![\"Actress](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/20251126_033943_602277918.webp.webp\")
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Actress Elaine Hendrix (Image via Getty)<\/p>\n
The finale of Dancing with the Stars Season 34 has opened with its first of three rounds,\u00a0the Judges\u2019 Choice Round, and actress Elaine Hendrix, paired with professional dancer Alan Bersten, delivered a flawless rumba to the song \u201cTake My Breath Away\u201d by Jae Hall.<\/p>\n
Guided by judge Derek Hough, the routine earned perfect scores of 10 from all three judges,\u00a0Carrie Ann Inaba, Derek Hough and Bruno Tonioli,\u00a0for a total of 30 out of 30.<\/p>\n
Judges\u2019 Choice Round on Dancing with the Stars<\/p>\n
In the finale of Dancing with the Stars Season 34, the first of three rounds \u2014 the Judges\u2019 Choice Round \u2014 tasked each finalist team with learning a new Latin or ballroom style under direct coaching from the judges.<\/p>\n
For Elaine Hendrix and Alan Bersten, judge Derek Hough selected the rumba and requested a \u201crubber-band-like dynamic\u201d with accentuated movements.<\/p>\n
Within the performance, Carrie Ann Inaba praised Elaine, saying,\u00a0<\/p>\n
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\u201cI have been waiting for you to do a dance like this \u2026 Alan, thank you for giving us this choreography.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
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Derek added,\u00a0<\/p>\n
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\u201cThat was exquisite. You have been on a hero\u2019s journey \u2026 Beautiful, arms beautiful, texture in your movement.\u201d<\/p>\n
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Bruno Tonioli concluded:\u00a0<\/p>\n
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\u201cPure class. The perfect balance of sensuality and elegance \u2026 Like the best silk \u2026 Pitch-perfect interpretation.\u201d<\/p>\n
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The trio of scores \u2014 10 from each judge \u2014 confirmed the perfect 30.<\/p>\n
Elaine Hendrix entered the finale alongside four other celebrity\u2013pro duos: Olympic gold medalist Jordan Chiles, social-media star Alix Earle, reality TV\/media personality Dylan Efron and wildlife conservationist Robert Irwin \u2014 all of whom survived eliminations that proved high scores alone were no guarantee of continued advancement.<\/p>\n
Hendrix\u2019s rumba came at a crucial moment: following the \u201cPrince Night\u201d semi-final elimination of high-scoring competitor Whitney Leavitt, in which she fell victim to insufficient viewer votes despite strong judging marks.<\/p>\n
The season has emphasised that judges\u2019 scores must be paired with robust voting support to secure victory.<\/p>\n
By earning 30\/30 in this opening round, Elaine Hendrix and Alan Bersten set a strong foundation in the finale of Dancing with the Stars.<\/p>\n
Elaine Hendrix\u2019s journey on Dancing with the Stars Season 34 has included a notable setback: earlier in the competition, she sustained a rib injury during rehearsal, was hospitalised, and missed one live performance.<\/p>\n
Despite the injury, she resumed competition and advanced to the finale.<\/p>\n
Partnering with Alan Bersten, they together survived the disruption and now arrive at the finale ready for the three-dance showdown.<\/p>\n
The rumba in the Judges\u2019 Choice Round thus carried additional weight, representing a comeback and demonstration of resilience.<\/p>\n
The song choice \u2014 \u201cTake My Breath Away\u201d by Jae Hall \u2014 afforded a dramatic, sensual rumba.<\/p>\n
Derek Hough\u2019s direction emphasised \u201crubber-band-like dynamic\u201d movements, which Elaine and Alan executed to the judges\u2019 satisfaction: Carrie Ann referencing she had \u201cbeen waiting for you to do a dance like this,\u201d and Bruno encapsulating the moment with his praise of \u201cpitch-perfect interpretation.\u201d<\/p>\n
When the last few dancers are heading into the final stages, Elaine\u2019s calm style, sharp moves and graceful control in round one could shape what the judges think – and sway who people decide to support.<\/p>\n
Now, those following Dancing with the Stars will keep a close eye to see if she keeps up this energy during the surprise routine and the free-form performance.<\/p>\n
Stay tuned for more updates.<\/p>\n
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