Tonight on “Dancing with the Stars,” Whitney Leavitt and her professional partner Mark Ballas took the stage for a powerful “Dedication Night” performance. Last week the couple performed a song from “Hamilton” on Disney night. The pair danced a contemporary routine to “Heal” by Jamal Roberts, which Whitney dedicated to her husband, Connor. The heartfelt number followed a week of emotional challenges for Whitney, who recently opened up about having a mental breakdown while juggling motherhood, social media work, and her growing television presence.
Ballas & Leavitt’s Performance & Scores
The performance starts off and finalizes with assistance from Whitney’s husband Connor. The husband and wife moment caused tears in the ballroom, including a tearful statement by Carrie Ann. She complimented the performance by expressing how “dance was made for self-expression”.
Ballas and Leavitt receive a combined score of 33/40 for the night. Just one point behind Robert Irwin and Witney Carson.
Overcoming the Breakdown: Whitney’s Journey to Vulnerability
Whitney revealed that rehearsing for Dedication Night pushed her to the edge. “I had a breakdown yesterday, a mental breakdown. But we made it,” she admitted, describing the experience as one filled with “blood, sweat and tears” reported The National Desk. She confessed that the demands of reality TV and influencer life left her feeling detached from herself but said, “I feel most like myself when I’m dancing.”
Mark Ballas praised Whitney’s ability to channel her emotions into movement, calling her “a fabulous mother and an excellent wife” while applauding her determination to keep going. The night became even more special when Whitney’s husband, Connor, joined her and Mark on stage. Whitney shared that he had been rehearsing and couldn’t wait to participate, adding, “He tells us multiple times that he is so excited to get on the dance floor. So I cannot wait.” The performance gave audiences a rare look into the couple’s deep connection and shared strength.
Dedication Night on ‘DWTS’
“Dedication Night” is a Season 34 theme where each celebrity performs for someone meaningful in their life, often with that person joining the stage. Whitney and Mark’s dance to “Heal” stood out among the evening’s emotional performances. Other dedications included Andy Richter honoring his daughter, Robert Irwin paying tribute to his mother, and Scott Hoying dancing for his husband.
As one of the competition’s top contenders, Whitney entered the night with high expectations. The emotional tone added an extra layer of intensity, particularly for Mark, who has been defending his choreography against critiques earlier this season. Despite the scrutiny, he maintained that his work fits within “DWTS” standards and remains focused on authenticity.
