores this season.

She expressed immense gratitude, saying, “I’m so thankful for this moment!” Then, with pride, she exclaimed, “I’m 54, I’m recovering from an injury, and I just accomplished that!”

For more on all the celebs competing on season 34 of Dancing With the Stars, keep reading.