Whitney Leavitt expressed her heartfelt emotions following her elimination from Dancing with the Stars. On November 18, 2023, the 32-year-old star of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives and her partner, Mark Ballas, were voted off the popular dance competition just days before the season 34 finale. In a candid Instagram video shared on November 20, Leavitt broke down in tears as she reflected on her experience and the profound impact of leaving the show.
In her emotional address, Leavitt stated, “I’m just gonna speak from the heart, and share what I’m feeling.” She emphasized her commitment to authenticity, noting, “I share the good, I share the bad, I share the ugly.” The abrupt end to her journey on the show felt to her like a personal loss. “When you are cast on Dancing with the Stars, you are seeing these people hours every single day. Then, it just stops. It genuinely feels like a breakup,” she explained, describing her sense of withdrawal and sadness over not returning to the studio to rehearse with Ballas.
Leavitt took the opportunity to highlight the positive experiences she gained during her time on the show. “You grow real friendships and real connections with these people,” she shared, expressing gratitude for the support she received from her fellow contestants and crew. “You learn so much about yourself and people who lift you constantly,” she added, emphasizing the value of surrounding oneself with positive influences.
Her reflections included several key takeaways she plans to carry into her daily life. “It’s so important to surround yourself with people who believe in you, who want to see you achieve your delusional dreams,” Leavitt stated, acknowledging the importance of having a supportive network.
As the video concluded, Leavitt expressed deep appreciation for her partnership with Ballas. She stated, “I loved every bit of it, but the one thing that I have loved the most that I wasn’t expecting was getting a lifelong friend.” Her lighthearted mention of Ballas making “fart noises every single day” showcased the fun and camaraderie they developed throughout the season.
The season 34 finale of Dancing with the Stars is set to air on November 25, 2023, at 20:00 ET on ABC. The finale will also be available for streaming on Disney+ and Hulu. As viewers await the culmination of this season’s competition, Leavitt’s candid reflections remind fans of the emotional journeys that accompany the glitz and glamour of reality television.
