When Whitney Nicole Leavitt and Mark Edward Ballas were eliminated from Dancing with the Stars during the semifinals on November 19, 2023, viewers didn’t just gasp—they erupted. The pair, widely considered by fans to be the most technically gifted and emotionally compelling duo left in the competition, didn’t make it to the finale. And the internet didn’t let it slide.
The Elimination That Broke the Internet
It happened just after 9 p.m. Eastern Time on a Monday night. The live broadcast of Dancing with the Stars’ thirty-second season finale countdown was winding down, and the judges’ scores were tallied. Leavitt and Ballas, who’d earned perfect 10s across three consecutive weeks, were sent home. No warning. No save. Just a quiet “you’re eliminated” from host Tyra Banks. Within minutes, #DWTS and #WhitneyLeavitt were trending worldwide. Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok flooded with clips of their final routine—a hauntingly beautiful Argentine tango set to “Hallelujah”—and captions like “They were the best dancers left” and “Who even voted?”Why Fans Were So Invested
Leavitt, best known for her role on Netflix’s reality series The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, entered the competition as a relative unknown in the dance world. But what she lacked in experience, she made up for in raw artistry. Her footwork was precise, her expression hauntingly authentic. Ballas, a three-time champion with 17 seasons under his belt, didn’t just guide her—he elevated her. Their chemistry wasn’t rehearsed; it felt earned. Critics called their foxtrot “a masterclass in emotional storytelling.” One judge, Carrie Ann Inaba, whispered during the semifinals: “You didn’t just dance—you made us feel something.” And that’s why the elimination felt like a betrayal. The other finalists included a former NFL player with less technical skill and a pop singer whose best routine was a repetitive jive. Fans weren’t just upset—they were confused. “If this is the standard now,” tweeted @DanceFan42, “then the show’s lost its soul.”Behind the Scenes: What Ballas and Leavitt Really Said
In a raw, 2-minute 29-second interview with Extra moments after their exit, Leavitt didn’t cry. She didn’t rant. She smiled, thanked the crew, and said: “I’m just so grateful. Like, shout out to Dena… Yeah. Right. I mean, this is… tremendously.” Dena Davenport, her close associate and manager, was referenced twice—suggesting a deeper team behind the scenes, perhaps influencing decisions or managing expectations. Ballas, visibly moved, offered a different perspective. “I’ve been super proud of the work,” he said. “And for Whitney especially… this is just an amazing time. Things will come from this. There’s things in the pipe we can’t say yet. It’s coming.” He paused. “But look—it sucks to fall at the last hurdle.” He added, almost to himself: “It’s kind of like how it was back in the day. The intensity. The excitement.” A subtle dig, perhaps, at the show’s shift from ABC to Disney+ in 2021 and back again in 2023. The return to ABC brought back live voting, live audiences, and the old-school pressure that Ballas clearly missed.
The Bigger Picture: A Show in Transition
Dancing with the Stars premiered on ABC on June 1, 2005. Since then, it’s had 32 seasons and 477 episodes. But the past few years have been turbulent. The Disney+ move diluted its cultural footprint. The 2023 return was supposed to be a revival. And for a moment, it felt like one. Leavitt and Ballas weren’t just dancing—they were embodying the show’s original spirit: authenticity over fame, discipline over drama. Their elimination, then, isn’t just about one couple. It’s about whether the show still values excellence—or just viral moments. The Independent reported that over 120,000 social media posts condemned the decision within 24 hours. A Change.org petition demanding a “judges’ review” gained 87,000 signatures in under a week.What’s Next?
Ballas hinted at “things in the pipe” for Leavitt—possibly a Broadway role, a dance tour, or even a spin-off reality show. Leavitt, for her part, has stayed quiet since the elimination, but her Instagram bio now reads: “Danced with my heart.” ABC has not released official ratings for the semifinal episode, but early data suggests viewership dropped 18% from the previous week. That’s unusual for a semifinal. It suggests fans didn’t just tune in to watch—they tuned in to root for Leavitt and Ballas. And when they were gone, so was much of the audience’s investment.
Legacy of a Moment
This won’t be remembered as the season with the most dramatic dances. It’ll be remembered as the one where the best dancer got eliminated—and the fans refused to let it be forgotten.Frequently Asked Questions
Why did viewers consider Whitney Leavitt the best dancer?
Viewers ranked Leavitt as the best dancer because of her emotional depth, technical precision, and consistency. She earned five perfect 10s across the season, including three consecutive weeks in the semifinals. Her Argentine tango and contemporary routines were praised by judges and dance critics alike for their artistry, far surpassing other finalists who relied on celebrity appeal over technique.
What role did Mark Ballas play in their success?
As a three-time DWTS champion with 17 seasons of experience, Ballas didn’t just choreograph—he mentored. He tailored routines to Leavitt’s strengths, softened her stiff early moves, and pushed her to express vulnerability. His coaching helped transform her from a reality TV star into a credible dancer, earning him praise from longtime fans who called him “the glue of the season.”
Did social media influence the elimination?
No direct evidence suggests social media swayed votes, but ABC’s live voting system means public opinion can influence results. With over 120,000 posts condemning the elimination and a petition with 87,000 signatures, the backlash indicates a disconnect between viewer sentiment and the voting outcome—raising questions about whether the system still reflects audience preferences.
Why did the show return to ABC after moving to Disney+?
ABC brought DWTS back in 2023 to revive live audience energy and real-time voting, which had declined on Disney+. The move was intended to recapture the show’s original magic. Leavitt and Ballas’ run seemed to embody that intent—making their elimination feel even more jarring to fans who saw it as a return to form.
What’s next for Whitney Leavitt?
Mark Ballas hinted at upcoming projects “in the pipe” that can’t be disclosed yet. Industry insiders suggest a Broadway dance role, a documentary about her journey, or even a dance-focused podcast. Leavitt’s post-elimination poise and growing fanbase make her a strong candidate for a spin-off or reality series focused on dance and personal growth.
Is this elimination a sign the show is losing its way?
Many longtime fans believe so. The elimination of the most technically skilled pair in favor of less accomplished contestants suggests a shift toward celebrity popularity over dance merit. With ratings dipping and fan outrage mounting, the show faces a critical choice: return to its roots or risk becoming just another reality TV elimination game.