Los Angeles: The ballroom turned bone-chilling on “Dancing With the Stars” this week as Season 34 rolled into Halloween Night, delivering cinematic horror-themed choreography, daring lifts, and a surprise exit that left viewers stunned. With the Len Goodman Mirror Ball Trophy now feeling closer than ever, tensions continued to rise under the fog, flashing lights, and screams echoing inside the iconic ballroom.
Nine celebrities entered the night, each hoping to survive another elimination: The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives stars Whitney Leavitt and Jen Affleck, Olympic gymnast Jordan Chiles, social media powerhouse Alix Earle, actress Danielle Fishel, The Parent Trap star Elaine Hendrix, reality figure Dylan Efron, wildlife conservationist Robert Irwin, and comedian Andy Richter.
Adding to the hype was the return of two-time Mirror Ball champion Cheryl Burke, who joined Carrie Ann Inaba, Derek Hough, and Bruno Tonioli behind the judges’ desk for a rare guest appearance. Burke’s sharp, technical eye contributed to some of the night’s most insightful feedback.
Monster-Themed Marathon Raises the Stakes
In an exciting twist, the show wrapped with a high-intensity Dance Monster-thon, a format that forces every couple onto the floor simultaneously. As the music changes, so does the style—testing stamina, footwork, coordination, and partnering under increasing chaos. Couples who survive longest earn life-saving bonus points.
Whitney Leavitt, who already entered the night strong, was crowned the victor of the marathon, padding her total and tightening the leaderboard gap. On the opposite end, comedian Andy Richter was the first to fall, though he remained safe from elimination later in the episode.
Standout Moments: Technical Precision Meets Visual Horror
Whitney Leavitt’s jazz routine, inspired by a twisted inmate aesthetic, showcased crisp musicality and subtle Fosse elements, earning glowing remarks for nuance and control. Judges praised her versatility and poise under pressure.
Alix Earle, who has evolved week-to-week, delivered a surprisingly sharp tango set in an undead universe. Her focus, frame, and confidence earned three perfect 10s — a major turning point that signals she’s no longer the underdog.
But perhaps the most cinematic performance belonged to Robert Irwin, whose orchestra-of-the-dead Argentine tango combined theatrical staging, powerful lifts, and a noir energy that judges adored. His ability to command presence surprised many viewers still discovering his range beyond wildlife television.
Emotion, Technique, and Growth
Danielle Fishel presented one of her cleanest ballroom numbers yet, embodying a murder-mystery narrative that slowly transitioned from dreamy romance to chilling nightmare. While judges applauded her improvement, they continue searching for deeper connection and expression.
Jordan Chiles explored a contemporary vocabulary opposite her partner embodying her inner demons. Although the prop work became slightly distracting, judges recognized her willingness to take creative risks—a factor that could serve her well as the competition tightens.
Choreographers Earn Their Spotlight
The show didn’t stop with celebrity routines. DWTS pros Jan Ravnik and Jenna Johnson took the stage together to perform to Taylor Swift’s “Cancelled!”, serving high-energy movement and razor-sharp timing. The crowd response proved why the pros remain the heartbeat of this franchise.
Real-Life Scares: Injuries Hit Hard
Halloween vibes aside, two frightening real incidents dominated conversation:
Elaine Hendrix suffered a rib-related injury during rehearsals, forcing her to skip the live show. She was evaluated medically and cleared to continue, but was scored based on rehearsal footage. Judges noted that although she’s underrated, she must focus on transitions.
Dylan Efron broke his nose during practice—yet refused to sit out. His Viennese waltz revealed emotional intensity and strong chemistry, even with technical adjustments needed in frame and pivots.
Both injuries underscore the grueling physical demands behind the glamour.
Leaderboard After Bonus Points
- Alix Earle — 43
- Whitney Leavitt — 42
- Robert Irwin — 41
- Jordan Chiles — 38
- Dylan Efron — 38
Five points separate the top four performers, signaling a potentially unpredictable final stretch.
A Heartbreaking Elimination
Jen Affleck, who performed her most committed contemporary routine of the season, still struggled with movement transition and full-body engagement. Judges recognized her drive and emotional commitment, but in a season this competitive, minor inconsistencies become major consequences.
She landed in the bottom alongside Elaine Hendrix and Whitney Leavitt — a shocking trio — and ultimately was sent home. Her elimination sparked immediate social chatter, with many viewers calling it one of the season’s toughest goodbyes.
Safe Contestants This Week
Alix Earle
Jordan Chiles
Dylan Efron
Robert Irwin
Danielle Fishel
Andy Richter
With the Mirror Ball in sight, and themes likely to become even more demanding, subtle improvements could make or break a contestant’s journey.
What’s Next?
As the ballroom moves toward semifinals:
Expect more emotionally driven storytelling
Sharper technical scrutiny from the judges
Fewer survivable missteps
Increased choreography difficulty
Every beat, frame, and hand placement now matters. One stumble or lost connection may be enough to send a fan-favorite home.
Halloween Night has officially tightened the competition — and with nerves building, the ballroom is only going to get scarier from here.