After meeting on “Dancing With the Stars” season 34, Mark Ballas and Whitney Leavitt formed an incredibly close friendship. Now, they’ve taken their onstage chemistry to Broadway. Now through May 3, they’re starring in “Chicago” at the Ambassador Theater.
Whitney Leavitt always dreamed of a career in performing. In a new interview, Mark Ballas shared the exact moment he knew his “Dancing With the Stars” partner would make it big.
Mark Ballas Realized Whitney Leavitt’s Full Potential During “DWTS”
Mark Ballas and Whitney Leavitt have such a natural chemistry on stage that many “DWTS” fans weren’t surprised to learn they would work together again. However, their “Chicago” run almost didn’t happen at all. Thanks to a contract extension, Whitney was able to continue playing Roxie Hart as Mark joined the cast as Billy Flynn on April 6.
Whitney loves leaning into Roxie Hart and feels that she truly understands the character.
“She’s definitely sassy. She’s very sassy. I’d say sassy, impulsive, and always just, like, learning,” the reality star told “Good Morning America,” noting that she and Roxie share all of those characteristics.
During their run on “DWTS,” Mark and Whitney performed a routine to “Cell Block Tango” from “Chicago.” They earned a perfect 40/40 from the judges for their performance. It was during those rehearsals that Whitney Leavitt realized that Broadway might be her next move.
“It was just something that happened very organically,” the 32-year-old remembered. “Like, there had been talks about it for me to come play Roxie and audition for that role… we had to choose a piece or a song that had been done before on the show, and that was the one that was available.”
Mark Ballas admitted he knew his dance partner was destined for the stage.
“I just think during the rehearsals … I was like, ‘You’re gonna play this role at some point.’ I just, like, could feel it, you know. And now,” he told “GMA.”
“Here we are,” Whitney chimed in.
Fans Went Wild For the Pair on Opening Night
EntertainmentNowFor several weeks, Whitney Leavitt has been smashing box office records. Fans were over the moon to see her reunite with Mark Ballas on April 6, 2026. Currently, the pair is scheduled to star in “Chicago” through May 3. But if trends continue, Broadway may offer Whitney and Mark an extension.
Season 5 of “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives” is still on hold for the moment, but seasons 1-4 are available to stream on Hulu. “Dancing With the Stars” season 35 will come to ABC this fall.
