Whitney Leavitt Makes Waves with First Perfect Scores on DWTS Season 34
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Last night’s episode of Dancing with the Stars marked a significant milestone as Whitney Leavitt, alongside professional dancer Mark Ballas, secured the first perfect scores of the season. The duo delivered an impressive quickstep performance to Glinda’s iconic song “Popular” from the renowned musical, Wicked.
The atmosphere was electric as the ten remaining couples showcased their talents on the Wicked Night-themed episode, paying homage to the upcoming movie, “Wicked: For Good.” Each pair danced to selected tracks from the beloved musical, with acclaimed director Jon M. Chu joining the panel of judges, which included Derek Hough, Carrie Ann Inaba, and Bruno Tonioli.
Amidst the glitz and glamour of the evening, Leavitt and Ballas stood out, embodying Glinda’s essence in their enchanting pink ensembles. Their energetic routine captivated the audience, earning them rave reviews and, notably, the season’s inaugural perfect scores of 10.
In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE following their stellar performance, Leavitt reflected on the significance of achieving such high acclaim. She expressed her gratitude, stating, “It felt like a big reward. Mark and I worked really hard on that dance. And honestly, at the end of the day, I want to go on that stage and just give it my all, every single time.”
Ballas echoed her sentiments, emphasizing the importance of leaving everything on the dance floor. He remarked, “Again, all you can hope for is that you finished the dance and you feel like, ‘Ugh, I couldn’t have done that better.’ There’s nothing worse than feeling like, ‘I could have done more,’ or, ‘I missed that thing.'”
The dynamic duo also shared lighthearted moments from their partnership, with Leavitt playfully revealing a quirky detail about her dancing shoes. She joked, “Mark’s learned that I have very stinky feet,” eliciting laughter from both parties as they embraced the camaraderie that has developed throughout their time on the show.
In a previous performance, Leavitt and Ballas were joined by Leavitt’s husband, Conner, for a poignant contemporary dance to “Heal” by Jamal Roberts. The trio’s collaboration showcased not only their technical proficiency but also the emotional depth they bring to each routine, resonating with both judges and viewers alike.
As the competition intensifies, Leavitt and Ballas continue to captivate audiences with their artistry and chemistry on the dance floor. Their remarkable journey on Dancing with the Stars Season 34 serves as a testament to their dedication and passion for the craft, solidifying their status as frontrunners in the quest for the coveted mirror ball trophy. Stay tuned for more unforgettable performances from this dynamic duo as they strive for perfection each step of the way.