Elaine Hendrix Performs Injured Contemporary Dance on DWTS Wicked Night

Elaine Hendrix and her professional dance partner Alan Bersten delivered a standout contemporary routine to "Defying Gravity" on Dancing with the Stars' Wicked Night, incorporating literal flying elements and aerial stunts that wowed judges and fans alike. Despite earning a standing ovation and high praise—including emotional reactions from judges and a guest judge who is the director of the upcoming Wicked film—they received mostly 9s on the scoreboard, which some viewers felt was a snub. Hendrix performed the demanding routine while battling a painful foot injury dating back to a 1992 car accident, revealing the physical challenges she overcame during rehearsal and performance. Bersten highlighted that this performance marked the first time he lifted Hendrix in their partnership, emphasizing the contemporary dance style's ability to showcase lifts, tricks, and emotional vulnerability. Leading up to the performance, the duo teased their ambitious choreography and the pressure of living up to such an iconic song and moment from Wicked, sharing rehearsal footage and expressing excitement about bringing the magic and theatricality of the musical to life. Fans eagerly anticipated the routine, praising their chemistry and stage presence in social media commentary.