The Force Faded for Hilaria Baldwin on Disney Night
The magic of Disney Night didn’t save Hilaria Baldwin from a heartbreaking exit on Dancing with the Stars. The 41-year-old wellness coach and wife of Hollywood actor Alec Baldwin found herself eliminated from the ABC competition on Tuesday, October 7 — just moments after delivering one of her most talked-about performances yet.
Viewers were stunned. Judges had showered her with compliments for her energetic Star Wars-themed quickstep, and fans had expected her to sail safely into the next round. But when her name was called, signaling the end of her journey, Hilaria’s bright smile gave way to tears.
“The only reason I’m sad is because I was so happy,” she told People in an emotional interview right after the show. “Sadness comes from missing something that was wonderful. I’m just so grateful.”
A Star Wars-Inspired Dance That Stole the Night
This week’s theme paid tribute to the 70th anniversary of Disneyland Resort, and the contestants brought the magic to life with performances inspired by beloved Disney classics. The celebrity cast — including Boy Meets World star Danielle Fishel, The Parent Trap actress Elaine Hendrix, and Australian conservationist Robert Irwin — turned the ballroom into a dreamland filled with nostalgia and sparkle.
For Hilaria and her professional partner, Russian choreographer Gleb Savchenko, the night was all about bringing a galaxy far, far away to the dance floor. The pair performed a jazzy quickstep to the iconic “Cantina Band” theme from Star Wars: A New Hope. Hilaria wore a sleek white costume inspired by Princess Leia, complete with her signature hair buns, while Gleb played her charming space partner.
The performance was filled with energy, precision, and charisma. When the music stopped, the crowd erupted in cheers.
“Princess Leia, the force is still with you,” judge Bruno Tonioli told her with a grin. “Whatever you did worked. I watched very closely, trying to find something wrong, and I didn’t see it.”
Despite the glowing feedback, the couple received a modest score of 23 out of 30 — a number that would later prove fatal in the competition.
Tears, Shock, and a Painful Goodbye
When the results were announced, even the judges looked surprised. The camera caught Hilaria’s stunned expression as the audience gasped. Gleb gave her a comforting hug while she fought back tears. For someone who once had a deep love for dance, the moment carried more than just disappointment — it reopened an emotional chapter from her past.
“I closed the door on dance a long time ago,” she admitted to Entertainment Weekly after the show, her voice trembling. “Opening it up again has been painful. Maybe I’ll close that door again.”
Those words struck a chord with fans who had followed her journey from the beginning. Hilaria, who once competed on New York University’s ballroom dance team, had often talked about how much returning to the dance floor meant to her. For many, her performance on Dancing with the Stars felt like a comeback — a rediscovery of a passion she had left behind.
A Night of Emotions and Unexpected Twists
Disney Night is usually one of the most magical episodes of the season. Glittering costumes, familiar songs, and big smiles fill the ballroom. But for Hilaria, it turned into a bittersweet ending.
As the confetti fell and other contestants celebrated their safe spots, she stood gracefully, thanking the audience and her fellow dancers. Alec Baldwin, who had been supporting her throughout the season, wasn’t spotted in the audience that night, but sources say he was “incredibly proud” of her dedication and talent.
The elimination shocked viewers across social media. Fans flooded the show’s official Instagram page with disbelief:
- “How did Hilaria go home after THAT performance?” one user wrote.
- “She was glowing tonight. Totally unfair,” another added.
Others praised her for her humility and heart, calling her exit “one of the classiest goodbyes” in the show’s history.
From Wellness Guru to Ballroom Star
Before stepping into sequins and high heels, Hilaria Baldwin built her name as a wellness expert and yoga instructor. She’s the founder of the lifestyle brand Hilaria Baldwin Wellness, known for promoting mindfulness and balance. But behind the calm exterior, she had always carried a quiet love for movement and rhythm.
Joining Dancing with the Stars gave her the perfect stage to reconnect with that side of herself. Each week, viewers watched her grow more confident, blending her natural grace with the fierce discipline the competition demands. Her routines — from elegant waltzes to sizzling sambas — reflected not just skill, but also a personal story of rediscovery.
The Judges’ Praise and the Fans’ Love
Even though her scores didn’t always place her at the top of the leaderboard, Hilaria consistently impressed the judges with her improvement and commitment. Carrie Ann Inaba had previously called her “a joy to watch,” while Derek Hough praised her “strong sense of musicality.”
Judge Bruno Tonioli’s remark on Disney Night summed it up best. “You brought the fun, the flair, and the fantasy,” he told her. “You made me believe you were having the time of your life.”
Fans clearly agreed. Online polls before elimination night showed Baldwin as one of the favorites to reach the semifinals. Her departure left many questioning how the votes were counted — a familiar controversy on the long-running show.
What’s Next for Hilaria Baldwin?
After her exit, Hilaria didn’t hide her heartbreak but kept her focus on gratitude. “This experience gave me so much joy,” she shared on Instagram the next morning, alongside a backstage photo with Gleb. “I’ve made friends, faced my fears, and danced like I never thought I could again.”
Sources close to the mother of seven say she plans to take some time off before diving into new projects. Her family, including husband Alec Baldwin and their children, reportedly celebrated her effort with a small gathering at their home in the Hamptons.
While she may have hung up her ballroom shoes for now, few doubt that her passion for dance will return someday — maybe not under bright TV lights, but in her own way.
A Farewell Fit for a Star
Hilaria Baldwin’s journey on Dancing with the Stars ended sooner than expected, but it left a mark that fans won’t forget. From her dazzling routines to her heartfelt goodbyes, she reminded everyone that dancing isn’t just about perfect scores — it’s about courage, joy, and the willingness to start again.
And though her “Star Wars” quickstep didn’t save her from elimination, one thing’s for sure — the force of her spirit will keep shining long after she’s left the ballroom floor.
