Martin Butler and Lee Williamson grabbed the goals but pint-sized midfielder Stephen Quinn claimed the hearts of home fans with a stunning display.
The 19-year-old, on loan from South Yorkshire neighbours Sheffield United, produced a sparkling performance to single-handedly destroy Bournemouth.
Quinn sparkled as Rotherham put their off field troubles behind them and went hunting their first win since New Year's Eve.
But despite controlling the first half Rotherham saw their chances go begging.
John Mullin and David Worrell combined to put Williamson in, but he mis-hit his shot and Butler was a fraction short as he stretched for the ball.
The home side had a fright a minute later when Brett Pitman's blistering shot hit the post, before striker Butler blew another chance at the other end after good work from Quinn.
And when Karl Broadhurst, booked for a brutal challenge on Quinn, handled in the area the referee dismissed Rotherham's claims.
Butler saw a shot on the turn saved after Mullin's quick break down the right and then dragged a shot wide after Paul Shaw picked him out.
Mullin was again off target with a header from a Williamson free-kick.
Visiting goalkeeper Gareth Stewart then produced a super save to turn away a Butler shot after another piece of magic from Quinn.
Rotherham made the breakthrough in the 58th minute when Quinn's cross from the right was headed in by Butler.
Two minutes later Michael Keane threaded through a neat pass for Williamson, who tore into the area and crashed in the second goal.
Ten minutes from the time Butler blew another glorious chance when he hit a penalty wide after Mullin was brought down, before Paul Hurst hit an 89th-minute shot against the bar.