Conner Leavitt and his partner Adele Zaikman have experienced an early exit from this season of ‘Dancing with the Stars’, as they became the first duo to be eliminated during the premiere episode of the reality dance competition. The 35th season commenced with a vibrant display of talent, but unfortunately, Conner and Adele’s journey ended prematurely.
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Despite the disappointment of elimination, Conner’s wife, Whitney Leavitt, who previously competed on the show and reached the semi-finals, expressed her pride and unwavering support for her husband on social media. Taking to Instagram, she shared heartfelt sentiments following their departure from the competition. “Conner, I am so proud of you,” she began, urging him not to let the outcome diminish his achievements.
Whitney praised her husband for stepping beyond his comfort zone and committing fully to the challenges of the show. “You stepped so far outside of your comfort zone, worked your ass off, put yourself out there, and went for it,” she wrote, highlighting the courage it takes to participate on such a public stage. The pair’s three children, Sedona, Liam, and Billy, are also said to be exceptionally proud of their father’s efforts.
During their performance, Conner and Adele showcased a salsa routine to the 1993 hit “Whoomp! (There It Is)” by Tag Team, a track that resonates personally for Conner, as it was the year of his birth. The couple received a score of 12 out of 30 from the judges, who acknowledged Conner’s enthusiasm but noted areas in need of improvement, particularly regarding his technique.
Judge Carrie Ann Inaba commented during the judging segment, “That was fun, and I love your enthusiasm; however, it was a bit chaotic.” She suggested that while Conner’s background as a magician allowed him to create distractions effectively, it hindered the intended collaboration with his partner.
Derek Hough also weighed in, describing the performance as “goofy” and “a whole lot of fun.” He elaborated, saying, “I got the shimmy, I got the shake, I just didn’t really get the salsa, and when you did the salsa, the hips weren’t really going.” These critiques, while constructive, indicated that the couple’s early showings had room for substantial growth.
Following their elimination, Conner reflected on the experience during a conversation with co-hosts Julianne Hough and Alfonso Ribeiro. “This has been the most fun,” he remarked, expressing gratitude for his partnership with Adele. He added, “I have the greatest dance partner in the world in Adele; I can’t wait for the world to see her talent.” His words echoed a genuine appreciation for the camaraderie developed throughout their training.
Adele Zaikman, making her debut as a professional dancer on the show this season after winning ‘Dancing with the Stars: The Next Pro’, maintained a positive outlook despite the elimination. She described the experience as “a dream come true, no matter what.” Her sentiments reflect the shared aspirations of many contestants striving to make memorable impressions during their time on the show.
Despite their departure from the competition, the journey has undeniably sparked encouragement for Conner, with Whitney hoping that the experience has motivated him to continue taking on challenges. “Keep going [after] the things that scare you,” she advised, suggesting that the principles learned on the dance floor could inspire further ventures outside of it.
As the first couple to exit, Conner and Adele leave behind memories of their enthusiastic performance and the promise of growth as they pursue their passions beyond the confines of the television stage. In the world of dance, every step—no matter how chaotic—is an opportunity for learning and connection, both for the performers and their devoted fans.