Mark Ballas & Whitney Leavitt Deliver Emotional ‘DWTS’ Dedication Dance With Whitney’s Husband

Mark Ballas and Whitney Leavitt brought raw emotion to the ballroom during “Dancing with the Stars” Season 34 Dedication Night on Tuesday, October 14, 2025. The pair performed a moving contemporary routine to “Heal” by Jamal Roberts — a dance Whitney dedicated to her husband, Connor. The emotional number became one of the standout performances of the night, showcasing vulnerability, resilience, and the healing power of dance.

The heartfelt performance marked a deeply personal moment for Whitney, who recently revealed she suffered a mental breakdown while balancing motherhood, social media work, and her growing television career. Through dance, she found a way to express her struggles and reconnect with herself on live television.

Whitney Leavitt’s Vulnerable Performance With Mark Ballas

The performance began and ended with Whitney’s husband, Connor, joining her on stage, symbolizing strength and support through adversity. The emotional choreography moved the audience and even brought judge Carrie Ann Inaba to tears. Carrie Ann praised the couple’s dance as a powerful example of how “dance was made for self-expression.”

Throughout the week, Whitney was candid about the emotional toll rehearsals had taken on her. “I had a breakdown yesterday, a mental breakdown. But we made it,” she shared, describing the experience as one filled with “blood, sweat and tears,” according to The National Desk. Despite the challenges, Whitney said that dancing is where she feels “most like myself.”

Mark Ballas commended Whitney’s strength and authenticity, calling her “a fabulous mother and an excellent wife” and applauding her determination to channel her emotions into her art. The inclusion of Connor in the performance made the dance even more impactful. Whitney revealed that he had been rehearsing with them and was eager to participate: “He tells us multiple times that he is so excited to get on the dance floor. So I cannot wait.”

Dedication Night Highlights Emotional Stories

Dedication Night is a Season 34 tradition on “Dancing with the Stars” where celebrities dedicate their performances to someone meaningful in their lives — and many times, that person joins them on the ballroom floor. Whitney and Mark’s contemporary number was one of the most talked-about dances of the night, offering an intimate glimpse into the couple’s relationship and the emotional journey behind the routine.

Other performances on the night included Andy Richter dedicating his salsa to his daughter, Robert Irwin honoring his mother Terri, and Scott Hoying dancing for his husband. Each performance shared a personal story, but Whitney’s vulnerability stood out, resonating deeply with viewers and judges alike.

As one of the frontrunners in the competition, Whitney faced high expectations going into Dedication Night. The emotional tone of the evening added another layer of complexity, especially for Mark Ballas, who has defended his choreography style against criticism earlier this season. He maintained that his work prioritizes authenticity and connection — values that were front and center in the “Heal” performance.

Fan Reactions and the Impact of Whitney’s Story

Social media lit up with praise for Whitney and Mark’s performance, with many viewers expressing how deeply the story resonated with them. Fans applauded Whitney’s honesty about mental health struggles and celebrated the inclusion of Connor in the dance. Many called the routine one of the most heartfelt of the season.

For “Dancing with the Stars,” moments like this underscore why the show continues to connect with audiences. Beyond the competition, it’s a platform for celebrities to share personal stories and for viewers to see themselves reflected on stage. Whitney’s story of overcoming emotional challenges and finding strength through family and dance added depth and relatability to the show’s narrative.

Mark Ballas and Whitney Leavitt’s performance on Dedication Night wasn’t just a dance — it was a message about resilience, love, and the healing power of movement. As the competition heats up, this performance will likely be remembered as one of the defining moments of Season 34.

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FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: Who did Whitney Leavitt dedicate her “DWTS” performance to?

Whitney dedicated her contemporary routine to her husband, Connor, who also joined her on stage during the performance.

Q2: What song did Mark Ballas and Whitney dance to on Dedication Night?

The pair performed a contemporary dance to “Heal” by Jamal Roberts.

Q3: What did Whitney reveal about her emotional state before the performance?

Whitney shared that she had a mental breakdown while preparing for Dedication Night but pushed through with determination.

Q4: How did fans and judges react to the performance?

The performance brought many to tears, including Carrie Ann Inaba, and received widespread praise on social media for its vulnerability and emotional power.

Q5: What is the theme of “Dedication Night” on DWTS?

Dedication Night is when celebrities dedicate their performances to someone meaningful in their lives, often with that person joining them on stage.