Whitney Leavitt and Mark Ballas respond to critics of 'DWTS' with freestyle dance that could have earned them the Mirrorball

Whitney Leavitt and Mark Ballas opened up about their unexpected exit from Dancing With the Stars Season 34 during an appearance on the Call Her Daddy podcast on Wednesday. Despite consistently earning high scores from the judges, the duo was eliminated in the semi-finals.

Leavitt, 32, star of Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, struggled with the fan vote and faced criticism over her prior dance experience. When host Alex Cooper asked about the backlash, Leavitt laughed it off, clarifying that although she holds a modern dance degree from Brigham Young University, the competitive partner dancing on DWTS was entirely new to her.

Dancing with a partner in this context is completely different from what Ive done before, she said. My background helped me pick up some techniques, but this was a brand new challenge.

She added that she had largely stopped dancing after having her three children, occasionally taking classes but not performing regularly. Ballas noted that previous contestants with dance experience are common on DWTS, citing winners like Nicole Scherzinger and Jordan Fisher, but fans noticed Leavitts talent more because of her natural performance skills. Her energy and stage presence are things I cant teach, he explained.

The conversation took a serious turn when Ballas described the emotional toll of the negative attention they received this season. Leavitt was criticized for previously admitting she returned to reality TV to audition for DWTS. She defended herself, emphasizing that partner dancing and the DWTS style were entirely new challenges for her. Ballas called her a dynamic dancer, highlighting her unique abilities.

Ballas shared that he had never encountered fans actively coordinating to vote other couples ahead of his team. He became emotional reading a particularly cruel online comment directed at him, which called him offensive names and wished him harm. He explained that he joined the show to enjoy the competition, not endure hostility.

Leavitt said she is accustomed to online negativity but was particularly affected seeing Ballas experience it for the first time. When asked if she had a message for her critics, she jokingly replied with a blunt remark, sharing a laugh with Ballas.

Fans were disappointed that Leavitt and Ballas did not get to perform their highly anticipated freestyle dance in the finals. However, the podcast and ABC arranged for them to showcase what would have been their routine, performing to Frank Sinatras My Way. Leavitt began in a showgirl costume before transitioning to a bedazzled leotard, adding dramatic flair by smearing red lipstick on her face. The performance concluded with a message reading, Social media is bad for your health.

Ultimately, Robert Irwin and his partner Witney Carson won the Mirrorball Trophy after a three-hour finale. Irwin, who had been a frontrunner all season, praised his sister Bindi Irwin, the 2015 Mirrorball winner, for using the platform to promote conservation and charity work.

Leavitt previously shared an emotional Instagram post comparing her elimination to a breakup, expressing sadness over no longer practicing with Ballas and calling him a lifelong friend.

Reflections on Leavitt and Ballas' Unexpected Exit from DWTS

The elimination of Whitney Leavitt and Mark Ballas from Season 34 of *Dancing with the Stars* shocked many viewers, especially considering their high scores throughout the competition. While Leavitt struggled with fan votes, her journey and the subsequent backlash highlight a deeper issue within the show’s dynamic—how public opinion can sometimes overshadow talent and growth. Despite the criticisms regarding Leavitt's prior dance experience, she made it clear on the *Call Her Daddy* podcast that she was stepping into a completely new challenge with partner dancing, contrasting it with her background in modern dance. This distinction is crucial for understanding her performance trajectory.

Ballas' emotional response to the negative comments shed light on the darker side of public scrutiny. The hostility directed at them, particularly the cruel online remarks, exposed the emotional toll reality TV competitions can take on participants. It's important to note that *Dancing with the Stars* is not only about dancing; it's about navigating the pressures of public opinion, which can often turn toxic. The duo's elimination, despite their undeniable talent, was a reminder of how external factors—such as online negativity and fan voting—play a significant role in shaping outcomes on such platforms.

Their departure from the competition was not just an end to their dance journey but also a missed opportunity for viewers to see their highly anticipated freestyle routine. Yet, in an unexpected turn, the podcast and ABC provided them with a platform to showcase their planned performance, which included an important message about the harmful effects of social media. This gesture highlighted the broader conversation about mental health and online toxicity, resonating deeply with those who follow the show and its contestants.

Ultimately, while Robert Irwin and Witney Carson rightfully claimed the Mirrorball Trophy, the narrative around Leavitt and Ballas' exit serves as a stark reminder of the pressures contestants face, not only in mastering their craft but also in dealing with the intense scrutiny that comes with reality television.

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• Whitney Leavitt and Mark Ballas address ‘DWTS’ haters, perform freestyle dance that could have won them the Mirrorball