Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · September 4, 2025 · Entertainment

Elaine Hendrix Calls Pro Dancer Her 'Security Blanket' on DWTS!

A Dancing with the Stars contestant has revealed details of her unexpected 'intimate' partnership with her pro dancer in an exclusive interview with the Daily Mail

Dancing with the Stars Sensation: Elaine Hendrix and Alan Bersten's Sizzling Partnership Revealed

The highly anticipated season 34 cast of Dancing with the Stars has been announced, and the drama is already heating up! Among the all-star lineup are Jordan Chiles, Dylan Efron, Hilaria Baldwin, Danielle Fishel, Robert Irwin, Corey Feldman, and Alix Earle. But it's not just about who's on the show – it's about who they're paired with!

In a juicy revelation, actress Elaine Hendrix, 54, who famously played the villainous Meredith Blake in The Parent Trap, has opened up about her sizzling partnership with pro dancer Alan Bersten, 31. The two have been practicing together for just over a week, but their chemistry is already off the charts!

The season 34 cast of Dancing with the Stars was revealed on September 3 on Good Morning America (pictured are contestants Jen Affleck, Corey Feldman, Dylan Efron and Alix Earle)

"We get real intimate really fast on this show," Elaine revealed to The Scholarly Note in an exclusive interview at the post-cast reveal red carpet in New York City. "But with everyone else, it's like you add water and instant family." She gushed about her experience with Alan, saying, "It's been all love so far."

Alan, who is currently dating pro dancer Emma Slater, couldn't stop raving about Elaine. "She's just the best," he said with a smile. "Honestly, it's been a lot of fun. We're still learning, but it feels like a long time." When asked if they're setting expectations for the competition, Alan reassured that they're focused on staying present and supporting each other every step of the way.

Their partnership is more than just about winning – it's about trust, respect, and mutual support. "As long as I can stay locked onto him," Elaine said with a sly smile, "my nerves will settle, and I'll feel secure on stage." Alan's response? "She's my security blanket, my coach, and my partner in crime."

The DWTS couples have been practicing for the past week before the big reveal (pictured are contestants Jordan Chiles, Elaine Hendrix and Dylan Efron on GMA)

The couple's goal is clear: they want to win that coveted Mirrorball Trophy. "I do want to stay," Elaine said confidently. "I want to learn as many dances as possible, and I want to prove to myself that I gave it my all." Alan echoed her sentiments, saying, "We want to push ourselves and see how far we can go."

But they're not just focused on winning – they're also excited about the journey. When asked what they love most about their partnership, Elaine exclaimed, "The little girl in me is like, 'More glitter, please! More sparkles, more sequence!'". Alan chuckled, saying, "We're having so much fun, and it feels like a dream come true."

In other news, Olympic gold medalist Jordan Chiles has been making waves with her impressive splits. Fifth Harmony's Lauren Jauregui told The Scholarly Note that she believes Jordan is their biggest competition – but Elaine disagrees. "My biggest competition is myself," she said with conviction.

Elaine Hendrix told the Daily Mail, 'You get real intimate real fast in this show, certainly with your coach,' referring to partner Alan Bersten (pictured)

When asked about a potential sequel to The Parent Trap, Elaine revealed that fans have been asking for one virtually since the movie's release in 1998. She playfully teased, "We'll say yes. Everyone's ready for it." And with her sizzling partnership with Alan Bersten, we can't help but wonder what the future holds for this dynamic duo!

Season 34 of Dancing with the Stars premieres live on Tuesday, September 16, on ABC and Disney+, and is available next day on Hulu. Will Elaine Hendrix and Alan Bersten make it to the top? Only time will tell – but one thing's for sure: they're already stealing hearts!

The Dynasty star said, 'I want to do as many dances as possible. I want to keep learning from Alan. We do want to win, absolutely'

Meanwhile, Alan gushed about his partner, 'Honestly, it's been a lot of fun. We're still learning. We've only known each other for a week. But it feels like a long time'

Alan and Elaine talked about their close bond with the Daily Mail on September 3 following the cast reveal in New York City

Elaine revealed, 'For me, it's really about like if I can stay locked onto him. When I just look at him, or I'm touching [him], he's my security blanket'

DWTS pro dancer Emma Slater, who is dating Alan, told the Daily Mail that they're going to be 'supportive' of each other. 'It's going to be really easy for us, for sure,' she said

Elaine starred opposite Dennis Quaid in 1998's The Parent Trap as his fiancée Meredith Blake

The actress told the Daily Mail that fans have been begging for a sequel. When asked if it's in the works, she replied, 'All I can say is, we'll say yes. Everyone's ready for it'